u.s. passport photo requirements - u.s. embassy london

U.S. Passport Photo RequirementsApplying for a U.S. passport in the United Kingdom

Applying for a U.S. passport?

U.S. and U.K. passport photograph requirements are different. Photos taken in a U.K. photo booth may not be accepted

Applying for a U.S. passport?

U.S. and U.K. passport photograph requirements are different. Photos taken in a U.K. photo booth may not be accepted

This presentation will help you ensure that your passport photographs meet the U.S. Department of State’s photograph requirements

U.S. passport photograph requirements

A color photograph with your face looking straight ahead and your head centered

Eyes open and mouth closed in a neutral expression or slight smile

Taken within the last 6 months and readily identifiable as you

U.S. passport photograph requirements

2 inches

2 in

ches

White or off-white background

2 inches by 2 inches square (51mm by 51mm), excluding any borders

Your head should be between 1 inches and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35mm) from the bottom of the photograph

Printed on photo quality paper

Can eyeglasses be worn?

Yes, if you wear them daily for medical reasons

Not if they cast a shadow, reflection or glare over your eyes. The frames should not cover your eyes

Not if they obscure your eyes in the photograph(unless you require dark glasses for medical reasons and can provide a doctor’s statement)

Can a head covering be worn?

Yes, if you wear it daily for religious reasons and it does not obscure your face

Not if it is not worn daily for religious reasons

Not if it obscures your face in the photograph

The photograph need not be taken by a professional photographer. A digital photograph is acceptable if it meets all the specifications

Quality

Your face must not be out of focus, shadowed, over-exposed or obscured. The photograph should accurately reproduce your natural skin tone

Do not digitally alter your facial features in the photograph

Photographing children

You can lay the baby on a white /off-white sheet , or place the baby in a car seat covered with a white/off-white sheet

No-one else should be visible in the photograph

A photo with the baby’s eyes open is preferable. However, you need not be concerned if it is not possible

You may attach your photograph to your application form with a paperclip

REMEMBER

It is your responsibility to ensure your photograph meets all the requirements

If your photograph does not meet the Department of State’s requirements, you will be required to submit a new photograph and the processing of your

passport application will be delayed

Your face looking straight ahead with your head centered in the photograph

Eyes open and mouth closed in a neutral expression or slight smile

Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance

White or off-white background

2 inches by 2 inches square (51mm by 51mm)

Your head should be between 1 inches and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35mm)

REMEMBER

It is not possible to change or update the photograph in a valid U.S. passport

It is understood that an individual’s appearance will change during the validity period of their passport, especially when they are children

If you are over 18 and remain concerned that your passport photograph no longer represents a good likeness of you, you will be

required to apply for a new passport

Visithttp://dld.bz/uspptphoto

for more information

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