The State Department just announced a limited edition commemorative passport for America's 250th birthday. Here's everything you need to know about the photo requirements — and how to get yours right the first time.
The US State Department announced a limited edition commemorative passport to mark America's 250th anniversary of independence. The passport features President Trump's image on an interior page alongside the text of the Declaration of Independence and his signature in gold. Between 25,000 and 30,000 will be available exclusively at the Washington DC passport office beginning shortly before July 4, 2026. The cover design has been updated — "United States of America" now appears at the top in bold gold lettering, with "Passport" at the bottom, reversing the standard layout. All security features remain identical to the regular US passport.
The Patriot Passport is a limited edition version of the standard US passport, issued by the State Department to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence — known as the semiquincentennial. It's a fully functional, internationally recognised travel document, not a collector's item or novelty. It carries the same legal validity, the same 10-year expiry for adults, and the same security features as every other US passport issued today.
What makes it different is purely aesthetic. The interior pages feature President Trump's image — making him the first living president to appear inside a US passport — alongside an artistic rendering of the Declaration of Independence and patriotic imagery of the American flag. His signature appears in gold. The cover itself has been slightly redesigned, with the text positioning reversed from the traditional layout.
Washington Passport Agency, Washington DC only. Not available online or at other passport offices.
Shortly before July 4, 2026. Available while stock lasts — only 25,000 to 30,000 will be issued.
Same as standard US passport — 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16.
Fully accepted worldwide. Same security features and machine-readable data as the standard passport.
This is the most important thing to understand about the Patriot Passport: the photo requirements have not changed at all. The State Department has confirmed that the photo specifications for the commemorative passport are identical to those for the standard US passport. If you already have a compliant US passport photo taken within the last 6 months, it will be accepted.
For those who need to take a new photo, here are the exact requirements:
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | Exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm square) | ✅ Required |
| Background | Plain white or off-white — no cream, yellow or grey | ✅ Required |
| Head position | 50–69% of image height, chin to crown | ✅ Required |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and forward-facing | ✅ Required |
| Glasses | Not permitted — rule in effect since January 2022 | ❌ Not allowed |
| Hat or head covering | Not permitted unless for religious reasons | ❌ Not allowed |
| Digital alterations | No AI retouching, filters or background replacement | ❌ Not allowed |
| Photo age | Must be taken within the last 6 months | ✅ Required |
| Colour | Full colour in sRGB colour space | ✅ Required |
| Digital file size | 10KB minimum, 240KB maximum for online submissions | ✅ Required |
Our US passport photo tool creates the exact 2×2 inch, 600×600px format with white background. Download JPG for digital submission or a print sheet for in-person applications. No signup, no watermark.
Make My US Passport Photo →If you're planning to apply for the Patriot Passport, there are a few practical things worth knowing before you make the trip to Washington DC.
Despite the special design of the passport itself, there is nothing special about the photo you submit. The same 2×2 inch, white background, no glasses rules apply. The State Department has not issued any different photo guidance for the commemorative edition. Use our free US passport photo tool to create a compliant photo before your appointment.
This is the biggest practical limitation. The Patriot Passport is only available at the Washington Passport Agency in Washington DC. If you apply online or at a local passport acceptance facility, you will receive the standard US passport design. The commemorative edition is only available to walk-in applicants at the DC office during the limited availability window, which runs shortly before July 4, 2026.
The State Department has not announced any additional fee for the commemorative design. Standard US passport application fees apply — $130 for an adult renewal by mail, or $165 for a first-time adult application including the $35 acceptance fee. Given there are only 25,000 to 30,000 available, demand is likely to be high.
An important detail: the Patriot Passport will be the default passport issued at the Washington Passport Agency during its availability period. If you apply in person at that office, you will receive the commemorative edition unless you specifically request the standard design.
You don't need to go to a photo booth or pharmacy to get a compliant passport photo. A smartphone and a white wall is all you need. Here's how to do it properly:
For a more detailed guide to lighting, head position and common mistakes, see our complete guide to taking a passport photo at home.