Key takeaways

• U.S. passport photos must be taken without glasses (rule effective November 1, 2016).
• The only exception is a documented medical need, with a signed doctor's note.
• The change was made because glare and frames often obscured the eyes.
• Rules differ by country, so check the specific country if it is not a U.S. passport.
• Remove glasses a few minutes early so any frame marks on your nose fade.

Can you wear glasses in a U.S. passport photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos. The U.S. Department of State updated its rules so that applicants must remove their eyeglasses when the photo is taken. This applies to passports and passport cards for adults and children alike. If you submit a photo wearing glasses, it will likely be rejected and delay your application.

Why did the rule change?

The rule changed to make sure the eyes are clearly visible. Glasses frequently caused problems in photos: glare and reflections off the lenses, frames covering part of the eyes, or tinted lenses hiding them. Because clear identification depends on seeing the eyes, removing glasses became the simplest way to avoid rejected photos.

Is there any exception?

Yes, but it is narrow. If you cannot remove your glasses for a documented medical reason, you may wear them, but you must provide a signed statement from a medical professional explaining the necessity. Simply preferring to wear glasses, or not having a recent photo without them, does not qualify. For nearly all applicants, the answer is to take the photo without glasses.

What about other countries?

Passport photo rules vary by country. Many countries also now discourage or prohibit glasses, but the exact wording and exceptions differ. If you are applying for a passport outside the United States, check that country's official guidance, since this article covers the U.S. rule.

How to take a compliant passport photo

• Remove your glasses before the photo. Take them off a few minutes early so any red marks on your nose fade.
• Use even, front-on lighting to avoid shadows across your face.
• Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open and clearly visible.
• Use a plain white or off-white background.
• If you genuinely cannot remove your glasses, bring a signed medical statement.

From our test bench. The most common reason a glasses-related photo fails is not the rule itself but lens glare, so even when a medical exception applies, an anti-reflective coating and front lighting matter. For everyone else, the fix is simple: take the glasses off, wait a moment for nose marks to settle, and keep your eyes open and visible. Learn how coatings cut reflections in anti-reflective coating.

FAQ

Can you wear glasses in a U.S. passport photo?

No. Since November 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of State requires eyeglasses to be removed for passport photos, except for a documented medical reason supported by a signed doctor's statement.

What if I always wear glasses?

You still need to remove them for the photo. The rule applies regardless of how often you wear glasses. Only a genuine, documented medical necessity allows an exception, with a signed statement from a medical professional.

Will my passport photo be rejected if I wear glasses?

Most likely yes. Photos taken with glasses are commonly rejected, which delays your application. To avoid this, take the photo without glasses and make sure both eyes are clearly visible.

Do these rules apply to children's passport photos?

Yes. The no-glasses rule applies to all U.S. passport applicants, including children. Remove the child's glasses for the photo and keep their eyes open and visible.

This article summarizes public U.S. Department of State guidance for general information. Related: anti-reflective coating · Browse eyeglasses · Last updated: August 14, 2026