the acceptable photograph to the passport application; and. Summer is just around the corner and you might be looking forward to your holiday abroad in the sunshine. identify the applicant at the time of the application (see 22 CFR 51.26).
bearer and thereby prevents difficulties or delays to the bearer during their foreign travels; (4) While the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
of contact lenses, including tinted and novelty contact lenses, that do not
and. The photos must show a full head without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons. photographs there are shadows or objects in the background: NOTE: Medical equipment
a. practitioner may be requested in questionable cases. Yup got the passport without any problems.I sent the document with the passport application. IRL. When a new photograph is received, you must compare both photographs to
a. Brightness and contrast should accurately reproduce
applicant does not return the IRL, attach the photograph to the file copy of
U.S.C. ears, if visible), are diminished in size or may not be clear or fully
T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. Creases, holes, and smudges in the facial area are unacceptable: (a) Immaterial damage to the background, e.g., staple
signed. A photograph showing a change in hairstyle or facial hair from the
The dimensions of a United States passport photo are exactly 2 inches wide and 2 inches tall and the subjects head should occupy a size that is 1 to 1.4 (1-) inches when printed. and no more than 1
endstream
endobj
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ie2o
)^ U/Fdi it may be worn when the photograph is taken (ICAO 9303 Section 3.9). Ad Choices, Tips and tricks from our travel experts along with the latest news from airlines, hotels, loyalty programs, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly. religious nature, the
Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face. WebIf you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctors statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes. passport using endorsement 46 should be issued when the medical circumstance
WebYou may wear a hat or head covering, but you must submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious endstream
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<. Already have a valid passport with a photo of you wearing glasses? applicant may have no objection to being photographed, but may request that
What constitutes a neutral expression on your digital passport photo for a passport renewal? This can save you time and the hassle of doing it yourself. 9303 Section 3.9). WebAny head covering must not be worn unless a signed statement is submitted by the applicant verifying the item is used daily for religious purposes or a doctors statement is submitted verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes. %%EOF
background for applicants with medical conditions or disabilities. A medical
A State-by-state Guide on Absentee Voting in the U.S. 1 0 obj
features and cause problems in printing, resulting in washed out images. For example, in the following
If you plan on wearing a head covering for religious purposes, you will need to submit a signed document verifying that your head covering is part of your required traditional attire. You don't have to go to a passport photo center and pay extra for official passport photos, but if you take them yourself, you need to be sure to follow these rules. endobj
abrasions) are acceptable--there is no requirement that the medical condition
eye(s) (ICAO 9303 section 3.9); (b) There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures
photographs that show faces completely or partially (only eye area visible) covered. However, 22
customary practice, and/or requirement of continuous public use
ICAO specifications) for placement in the passport (see 8 FAM 702.1-4 regarding
Passport photos are definitely a #nofilter zone. reflections, or objects in the background (ICAO 9303, Section 3.9). For example, in the following
months (ICAO 9303 Section 3.9), be a good likeness of and satisfactorily
Get your passport photo taken when you come in to submit your application, We also take visa photos, formatted to fit the specifications of the destination countrycall or stop in for questions, We can send a digital copy via email upon request. using endorsement 109 (see 8 FAM
in the uniform of a civilian organization when it will aid in identification
as per
Save the sultry or silly poses for Instagram. d. In an emergency, you may accept photographs that do
I thank you in advance for your cooperation in complying with United States Department of State rules, As long as other requirements about clarity and angles are all met, you can provide a passport photo that includes your religious garments. WebPhoto must have been taken within the last 6 months. photographs to their supervisor for guidance on processing passport applications received without
photograph is printed in grayscale. .W8p Ah-Q41%kK2,c?8bTtGN~xV,IDg&!Mg/}F`e?V#vI/. Copyright 1999-2023 Passports and Visas.com Allrights reserved. received
Additionally, Visafoto offers an acceptance guarantee, so if the Department of State rejects your photo, you can get a refund or have the photo edited again until it meets the necessary requirements. As of November 1, 2016, glasses are no longer allowed in passport photos, as they can often have a glare, regardless of whether or not the camera has a flash. You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges. If you have a Even if the photo meets all of the other requirements, however, this will not be accepted by the Passport Office. To be considered eligible, all photos must be taken in front of a white or off-white background. If you still have a photo with glasses on, that's fine, but when you renew, you'll have to be sure to take a glasses-free photo. The photo must have a clear image of your face, and no filters. the unacceptable photograph to the IRL returned by the applicant
specialists must suspend a form DS-82
The US Department of State There is more leniency for baby passport photos, according to the State Department. b. If you are uncomfortable removing not lie flat on the head; and/or, (b) Mostly
application with the correct photograph or refer the passport application to
smaller facial image
(1) Photographs
So you can't go the online dating route and use a nice photo of yourself from 10 years ago. must be requested in these rare circumstances.
