No — you cannot wear glasses in a US passport photo. The State Department banned all eyewear in November 2016, removing the medical exemption that previously allowed prescription glasses with a doctor's note. There are no exceptions.
Exact Glasses Rules for US Passport Photos
All glasses are banned:
- Prescription glasses — not allowed, even with a doctor's note
- Sunglasses — not allowed
- Tinted lenses — not allowed
- Reading glasses — not allowed
- Blue-light blocking glasses — not allowed
- Photochromic (transition) lenses — not allowed
- Non-prescription fashion frames — not allowed
Clear prescription contact lenses are fine.
Get a compliant passport photo online
US Passport Photo Size and the 2×2 Inch Square Format
The US uses a 51×51mm (2×2 inch) passport photo — a unique square format not used by any other major country. This means:
- Studios abroad will default to 35×45mm — always specify 2×2 inches for US passports
- The square format frames the face differently than rectangular photos
- Digital uploads must be between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels
Why Did the US Ban Glasses in Passport Photos in 2016?
Before November 2016, prescription glasses were allowed with a medical note. The State Department removed this exemption because:
- Glare on lenses caused automated facial recognition failures on millions of applications
- Reflections obscured eye position, leading to processing delays
- Frames cast shadows that distorted facial geometry readings
The State Department processes over 20 million passport applications per year. Removing glasses eliminated a major source of technical rejections.
Are There Medical Exemptions for Glasses in US Photos?
There are no medical exemptions. The medical exemption was eliminated entirely in 2016.
If you have a condition that makes removing glasses difficult (severe vision impairment, extreme light sensitivity), contact the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) before applying. But expect to be told to remove them.
This differs from Canada, the UK, Germany, and South Korea, which still allow prescription glasses with conditions.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses in US Passport Photos?
Clear prescription contact lenses are fine.
Coloured or cosmetic lenses are strongly discouraged. They alter your iris pattern, which is a key biometric identifier. Natural-looking prescription lenses are fine; dramatic costume lenses may cause problems at automated immigration gates.
Where to Get US Passport Photos Without Glasses
CVS Pharmacy. Available at most locations. Cost: ~$17. Staff understand the no-glasses rule.
Walgreens. Cost: ~$17. Digital and print options available.
Walmart Photo Centre. Cost: ~$7–8. One of the cheapest options.
Costco Photo Centre. Cost: ~$5–7. Not all locations offer passport photos.
USPS (Post Office). Cost: ~$15. Available at offices that accept passport applications.
FedEx Office / Kinko's. Cost: ~$15.
AAA offices. Free for AAA members at many locations.
Professional photography studios. Cost: $10–30. Best for difficult cases.
DIY at home. If taking your own photo:
- White background (State Department requires plain white or off-white)
- 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — unique square format
- No glasses
- Neutral expression or natural smile (the US allows smiling — unusual among major countries)
- Both eyes clearly visible
US Passport Photos Allow Smiling Without Glasses
Unlike most countries, the US permits a natural smile in passport photos. This means your glasses-free photo doesn't need to look stern. A relaxed, natural expression works.
DS-11 vs DS-82: Glasses Rules for Each US Passport Form
DS-11 (first-time or expired). If you're applying for a new passport or your previous one expired more than 5 years ago, you submit DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility. Your photo will be checked by staff during submission.
DS-82 (renewal by mail). If you're renewing by mail, you include two identical printed photos. If they show glasses, your application will be returned — wasting weeks.
Online renewal. The State Department now offers online passport renewal for eligible applicants. You upload a digital photo (600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels). The system checks for glasses automatically.
Practical Tips for Glasses Wearers in US Passport Photos
Before the photo
- Remove glasses 5–10 minutes early. Nose-bridge marks show in photos.
- If you normally squint without glasses, practise keeping your eyes naturally open.
- If you wear contact lenses, insert them before arriving.
During the photo
- Keep your eyes relaxed and open. Don't squint.
- You're allowed to smile naturally.
- If you can't see the camera, ask the photographer to guide you.
After the photo
- Check the photo on screen before accepting.
Glasses Rules: US vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ❌ Banned | Since 2016 |
| China | ❌ Banned | |
| Japan | ❌ Banned | |
| France | ❌ Banned | |
| India | ❌ Banned | Since 2020 |
| Australia | ❌ Banned | Since 2018 |
| Brazil | ❌ Banned | |
| Canada | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Germany | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| South Korea | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
The US was the first major country to implement a total ban. Most have followed.
Common Glasses Mistakes in US Passport Photos
Assuming a doctor's note helps. The medical exemption was eliminated in 2016. No note overrides this.
Wearing glasses at a photo booth. The booth will take the photo anyway — but it'll be rejected when you submit. Don't waste the money.
Using the wrong size. The US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format is unique. Don't use 35×45mm.
Wearing transition lenses. Remove them entirely.
Reusing old photos with glasses. Your renewal photo must follow current rules.
US Visa Application Photo Glasses Rules
If you're not a US citizen and applying for a US visa (tourist B-1/B-2, student F-1, work H-1B), the same no-glasses rule applies. The photo size is also 2×2 inches (51×51mm).
Glasses Rules for Americans Renewing Passports Abroad
If you're renewing your US passport from abroad, the same rules apply. US embassies and consulates worldwide enforce the ban. Studios abroad may default to 35×45mm — always specify 2×2 inches.
US Children's Passport Photos and Glasses Rules
The same no-glasses rule applies to children. US passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.
US Passport Card Photo Glasses Rules
If you're applying for a US Passport Card (for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda), the same photo requirements apply: 2×2 inches, no glasses.
Glasses Rules for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and NEXUS
Photos for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and NEXUS applications also ban glasses. A single glasses-free photo session can serve for your passport and trusted traveller program if taken at the correct size.
US Passport Agencies: Glasses Rules for Expedited Processing
If you need your passport urgently, you can apply at a regional passport agency (by appointment only). The same no-glasses photo rule applies. Agencies are located in major cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Don't arrive with a photo showing glasses — you'll need to get a new one before your appointment can proceed.
Can You Wear Glasses at the US Passport Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses at the acceptance facility or passport agency, during your appointment, and in your supporting documents (driver's licence, etc.).
Do Not Digitally Edit Glasses in US Passport Photos
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. The State Department's automated system may detect manipulation. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Verify your photo meets all US passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see US passport photo size guide. View all US passport photo rules on the United States hub.
