Passport photo white background

What the rules actually require, and how to get a clean background without a studio.

What the rules say

For US passports, the State Department's manual says the photo “should have a plain, white, off-white, or light-colored background with no large, dark shadows, reflections, or objects in the background” (8 FAM 402.1). Other countries differ slightly:

Document	Background
🇺🇸 United States: Passport	white or off-white
🇺🇸 United States: Visa (DS-160 digital)	white or off-white
🇺🇸 United States: Diversity Visa Lottery (DV)	white or off-white
🇺🇸 United States: USCIS Green Card / Naturalization (2x2)	white to off-white
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Passport (printed)	cream or light grey
🇨🇦 Canada: Visitor Visa (TRV, IRCC)	plain white or light-coloured
🇮🇳 India: Passport (Passport Seva)	white
🇮🇳 India: e-Visa	plain light/white (not stated in upload spec)
🇮🇳 India: OCI Card	plain light-coloured
🇨🇳 China: Visa	white or near-white
🇦🇺 Australia: Passport	plain white or light, contrasting
🇯🇵 Japan: Visa	white
🇪🇺 Schengen Area: Schengen Visa	plain light-coloured

Getting a clean background at home

Stand about 50 cm (20 in) in front of a plain light wall or door so your shadow falls behind you.
Face a window for soft, even light on your face and the wall.
Remove anything behind you: frames, switches and door handles are common problems.
Wear clothing that contrasts with the background, so your shoulders don't disappear into it.

Or replace the background automatically

Upload your photo to the tool for your document, for example the US passport photo tool. It separates you from the background and replaces it with the plain color that document requires, while your face and hair are left untouched. You can switch the replacement off in the editor if your wall is already clean. It all runs on your device, and the preview is free.

Does a US passport photo need a pure white background?+

No. The manual allows a plain white, off-white or light-colored background, as long as there are no large dark shadows, reflections or objects.

Can I change the background of my passport photo?+

The rules prohibit retouching or manipulating the face. A plain background is exactly what's required, as long as your face and hair are left as they were.

Is a grey background OK?+

It depends on the country. The UK accepts cream or light grey and Germany uses a neutral light grey, while the US, India and Japan ask for white or off-white. Check the table on this page.

Why does my white wall look grey in photos?+

Phones expose for your face, so a white wall in shadow looks grey. Face a window, stand about 50 cm (20 in) from the wall, and avoid overhead-only light.

Sources: US State Department, 8 FAM 402.1; each document's official source is linked on its tool page. Rules can change; check before you apply.

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