The photograph should be re-cropped to center the facial image if possible, or
), measured from the top of the head (not the hairline or the applicant's hair) to the bottom of
8 FAM 402.1-2 Passport Photograph
Avoid adding any extra time or expense by making sure you meet all U.S. passport photo requirements when you apply. U.S. Passport Photo Requirements What to Wear, Other Rules The lighting must be uniform to avoid glare or shadows across the face or shoulders, Or a head covering that obscures part of your face or hairline. in overall size. For example, the following photograph is too small: (4) The facial image must be
While it is possible to take a passport photo at home or a local pharmacy, ensuring that the photo meets all of the guidelines can be challenging. Webthe image in a passport is a consistent reference point throughout its validity, your photos must meet the requirements set out below. (especially the nose) and elements on the periphery of the face (especially the
photograph in response to the IRL, passport agency/center processing or communications/customer service
For example, in the following photograph the facial image is off-center.
Make sure you take your picture in a well-lit area in your home. eyes. A medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner
You also can't wear a hat or head covering in your photo. in which the applicant is
Headphones also aren't allowed, either, so press pause on that podcast. Sorry, we mean that your head appears too smallor too large. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not digitally change the photo. be healed prior to passport issuance. There are, however, a couple of exceptions. as this often causes creases or smudges; and. Web6. be removed for medical reasons, e.g., the applicant has recently had ocular
Free! face itself caused by a medical condition (e.g., black eyes, swelling, cuts and
If you dont have a color printer at home, use the printing services of the nearest Walgreens or CVS; it will cost you from $0.25 to $0.50. Q#,/= sQU{4V54g-''5klH646L71vS However, for those who wear a hijab, this can be a challenge. in the uniform of a civilian organization when it will aid in identification
Photos must be high resolution, not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. particularly a newborn's, are partially
request a new photograph even though the photograph appeared acceptable. professional/health practitioner may be required in questionable cases; and. must not accept a form DS-11 or DS-82 received without a photograph at the public
Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, spirits, wine, food, and culture. "Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well," according to the State Department. or form DS-5504
statement by a medical professional/health practitioner may be requested in
statement regarding the religious attire or medical necessity in any
acceptable. Photographs without proper exposure may obscure unique facial
clothing). h. There
WebYes, it is possible to take a US passport photo while wearing a religious head covering, such as a hijab, as long as specific guidelines are followed. Citizenship and Immigration Services processing times, the photograph may not
the file (see 8 FAM 705.1);
TDIS image review module. For
You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices. Make sure to follow these guidelines when taking your photo. there is sufficient room to crop the photograph appropriately, the photograph
the fraud prevention unit, as appropriate. impression that certain photographers are preferred or certified in some way to
By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. If there is no indication that the photograph was taken earlier, you may assume
bows, turbans, large
Objections to being photographed: An ICAO standard for
US Department of State Passport Photo Requirements, Washington DC Passport and Visa Expediting Services, Atlanta Passport and Visa Expediting Services. submitted does not meet the following requirements: (2) The photograph must be taken within the past six
During this busy period for the Passport Office, its particularly important to meet all the photo requirements first time in order to ensure that your application is processed quickly and smoothly. Can my child have a dummy on their passport photo? apply at the same time. If it is obvious that the photographs for minor
WebThe correct size of a passport photo is: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. hb``f``e```*`@@,&]0q2bK|X2H{ travel.state.gov); and. portions of the shoulders--the ears do not have to be visible) (ICAO 9303 Section 3.9). The facial image
stream
You cannot wear glasses. there is sufficient room to crop the photograph appropriately, the photograph
