Passport Photo Background Requirements
Your US passport photo must have a plain white or off-white background. Here's what's accepted, what's rejected, and how to get it right the first time.
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The official requirement
"Your photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background." — U.S. Department of State
What's accepted vs. rejected
Accepted Backgrounds
- ✓ Plain white wall
- ✓ Off-white or cream wall
- ✓ White bedsheet or backdrop
- ✓ White poster board
- ✓ Digitally replaced white background
Rejected Backgrounds
- ✗ Any color (blue, gray, beige, etc.)
- ✗ Patterns or textures
- ✗ Shadows on the background
- ✗ Visible objects or furniture
- ✗ Uneven lighting creating color variation
Common background problems (and how to fix them)
1 Shadows on the background
The most common issue. When you stand too close to the wall, your body casts a shadow behind you.
Fix: Stand 2-3 feet away from the wall and face a window for natural, even lighting. Or use our tool which removes the background entirely—shadows and all.
2 Off-white looks yellow in photos
Warm indoor lighting can make an off-white wall appear yellow or beige in photos.
Fix: Use natural daylight instead of indoor lights, or adjust your phone's white balance. Better yet, let our AI remove the background completely.
3 Textured walls
Many white walls have texture (knockdown, orange peel, etc.) that can show up in photos and cause rejection.
Fix: Hang a smooth white sheet or poster board. Or use digital background removal which creates a perfectly uniform white.
4 No white background available
Not everyone has a plain white wall at home.
Fix: Take your photo anywhere—our tool removes any background and replaces it with compliant white. Works with any photo, any location.
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Use a white wall
The simplest option if you have one. Stand 2-3 feet away to avoid shadows. Make sure the wall is clean and uniform—no scuff marks or nail holes visible.
Hang a white sheet
A plain white bedsheet works great. Hang it taut to minimize wrinkles, and stand far enough away that any creases won't be visible in the cropped photo.
Use digital background removal (easiest)
Take your photo anywhere—our tool removes the background completely and replaces it with perfect white. No setup required. This is the most reliable option because it eliminates shadows, textures, and color variations.
Background requirements by country
Different countries have different background requirements:
| Country | Required Background |
|---|---|
| United States | White or off-white |
| United Kingdom | Plain light grey or cream |
| Canada | Plain white |
| Australia | Plain white |
| France | Light grey or light blue |
| Germany | Plain light grey |
| India | White only |
| China | White only |
Our tool supports all countries and automatically applies the correct background color based on your selection.
Frequently asked questions
What color background is required for US passport photos?
US passport photos require a plain white or off-white background. Both pure white and slightly off-white (cream) are accepted as long as the background is uniform with no patterns, textures, or shadows.
Can I use a light gray or light blue background?
No. The US State Department specifically requires white or off-white. Light gray and light blue are not accepted for US passports. However, some other countries (like France and certain EU nations) may accept light blue.
How do I get a white background at home?
You have three options: 1) Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall, 2) Hang a white bedsheet or poster board behind you, or 3) Use our tool which automatically removes any background and replaces it with compliant white.
What if my white wall has a slight color tint?
Slightly off-white is fine as long as it appears white in the photo. However, walls with yellow, pink, or other tints may cause issues. When in doubt, use our background removal tool to guarantee a compliant white background.
Why was my passport photo rejected for background issues?
Common background problems include: shadows on the background (stand further from the wall), visible objects or patterns, uneven lighting causing color variation, or the background being too dark. Our tool eliminates all these issues automatically.
Can I edit the background in Photoshop?
Yes, but be careful. You can remove or replace the background, but you cannot alter your appearance in any way. The State Department prohibits AI or digital editing of facial features. Background replacement is allowed as long as your face remains unedited.
Related guides
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