The US Department of State’s (DoS) guidelines are clear about passport photo shadows: Your face and neck must be fully visible in a picture for it to be accepted.
But—
What about a slight shadow on your neck or behind your ears? Are they a complete no-go? Find the answers in this guide, and let me show you how to take a shadow-free passport photo at home.
Pssst! Are you concerned about your passport photo’s quality? PhotoAiD’s US passport photo checker can help.
Our experts will verify your image against all passport photo requirements, not only shadows-related. Should there be anything wrong with the photo’s quality, we’ll help you take a new one and ensure 100% compliance (or a refund).
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- Upload or take a photo.
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I was pressed for time and couldn’t get hold of a photographer. I found PhotoAiD, took a selfie, uploaded it, and had a compliant passport photo almost instantly. Getting a photo for my baby girl was a breeze, too!
- Can You Take Your Own Passport Photo [Complete Guide]
- How to Take a Passport Photo With iPhone [Steps & Expert Tips]
- How to Take a Passport Photo With an Android [Step-By-Step]
- How to Convert Photo to Passport Size [Compliant Tool & Tips]
Can There Be a Shadow in a Passport Photo?
No, shadows aren’t allowed in passport photos. According to the DoS, your picture mustn’t have shadows on your face (including the forehead, under the chin, and neck passport photo shadows) or in the background. The only exception is small shadows behind your ears, which are acceptable.
So, generally, passport agents will likely reject your application even if there’s a slight shadow in your passport photo (unless it’s behind your ears). Our in-house study of the most common rejection reasons for ID photos revealed that face shadows constituted 10.6% of all lighting-related issues.
💡 What happens if my passport photo is rejected because of shadows?
When the passport office rejects your photo, you must submit a new one for your application to be processed. Note that application fees are non-refundable, so you must pay them again.
Note that shadows in passport photos aren’t the only reason for rejection. Check other guides on US passport photo requirements:
- Can You Smile in a Passport Photo? Yes…And No
- Passport Photo Hair Rules [Bangs, Hair up & Other Requirements]
- US Passport Photo Examples (Based on Official Requirements & Rules)
- What to Wear for a Passport Photo (Best Shirt Color & Other Dress Code Tips)
Rejected Passport Photos with Shadows: Examples
To better visualize which shadows will be deemed unacceptable, have a look at the images below.
Shadows aren’t the only reason your photo might get rejected. Swipe through these passport photo examples to see what else is a no-go.
How to Take a Passport Photo at Home [Without Shadows]
The best way to take a passport photo at home without shadows is to use at least two light sources positioned at a 45-degree angle on each side of you (just like at a professional studio). You can also use natural light coming from in front of you, for example, if you stand in front of the window.
Here are six simple tips on how to avoid shadows in passport photos:
- Don’t use flash. It often causes the red-eye effect and overexposure. Your face must be evenly lit and reflect your natural skin tones, and flash will likely “wash you out.”
- Pick the right spot. Take your passport photo in a room with a natural light source, ideally a window.
- Take a photo at the right time. The time of the day matters when taking pictures, especially if you want to avoid passport photo shadows. Ideally, take your photo within 1–2 hours after sunrise or before sunset, as the light is softer and less glary.
- Mind the angle. Most shadows in passport photos result from the wrong positioning of the light source. In a home setting, standing directly in front of the light source (e.g., a window) is usually enough.
- Test the spot. Once you find the right place, take a test photo. If there are any shadows in the picture (see the examples in the previous section), try moving the camera a bit until you hit the right spot.
- Remove all accessories. Although you can wear jewelry for a passport photo in theory, it’s not always a good idea as it can cast shadows on your neck or cheeks.
How to Remove a Shadow from Your Passport Photo
Okay, but what if you have already taken the perfect passport photo, and there’s a shadow? Depending on how much time you have and how confident you are in your editing skills, perhaps you won’t need to take a new photo.
Three ways to get rid of shadows in passport photos:
| Use advanced photo editing software (e.g., Photoshop). | Pros: Many tools that allow you to edit images. Cons: It is pricey, requires editing skills, and has no acceptance guarantee. |
| Remove shadows from your passport photo online (e.g., with this free shadow eraser). | Pros: Free. Cons: No acceptance guarantee. |
| Upload your photo to our US passport photo checker and let our experts help you. | Pros: Acceptance guarantee, refunds, expert verification, quick and easy process. Cons: Paid service. |
Download the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.
FAQ
You may find answers to your specific shadow-related questions in the FAQ section below.
Can you remove a shadow from your passport photo online for free?
Can a baby passport photo have shadows?
How do I get rid of the shadow on my passport photo?
Is a shadow on the neck acceptable in a passport photo?
Is a passport photo shadow under the chin acceptable?
Is a little shadow ok for a passport photo?
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
