The U.S. Department of State received over 150,000 unacceptable passport photos in 2019. Those denied pictures may cause major delays in getting your passport because you’ll have to retake the photo and resubmit the application. Needless to say you could even miss that special trip you planned. Here are a few tips to ensure you’ll be able to get on that airplane and avoid having yours become one of those unacceptable photos this year.
- Your pictures have to be taken within the past 6 months.
- No glasses allowed. (If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor.)
- Background on your passport photos can only be white or off-white. Since the background needs to be white, it’s probably not a good idea to wear a white shirt if you can help it since you might blend into the background.
- You can smile but it has to be natural (not an over-exaggerated, forced smile). Neutral facial expressions are also accepted.
- No hats or head coverings, unless you wear it daily for religious purposes.
- Your hair shouldn't completely cover your face or cast shadows on your face. Bangs are acceptable unless eyebrows aren't covered.
- It has to be a color image with natural shades of your skin. No retouching or digital altering.
- Size of passport photos should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and size of head must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The head must be directly facing the camera (not to the side).
- Pictures of children are accepted as long as they are alone in the picture, there's no major shades, their eyes are open and they look straight into the camera.
You are allowed to take a passport photo on your own. However if you need professional help you can always rely on us. At ShipPoint we’ll make sure your passport pictures will meet all the necessary requirements.
