In some countries, standard passport-sized photos are required to obtain a visa and this is where an extra passport photo will come in handy. You can find out which countries require U.S. citizens to have a visa by checking the country-specific information available from the U.S. State Department website.
You must provide one photo with your passport application. All our photo policies apply to both adults and children.
American citizens should bring two identical photos when they apply for a U.S. passport.
Passport photos must be in color and taken with a plain white or off-white background, according to the U.S. State Department. The photo must have a clear image of your face, and no filters. Passport photos are definitely a #nofilter zone. Also, no selfies allowed.
To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements. Please note: Staple the photo to the application. Please use 4 staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible.
Contrived expressions such as raised eyebrows, squinting or frowning are not acceptable. When having their photos captured, applicant may smile, but without showing their teeth and gums. The 'Mona Lisa' smile is recommended.
How should I send the passport renewal application? Place the completed application form and supporting documents in a large envelope. Do not fold the form. We recommend you mail the renewal form and any personal documents using a traceable delivery method.
DO consider wearing a color other than black or white. Your photo will have a plain white background, so a colored shirt will help ensure your photo doesn't look washed out.
Yes, you can use your iPhone, Android device, or other smartphone to take your passport photo. Make sure you follow all guidelines when taking the photo to include a white background, good lighting, and a friend for assistance (selfies are not allowed).
A bad photo.
The number one reason a passport application is turned down is because the attached photos were deemed unacceptable for some reason. The State Department's passport photo requirements are quite specific and very strict, and if you don't meet these requirements your application will be denied.
How many photos are required when applying for both the passport book and passport card on the same application? Two photos are required.
f you are still uncertain about if you are allowed to wear make-up before taking a passport photo, we are here to give you the concrete answer: Yes, you can wear make-up in a passport photo if you wish to and it's not against the official requirements of a passport photo.
You can only use the same passport photo if you apply for a replacement when your document gets lost, stolen, or damaged. In any other case, the passport photo you already have will be too old to comply with the requirements.
You can't submit a selfie as your passport photo, and you can't use a webcam either, so you'll need to find a helpful friend or family member to lend a hand. A tripod is optional, but may make it easier to keep the camera steady and level.
Overview. In order to meet the specific requirements of the Passport Office, you will be required to provide two passport photographs to be submitted alongside your passport application form. If your photos do not meet these specific requirements your application could be rejected or delayed.
Can I take my passport photo at home? Yes, it's quick and easy to take your passport photo at home. You'll need a white background in a well-lit area plus a friend to take the photo for you. You can then upload it to get the correct size and order prints online or get prints from your local store.
In general, earrings will be acceptable in most of the western countries. Larger earrings, especially ones that dangle, may cause shadows or obstruct your face. Because of this, it would probably be a good idea to go with smaller earrings or even just use studs to avoid any of these issues.
Facial features
You can wear glasses. The frame must not cover any part of your eyes. There must be no glare on the lenses. Dark glasses are not permitted.
Turtlenecks are not. Per State Department regulations, avoid wearing any sort of uniform for the photo. Religious clothing is acceptable if you wear it every day.
Once your photo is ready, be sure to staple it to the front of your application. Calculate your application fees and include them by personal check or money order. Checks should be payable to the U.S. Department of State; cash will not be accepted. Application fees vary depending on the product you are applying for.
Be sure to use a large envelope to send your passport renewal package. The US Department of State encourages the use of larger envelopes, not letter-size envelopes so that you do not have to fold any of the forms or documents you are submitting.
Answer: You cannot. Please send the application in an envelope enough to fit the documents without folding.