A passport photo is an essential document for identity purposes. The Department of State and its National Passport Information Center takes it into their own hands to approve passport. One of the crucial reasons why photos can be rejected is because applicants do not read the instructions carefully for a valid passport. Therefore, detailed attention needs to be provided to the guidelines provided by the passport services. A passport is an identity proof for travelling abroad so, it becomes considerable to present a sophisticated picture that is authentic and not retouched or edited. It is not only your id but through it, you tend to represent your nation internationally. Pay attention to details when taking a photo of your passport. It is always better to take a picture at a photo retail shop because self-taken photos have a high probability of rejection.
Points to keep in mind before taking a passport photo
Some prerequisites need to be taken care of when taking a passport photo. These are already established by the passport authority and are essential guidelines to be followed while taking a photo.
Face position:
The face should be proportionate between 1 and ⅜ inches. After the face, the nose should be positioned horizontally in a picture. The position of the eyes should be 1 ⅛ and 1 ⅜ inches from the bottom edge.
Facial expression:
Keep a neutral expression. Don’t frown or smile Look straight into the lens. Don’t blink Don’t show teeth
Photo background:
There should be no unwanted shadows. If you are taking a picture at home use of good lighting should be made. Use ring lights, flash-bulbs Go to a professional photographer. Use a white background.
Glasses: On or Off
Glasses were permitted in the American passport till 2016. Now the US Department of State doesn’t allow the use of spectacles. Glasses are likely to produce glares and shadows.
Clothes and accessories:
Wearing a uniform is not allowed. No camouflage print. Wear something simple No high collars Avoid reflective embellishments so that you don’t have shadow issues. Do not use hats and oversized jewellery. Head coverings for religious reasons are allowed but you may need to submit a signed statement. Tattoos are also acceptable.
Colour quality matters:
It should be a colour photoAvoid black and white photosLook for colouration issues. Do not edit your passport photos.
Size of the photo:
22 inches ( 5151 mm). Use glossy or matte paper.
After photo rejection:
If you go through a rejection of a passport due to the photos the following things will happen:
You will be briefed, about the issue due to which the photo was rejected. You can resubmit your photo. But your application remains on hold until then.
Procedure:
You’ll have to take another photo that fulfils all the requirements. You will be asked to obtain the new picture and submit it to the agency within 90 days. Attach other documents if necessary.
Things to keep in mind:
The picture should have a high resolution Don’t use social media filters Stick to the size and position already mentioned. The photo should not be older than six monthsIf your appearance has changed drastically you should update your picture.
If you have had a plastic surgeryIf you went through gender transition Gone through a significant weight change.
No selfies are allowed.
Photos of children: Clicking pictures of a baby and toddler can be tricky.
Your baby should be laid on a plain white background. No adult should be in the picture. There should be no shadows. Infant photos with closed eyes are accepted but toddlers and up should keep their eyes open.
The agency can deny your photo but they give reasonable explanations for it.
Even if your photo gets rejected, a 90 days time limit is provided to fulfil the requirement. If you fail to fulfil the deadline, your passport will be dismissed and you’ll need to reapply for it and pay the fees again.
A passport photo should be legible because it is used for recognizing an individual. The US government has its specifications that need to be paid attention to. People should avoid taking pictures at home to circumvent the possibility that their applications will not be dismissed. The passport application can be rejected, but not permanently you can always reapply. Therefore, the passport is an essential travel document and your photo plays a big part in it.