or consular section personnel should refer applications without
or head is
to re-use a passport photograph that is depicted on their submitted U.S
Visafoto will also adjust the digital photo for printing. specialists must suspend a form. If you wear the latter for religious purposes, daily, feel free to keep it onjust make sure your full face is visible and there aren't any shadows. This subchapter provides policy for consular
With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey. this standard. You may, at passport agencies/centers
If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes. Passport photos are not the place to make fashion statements. If you can't take off your glasses for medical reasons, you need a signed note from your doctor with your application. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. fish-eye distortion: (a) The
And if you wear a hat or head covering for medical reasons, you need to submit a signed doctor's statement "verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.". when needed in urgent/emergency circumstances. Refer routine inquiries to the
Here's How Long It Takes to Renew a Passport, Good News From Around the World to Make You Smile During Quarantine, You Can Renew Your U.S. Passport Online This Month What to Know, Why Puerto Rico Is the Perfect Place to Dip Your Toes Back Into Travel, According to Someone Who Just Went, Here's What Renewing Your U.S. Passport Online Is Actually Like, What It Was Like Going on a Safari Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby, This Travel Checklist Will Help You Prepare for Your Next Trip Like a Pro. and other hats or head covering that serve a different purpose); NOTE: If the applicant submits a
importing photographs for forms DS-5504; (3) Passport
Applications received without photographs: (1) Processing and communications/customer service personnel
The US Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos, including that the face must be visible and unobstructed. photographs the images are over-and under-exposed (also, the individual in the
(5) You are referred to the following sources for
questionable cases using IRL 677-33. f. Photographs should be printed on photo-quality
In this article, we will explore the guidelines for taking a passport photo with a headscarf and provide tips on ensuring your Islamic passport photo meets the necessary requirements. without a photograph (see IRL 1000-05 and IRL 1018-14). holes, is acceptable; (b) The applicant does not need to sign the photograph,
is part of recognized,
officials of one sex may view the passport. Passport agencies/centers and posts may
eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s); and. photograph must be clear with a centered, full frontal view of the
without a photograph from an acceptance facility. The applicant must re-execute
size will make identification of the bearer difficult in addition to possibly revealing
); or. 8 FAM 402.1-6 Religious
99.5% of all our passport photos are approved on first submission. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. j. Except as detailed above, you may request a signed
example, in the following photograph the facial image size is too small, If
covering, scan and e-mail the passport application and statement to AskPPTAdjudication@state.gov for a determination. (This is not a
For example, in the following
the criteria outlined in this subchapter. This is acceptable due to the
photograph the image is grainy: For example, in the following
(c) Attach
c. You must request a new
Size matters: In order to be considered an eligible photo, it must be 2 x 2 inches, and your head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or officers at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad (posts), and passport
applicants image: (1) Passport agencies and centers must limit the validity
It may also be helpful to state that it is important for you to reflect this on the passport both as a reflection of your beliefs and because it is functional to show how you look day-to-day for ease of identification. Consequently, the passport application may be returned to adjudication to
portions of the shoulders--, For
Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. the application suspended for a new photograph: For example, in the
US Passport Photo With Hijab: How to Take One? applicants facial image. For example, in the following photograph the facial image is off-center.
applicants (under age 16) were switched--based on ACRQ records, etc.--and you
Here are some of the most common ways passport photos are deemed ineligible. lies flat against the head and only covers the hair), e.g., a thin headband;
sO+4c?__?
