Acquiring a passport photo may be one of the most overlooked but essential processes of finalizing your passport application. Taking your picture for a passport may seem simple. Many vendors such as Walgreens, CVS, or a post office can take your photo quickly and easily. However, this does not mean that every employee at every vendor will be aware of the specifications required for a passport photo which can result in simple but detrimental mistakes.
An untrained eye taking your passport photo may be why your application gets suspended. A passport denial will cause weeks of delays in your application and damper any future international travel.
However, mistakes made when taking your passport photo are avoidable. We have compiled a list of tips and tricks to get your passport application approved.
The Basic Requirements
- The dimensions of your passport photo must be in a 2”X2” format
- The photo may be printed on glossy or matt paper
- The photo must be printed in color
- You must take your photo in front of a plain, white, or off-white background
- The photo may not be digitally altered
These basic requirements for a passport photo are the easiest to follow but are still why some passport applications are denied. You may think it is great to airbrush a blemish off your passport photo or clear your face of unwanted marks or wrinkles. Still, the person processing your passport can tell and will automatically suspend your application.
Passport officials have also denied applicants for cropping out their background and replacing it with a white background. This is because it alters the outline of the applicant’s head, neck, and shoulders.
Avoid Obstructing your Facial Features
Shadows and Lighting
It is essential to know that a passport photo may not contain any shadows on or behind your face. The rule is in place to avoid any obstruction of your facial features. Shadows can also obscure skin tone. Passport officials will deny applications with any shadows except for shadows that may be cast behind your ears as long as there is a clear definition between the background and the applicant.
How do you think you could avoid this? Lighting. Please make sure your passport photo is taken in a well-lit place, and if you can, ask for a practice photo to make sure there are no shadows cast on or behind you when taking the photo.
Glasses
Seeing glasses and sunglasses are not allowed in passport photos. The main reason is that it does not allow for a clear view of your face. You must take off any eyewear, even if you wear it daily.
Hats and Headgear
Hats and headgear, such as bandanas, are not acceptable. They are only acceptable for religious or medical purposes. If a hat or head covering is a religious or medical requirement, a signed letter explaining your preference must be submitted with your passport application.
Masks and Face Coverings
Passport officials know that there is still a global pandemic, and applicants might feel most comfortable wearing their masks or face covering. However, you’ll need to remove your mask or face covering for the photo. The reason behind this requirement is simple. Passport officials must be able to see your entire face to establish your identity.
Attire
A passport photo requires a close-up of your face, with your upper shoulders visible. What you wear is important for a successful photo, and it is best to keep your attire clean and simple. Overdressing might not be in your favor.
Uniforms of any kind are not allowed in your passport photo. Because of this, avoid any prints commonly found in uniforms, such as camouflage.
Why? The U.S. Department of State does not want the applicant to represent an entity that is not theirs. Passport officials will deny anyone in a representative uniform. One time, a parent submitted a photo of their infant in a camouflage onesie and was denied because the passport official believed they were wearing a uniform.
Another thing to consider is your makeup for the passport photo. Vibrant, unnatural colors could also get your application suspended, so it is best to look like yourself. It is recommended to wear light, natural makeup.
Pose and Expression
Make sure you are entirely facing forward in your passport photo. This includes any head tilting, so remember to keep the middle of your chin facing forward. This trick can help avoid an over-extension of the neck.
Your eyes must also be facing the camera and visible in the photo. Photos where an applicant’s eyes look up, down, or to the side will be denied.
Your face must remain neutral, avoiding any significant expressions. Any big expression, even as simple as a big smile, is a no-go. This is not to say that you are not allowed to smile in your photo, but it must be a small, soft, neutral smile and no teeth.
Passport picture of a woman on an isolated white background for cut out 
Portrait of a woman shot to the aquirements of a usa passport photo. 
How to Fix a Suspended Passport Application Due to a Faulty Passport Photo
It can be frustrating to have your passport application suspended for a simple mistake in your photo. Although it is frustrating, it is very fixable.
The solution? Please get a new passport photo taken following our basic guidelines. Could you try a different vendor? Once you have checked that the photo is free of any mistakes, you may submit a passport photo, and once the passport photo is approved, you’ll be set to go.
A great way to avoid taking time out of your day to retake a photo is to go to a vendor that can give you multiple copies. From there, you can ask the vendor if one or two copies can be of a different photo. This method allows you to have a backup photo ready to go, making your re-submission process much more manageable.
Other Reasons you May Need a New Passport photo
You have undergone a significant change
Passport officials are aware that applicants can go through significant lifestyle changes that can affect the look of an applicant. You want to ensure that the photo you submit can still be identified as you within the time frame it takes to receive your passport. Although unlikely, here are some reasons you may want to submit your passport photo.
You want to ensure that the reason for an updated photo fits under the category of “significant Changes.” Significant changes may include:
- A significant gain or loss of weight
- Have undergone or are in the process of a gender transition
- Significant Trauma or Surgery that alters the appearance of the face
- Addition or loss of facial tattoos or piercings
Children
Although it is easy to notice the significant change in a child from newborn to toddler, applying for a new child’s passport is only sometimes necessary. Children’s passports are valid for five years, so even if your toddler looks different from their passport photo now, it will still be valid until its expiry date.
Where to take your Passport Photos
Applying for a passport is a serious matter; you want to do as much as possible to ensure a successful application. This includes finding a trustworthy vendor who understands how serious it is to meet all the requirements to take your photo.
As mentioned before, significant vendors like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and FedEx can assist in taking your passport photo. Although these are great options, consider getting your passport photo taken with a more experienced vendor.
Companies like The Passport Office specialize in passports, including same-day passport photos, and have decades of experience. The Passport Office knows all of these requirements and wants to ensure your application is free of mistakes. They act as the middleman and will only let you apply if they are confident that your passport photo can get approved.
Get your passport photo taken today by trustworthy professionals, at one of their offices in Tampa, Hollywood, Orlando or Miami!
