Can I wear a hijab in my passport photo?
Yes. Include a signed statement with your application explaining that you wear a hijab as part of your religious practice. Your full face must be visible.
Photo Requirements
Head Covering Rules For US Passport Photos
The US State Department allows religious and medical head coverings in passport photos as long as your full face is visible. Here is exactly what the rules say.
- Religious head coverings are allowed with a signed statement
- Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead
- Hats and fashion headwear are not permitted
- The same rules apply to visa and citizenship photos
The general rule on head coverings
The default rule is simple: hats and head coverings are not allowed in US passport photos. However, there is a specific exception for head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons.
If you wear a head covering as part of daily religious practice, you can wear it in your passport photo. The key requirement is that your full face remains visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face are clear.
What you need for a religious exemption
To use the religious head covering exemption, include a signed statement with your passport application explaining that the head covering is part of your religious practice. The statement does not need to come from a religious leader — your own signed letter is sufficient.
The statement should be brief. Something like: "I am requesting to wear a head covering in my passport photo because I wear it as part of my religious beliefs and practices." That is enough.
- Write and sign a personal statement
- Explain that the covering is part of your religious practice
- No letter from a religious authority is required
- Submit the statement with your passport application
Photo requirements when wearing a head covering
Even with the exemption, the photo must still meet all standard requirements. The head covering cannot cast shadows on the face or obscure any facial features. Both eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and forehead must be fully visible.
The background must still be white, the expression neutral, and the face centered in the frame. The only difference is that the head covering is present.
- Full face visible from chin to forehead
- No shadows from the covering on your face
- Both edges of the face must be visible
- White background still required
- Neutral expression and direct gaze at camera
Common head coverings and how to photograph them
Hijab, turban, yarmulke, sheitel, and other religious head coverings are all accepted. The key is ensuring the covering does not hide any part of the face.
For coverings that frame the face closely, like a hijab, make sure the fabric is pulled back enough to show the full forehead and both cheeks. For taller coverings like turbans, you may need to step back slightly so the full head fits in the frame.
Medical head coverings
The same exemption applies to head coverings worn for medical reasons, such as during chemotherapy treatment. Include a signed statement from your doctor explaining the medical reason.
Unlike the religious exemption, a medical exemption does require documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.
How FastPassPhoto handles head coverings
FastPassPhoto can process photos with head coverings. The AI will adjust the background and crop while preserving the head covering in the image. Make sure the source photo has good lighting on your face and that the covering does not cast shadows.
Use the free passport photo checker to verify your photo meets requirements before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a hat in my passport photo?
No. Fashion hats, baseball caps, and non-religious headwear are not permitted in passport photos.
Do I need a letter from my mosque or temple?
No. A personal signed statement is sufficient for the religious head covering exemption. You do not need a letter from a religious leader or institution.
Can I wear sunglasses with a head covering?
No. Glasses of any kind, including sunglasses and tinted lenses, are not allowed in US passport photos regardless of whether you are wearing a head covering.
Do children need a statement for religious head coverings?
Yes. A parent or guardian can sign the statement on behalf of a minor child who wears a religious head covering.