Smiling in Your Passport Photo
When it comes to passport photos, one common question often comes up: “Can you smile?” Surprisingly, passport photos are a common reason for passport application issues. Neglecting official guidelines, such as maintaining a neutral expression, can lead to significant delays and even application denial. Hence, paying close attention to the rules and opting for a neutral look in your passport photo is crucial for a smooth application process.
Can You Smile in Your Passport Photo?
Many wonder if they can wear a friendly smile in their U.S. passport photo. In short, the answer is no. The U.S. Department of State advises a neutral facial expression in passport photos. This neutrality isn’t about squashing your joy but ensuring the photo is consistent and suitable for facial recognition technology.
Can Your Passport Photo Get Denied if You Smile?
The answer is yes! In fact, The Passport Office has often encountered and solved this issue. When you submit a passport application with a smiling photo, it can lead to denial or delays—the reason why is pretty straightforward. Since smiling can subtly alter the contours of your face, it is more challenging for facial recognition software to match your photo to your identity.
Official Passport Photo Guidelines:
To ensure your U.S. passport photo goes through without a hitch, here are the official guidelines:
- Maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed; avoid smiling or frowning.
- Position your head in the center, directly facing the camera, covering about 50% of the photo.
- Ensure your eyes are open and free from glare on your glasses. Avoid tinted glasses and sunglasses.
- If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, make sure your whole face is visible.
- Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects.
- Wear everyday clothing and avoid uniforms or uniform-like attire.
- Ensure no shadows are on your face and the lighting is even.
- The photo should be high-resolution with no retouching or filters applied and 2×2 inches in size.
The Passport Office: Your Trusted Passport Expediter
The Passport Office has been a trusted passport expediting service with significant industry connections for over two decades. So, when you choose us, you’re in capable hands. We offer a range of services to streamline your passport application process. We can also handle all the pesky photo-taking for you.
Do You Need Your New Passport Now?
Whether you have an urgent trip or are planning for future travel, we can expedite the process to get your passport to you quickly, handling new passports, renewals, child passports, name changes, lost or stolen passports, and damaged passports.
What Help Does the Passport Office Provide?
Partnering with an expediting company like The Passport Office has several advantages:
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff, fluent in both English and Spanish, to assist you.
- Expedited processing with a 3-5 day turnaround for our fastest service.
- Assistance with accurately filling out your passport application to reduce errors or delays.
- Passport photo services that meet all the necessary criteria.
- Convenient office locations in Tampa, Miami, Clearwater, Hollywood, Orlando, and Atlanta.
How Does It Work?
The Passport Office secures slots provided by the State Department for expediting passport applications. We act as couriers, ensuring your application is delivered promptly. While additional fees may be associated with using an expediting company, the benefits include faster processing and expert guidance.
Additionally, The Passport Office is dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible. As a rule, all our offices are located within 10 minutes of the nearest passport acceptance facility, making it convenient for you to verify your identity. So, if you have any questions about the passport application process or need assistance, please call The Passport Office. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you at every step.
How to Book an Appointment with The Passport Office:
We offer multiple ways to book an appointment with us, making it easy for you.
- Phone Calls: Call our office to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have.
- Walk-ins: Feel free to visit one of our convenient locations during business hours.
- Appointments Booked Online: For added convenience, you can schedule an appointment with us online through our website.
In Passport Photos, a Smile May Be Tempting, But Guidelines Matter Most.
While it might be tempting to smile in your passport photo, it’s crucial to follow the official rules from the U.S. Department of State. Ignoring these rules can lead to problems like your passport application getting denied or delayed, which could mess up your travel plans. The Passport Office is well-versed in these rules and can take your photo without a smile. So, you can trust The Passport Office to assist you in getting your passport quickly and easily. If you have any questions or need assistance with your passport, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your passport journey begins with The Passport Office.