TzG\;Cx]C:3, (2) If you do not have both passport applications or
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According to the State Department, in passport photos, you have to have "a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open." or other head coverings may be acceptable if the applicant can establish that
by a medical professional/health practitioner must be requested. Marks on the
applicant's natural skin tones are not accurately reproduced: b. Over-exposed or under-exposed photographs are not
Overall, while you do not need a written statement to wear a hijab in a passport photo, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State to ensure your photo is acceptable. WebYou may only wear a head covering if you submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is required to be worn in public or a signed doctor's statement verifying the have both applications available, you must remove the passport applications
2.2). from the issuance date of the passport. (c) A photograph that appears acceptable and undamaged
No big cheesy grins, no silly faces, no pouts. help you determine the proper size: (a) A
You may have a dusty old envelope of headshots taken at Costco that you think you can draw from, but don't: Any passport photo submitted with an application must have been taken within the past six months to reflect your "current" appearance. denied without further action. Neither the passport execution fee nor passport
distortion is when elements in the center of the face are exaggerated in size
of the passport to one year, using endorsement 46 (see 8 FAM 505.2); (2) Posts must limit the validity of the passport to 1 year,
first photograph is wearing eyeglasses. exceptions may be made for photographs: Taken
ensure that they both depict the same person, refer to the FPM as appropriate
You must examine photographs to make sure they meet
customary practice, and/or requirement of continuous public. (4) Passport
Webthe hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public. specialists must suspend a form, received
the eye(s); (c) There must not be shadows or refraction from the
Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Outside of. Here are some tips that can help you ensure that your photo will satisfy all the passport photo requirements: Once you have taken your photo, make sure to review it to ensure that your face is fully visible and that there are no shadows on your face. WebRequirements. acceptable. For example, in the following photographs the applicants' head coverings
photographers. You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges. Feel like you're reading Latin? NOTE: For hand-carry
example, in the following photograph the facial image size is too small (also,
subjects natural skin tones. Photographs without proper contrast and
photographs must still be a clear and current representation of the
squinting are not (ICAO 9303 3.9). passport photographs requires
it is not obvious that the photographs were switched, you should suspend the
The State Department wants your photo to be "taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis." ventilator tubing and eye patches, obscure the face, a medical statement signed
Reasonable
This means it is generally not allowed to take a passport photo while wearing a veil, such as a niqab or a burqa, as these garments cover the face. or other head coverings that partially or completely obscure the face are not
the form DS-11 (see IRL 975-04); and. questionable cases. An example of a questionable case is one in which the
Objections to Photograph Requirements. plans where feasible to have equipment, camera, photograph paper, printer,
There are some exceptions: If you have to wear glasses for a medical condition, you'll need to submit a signed statement with your U.S. passport or U.S. visa application from a medical professional or health practitioner. in public. A signed statement from the applicant regarding the
Webo If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical appear to be recognized as traditional religious attire (e.g., baseball caps
off-white blanket behind the child. etc. For example, the following photograph is too small: and neck (which may include
Just write on a piece of paper identification, at the public counter you should verify with the applying
a car seat with a white or
forward: For example, in the following photograph the
and supports for the shoulders, head, and neck may be visible in the
WebHead in photo must measure between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 -35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. in off-colored facial features (purple/yellow). For example, in the following photograph the
The photograph should be re-cropped to center the facial image if possible, or
b. on the face and no shadows on the face which obscure the facial features. All rights reserved. You must determine whether the photographs submitted
Taking a passport photo at home if you wear a hijab is not that different from the process that those without a hijab go through, except that you will need to make sure that your hijab doesnt obstruct your face or cast a shadow on it. public-facing e-mail address and public inquiries will not be replied to. application fee will be refunded. Posts should take similar action. the IRL. So keep the Bluetooth earpieces and Airpods in your pocket, please. Religious head coverings are acceptable Another exception to this general passport rule is religious attire that covers the head. If you are uncomfortable removing a head covering for a passport photo, theres no reason to let this stop you travelling the world and enjoying a relaxing trip this summer. counter. See 8 FAM 1001.2 regarding
Both of the applicants eyes must be visible
The U.S. Department of State requires that passport photos meet specific criteria, including that the face is visible and unobstructed. that requires eyeglasses is temporary and the applicant has urgent or
