Failing to follow the guidelines for a valid passport picture is the number one reason why a passport application is rejected. The wait for passports is bad enough, often taking months. To waste time with them asking for a new picture can be very frustrating & cause unnecessary delays.
Passport Photo Requirements
- The picture must be in color
- The photo cannot be bent or damaged
- The size needs to be 2 inches by 2 inches and printed on quality paper free from damage.
- It must also be stapled in the exact location indicated on the DS-82 application
Reasons a passport photo can get rejected:
- Face is in the wrong position – the height of the face should be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. The nose should be centered horizontally. The eyes should be between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom edge
- An improper facial expression – keep a neutral expression and look directly into the lens with lips pressed together, eyes open naturally, and head level with camera. Do not smirk, blink, frown or wink.
- Shadows – a shadow either behind or on the subject is not accepted.
- Wearing eyeglasses – the US Department of State recently changed their policy, no eyeglasses. If the eyeglasses are accepted for medical reasons: The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s). There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s). There must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
- Wearing prohibited clothing – no hats, large jewelry, headphones or anything that can obscure your face or hairline. Permanent tattoos are acceptable and piercings are allowed as long as they do not cast shadows. Head coverings worn for religious purposes are acceptable if accompanied by a signed statement. You cannot wear a uniform.
- Poor color balance – An unacceptable background – black and white, dull, washed-out or overexposed images are not acceptable. The background should be white or off-white
- Submitting an edited or retouched photo – no digital alterations can be made like red-eye reduction, blemish removal or color enhancement.
- Submitting a selfie
Other helpful passport photo tips
- There are some places that you should avoid if you want your photo to be accepted. Stay away from a photo booth. Do not send an old picture that was stored on your computer or cell phone. Passport photos must be recent and taken within the last six months. Selfies are not allowed. Do not use a cheap, disposable camera. The quality will not be high enough.
- Both FedEX and UPS offer passport photo services in some locations.
- Pharmacies and retail chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as Target and Walmart offer the service at affordable prices.
- Professional photography studios can be expensive and not many offer this service. Passport application facilities offer passport photo service in local post offices.
Similar post that may interest you:
Places You Can Visit Without a Passport
Which Vaccine Passport App is the best?
Turning Your Vaccine Card into a Digital Vaccine Passport
