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(Excerpt
from Passport Handbook - Revised 2011)
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Photo Samples
Passport applicants are required to submit ONE photograph that must be:
In color
2 x 2 inches in size
Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
Full face, front view
Have a neutral, non-exaggerated facial expression
On a plain white or off-white background
Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Taken in normal street attire:
o Uniforms should not be worn in photographs (except religious attire)
o A hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline should not be worn (except
when worn for religious purposes)
o If the applicant normally wears prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig, or
similar articles, they should be worn in the photograph
o Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable
unless the applicant needs them for medical reasons (an accompanying medical
certificate may be required if the eyes are not clearly visible)
Quality of Photograph
The applicant should present a photo that is recent (taken within the past six months) and a
clear likeness of the applicant.
Color and Background
The passport photograph should be in color. Tinted or retouched photographs that alter the
subject’s appearance are not acceptable. Photographs should have a plain white or lightcolored
off-white background. Prints retouched to remove background shadows and lines may
be acceptable.
Size and Image Specifications
The passport photograph must be 2 x 2 inches in size. The image size measured from the
bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair) should not be less than one inch or
more than 1 3/8 inches. Use a transparent photo guide to verify.
Pose, Appearance, and Attire
The photograph must be clear, front view, and show the applicant’s full face. The photo must
identify the bearer accurately. If glasses, a hearing device, a wig, or similar articles are normally
worn, they should be worn in the passport photograph. Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses
with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons. The applicant must
submit a written statement or medical certificate to support the wearing of such glasses. A
photo submitted with a glare on glasses obscuring the eyes is not acceptable.
The photograph should be taken in normal street attire without a hat or other headgear, unless
the headgear is part of religious attire that is worn daily. An exception may be made for
documented medical reasons. The applicant must submit a written statement of such
headgear. Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and camouflage attire should not be
worn in the passport photograph.
A neutral facial expression should be used. Wide, excessive smiling, laughing, frowning,
snickering, smirking or other exaggerated expressions causes issues with the facial recognition
system used by Passport Services to assist in verifying identities.
NOTE
Applicants who wear headgear as part of their daily attire for religious or medical reasons
must submit a written, signed statement to that effect.
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