As of November 1st, 2016, you are no longer allowed to wear glasses in your passport photo.
Before you go in to have passport photos taken, it’s a good idea to be aware of the US Passport Agency’s requirements for passport photos. If your photos don’t measure up, your passport application could be rejected. To make sure you get your passport in a timely manner, review the rules below before you strike a pose for the camera:
- You must submit 2 identical passport photos.
- The photos must have been taken within the past 6 months.
- Before you get your picture taken, change out of your work uniform. Unless you have a religious uniform that you wear every day, your passport photos should show you in normal street attire.
- Ditch the shades. Unless you have to wear them constantly for medical reasons, you can’t wear sunglasses for your passport photos. If they are medically necessary, you need to have a medical certificate to prove it.
- Regular eyeglasses are acceptable, if you wear them on a daily basis. If light reflects off of your glasses and obscures your eyes, you’ll have to do a re-take.
- No hats or other headgear, unless worn daily for religious reasons. You’ll need to submit a signed statement confirming that the hat or headgear is worn daily for religious reasons.
- Your mouth must remain closed for the photo. If you usually show your teeth when you smile, don’t. Try a “Mona Lisa” smile instead, but make sure your expression looks natural.
If you need a US passport, the easiest way to submit your application is through a private passport expediting company. Expediting companies like RushMyPassport.com give your application VIP status, so you’ll have your US passport when you need it.
For help submitting a US passport application, visit us online today!