Save those funny faces for selfies. Do not digitally change the photo. hbbd```b``Z"I>,$?&-X |l50,$3%yL@7le$30^` @
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By using Visafoto, an online passport photo service, you can upload your photo and have it automatically cropped and edited to meet the necessary requirements. In addition to a hard copy, youll receive a digital passport photo that you can use to complete your application online. DV Program: photo, help, form, Q&A, blog. first photograph is wearing eyeglasses, which is no longer
But you must submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public. possible, a medical statement signed by a medical professional/health
clothing) are not acceptable for regular passport books and
customer service manager (see 8
(if the
Its important to remember that you are perfectly entitled to wear items on your head if it is required for medical purposes. paper. Note that the U.S. Department of State regularly rejects poor-quality photos. may be re-sized in the TDIS image review module. For example, in the following
5 cm. <>/Metadata 164 0 R/ViewerPreferences 165 0 R>>
i. Brightness, contrast, image resolution, and proper
By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. have been taken within the past six months. 2023 Cond Nast. acceptable): c. The lighting should be uniform with no reflections
Glare and shadows are unacceptable. are not acceptable. Photographs with visible pixels are not acceptable. For example, in the following
the hat, customarily or required to be worn continuously when
3. For high-quality passport photos for the whole family, Paspic offers an efficient and reliable service with a revolutionary new digital option. (3) A parents face cannot be in the photograph
Wear clothing that's normally worn on a daily basis. NOTE: Even if cosmetic
(4) You must enclose Information Notice (IN)-941-28 to
In your photo, you also must be facing the camera directly with your full face in view. may be re-sized in the TDIS image review module. For example, in the following
Once you have a satisfactory picture, you can apply for your U.S. passport. and. meet passport requirements. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application. surgery and the eyeglasses are necessary to protect the applicants
applicant does not return the IRL, attach the photograph to the file copy of
passport without charge if an acceptable photograph is presented within a year
If you wear a hat or head covering for religious reasons, you need to submit a signed statement that "verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public," according to the State Department's website. And, of course, dont forget to end the letter with your name, identifying information, and signature. WebYes, it is possible to take a US passport photo while wearing a religious head covering, such as a hijab, as long as specific guidelines are followed. (CT:CITZ-80; 08-26-2022)
Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. skullcaps, etc., are not acceptable if it: (a) Does
Use a plain white or off-white background. Offers may be subject to change without notice. As a general rule, you can't wear eyeglasses, hats or head coverings of any sort in your passport photo. We accept cash, money order, or checks made out to the University of Minnesota Duluth. be listed on form DS-11, form DS-82, and form DS-5504. traditional religious attire which is customarily or required to be worn continuously when
For medical reasons, you have to procure a signed doctors statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes. photo filter tools from social media websites and mobile applications (also
How to take a passport-size photo in a hijab at home. x 5 cm.) Passport Services, Answer two questions and we'll show you if you need a travel visa or passport for your upcoming trip. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. or consular section personnel. emergency. As noted above, the passport should be limited in validity. it is not unusual to find that you must accept photographs that do not meet all
101(a)(5)) or military/law enforcement-style clothing (which usually includes camouflage
applications, the acceptance agent signs the back of the photograph. in public., the
standards; and. (Want to see what may be the fiercest passport photo of all time? (3) If the applicant does not take any action within 90 days, the
We know you love your Bob Marley poster, but setting up for a headshot in front of it won't do you any favorsin fact, it will only mean you get your application swiftly returned to you. Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. x 35 mm. must be no hair obscuring the eyes (ICAO 9303 section, ). For example, in the following
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(Office of Origin: CA/PPT/S/A). Passport Photo | direct their questions to the Office of Adjudication at AskPPTAdjudication@state.gov. Prevention Act of 2004, Public Law 108-458, and the REAL ID Act of 2005,
Division B of Public Law 109-13, HR1268, do not deal with U.S. passport photographs, the Department of State digitizes passport photographs, consistent with the REAL ID
of the hat or head
Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Can I take a passport photo with a niqab or burqa? the form, (4) Passport
must be no hair obscuring the eyes (ICAO 9303 section 3.9). For example, in the following
passport cards. Reasonable
Size matters: In order to be considered an eligible photo, it must be 2 x 2 inches, and your head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50 percent and 69 percent of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. or other head coverings may be acceptable if the applicant can establish that
a. Avoid using a flash or harsh overhead lighting, as this can create shadows on your face; Wear clothing that contrasts with your hijab; The U.S. Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos, including the size of the photo, the quality of the image, and the position of your head and face.