What is the expert’ choice, US Passport Photo Glossy or Matte, which is best?

Are you looking for the new passport photo guidelines? Do not worry the answer to your question is right here.

The guidelines for passport photographs in the United States have changed. If your photo has glasses on your unexpired US passport, don’t worry. For a single photo issue, you do not need to renew your passport.

Though, the next time you renew your passport, you will need to take off your glasses to satisfy the latest photo standards of the State Department.

Your photo is a significant element of your passport application. You have to staple your photo in your passport renewal application. The approval of your photo is at the discretion of the US Passport Office. Incorrect passport photos may cause your application delayed.

The passport photo specifications, as of the most recent update, are provided below. Please refer to the points before taking the photo and ensure that your photos adhere to the guidelines.

• Photo must be in color.
• 2 x 2 (51 x 51 mm) inches in size.
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance.
• Full face, front view with 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: Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hair line.
• If you normally wear a hearing device, wig, or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
• Starting November 1, 2016, eyeglasses will no longer be allowed in passport photos.
• Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
• Articles worn for religious or medical reasons should be accompanied by a statement to that effect.

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Detailed descriptions of the above points are provided below; please refer to them for better understanding.

Do my pictures need to be in color?

Indeed, the pictures have to be in color. Neither black nor white images are allowed. Take your photo against a plain white or off-white backdrop.

What size should my photos be?

The photograph must be precisely inches of 2 x 2 (51 x 51 mm). Incorrect photo size may cause your application delayed or rejected.

Should Passport Photos be Matte or Glossy?                                          

You must print the passport photo glossy or matte paper. The photograph must have been taken during the last six months.

How recent will my pictures have to be?

You have to staple your recent photo with your passport renewal application. As per State Department guidelines, photos taken within the past six months are good. And keep in mind photo should show the current appearance.

Which pose do I have in for my photograph?

Your photograph must be a clear shot of your entire face focused horizontally on the frame. Don’t staple the photos with profile shots or that are not in focus.

Keep both eyes open, squarely facing the camera, and your face in neutral. The passport acceptance office will reject your application if your photo is in unusual expression and squinting pose.

How high should my head be in the picture?

Your head will be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair (between 25 and 35 mm). Confirm that your eye height is between 1 1/8 inch and 1 3/8 inch (28 mm – 35 mm) from the bottom of the image.

In Case of Digital Image:

If you’re submitting a digital image, your head should be between 50% to 69% of the image’s total height. This includes hair from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin.

The eye height should be between 56% to 69% of the image’s height (measured from the bottom of the image to the level of the eyes).

The pixel dimensions of an image must have a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width). Pixels of 600 x 600 are the minimum appropriate dimensions. And 1200 x 1200 pixels are the maximum appropriate dimensions (height).

Can I wear eyeglasses for a photograph?

Eyeglasses are no longer permitted in new visa photos as of November 1, 2016. There is an exception available for medical reasons. If you have a valid medical condition, you can wear eyeglasses in photos. For example, if someone who had eye surgery recently and needs eyeglasses to protect the eyes.

In these cases, you need to submit a medical declaration signed by a physician/health professional. Even though you are allowed to wear eyeglasses, you need to follow specific guidelines.

1. Your eyeglass frames should not cover your eye(s).
2. There should be no glare on eyeglasses that obscures vision(s).
3. There should be no shadows or refraction from your eyeglasses that obscure the vision(s).

May I wear tinted glasses or sunglasses for my photo?

You cannot take your picture with shades or tinted glasses unless there is a medical reason. While taking the photo, you can wear prescription glasses that have dark-colored tinted lenses.

But again, you need to submit a medical certificate to verify prescription eyewear.

You cannot wear any glasses with dark or tinted lenses for your photo if you apply for a US visa.

May I wear a hat for the picture?

No. You must remove hats or headcovers that hide your hair or hairline unless you are wearing them for religious reasons. Your whole face must be clear, and no shadows should be cast on your face by the headcover.

May I wear a uniform in the picture?

You should not wear Uniforms, uniform-looking clothing, and camouflage apparel on photos. You can wear everyday religious attire on photos. A statement to that effect should accompany articles worn for religious or medical reasons. And in the picture, you should wear regular clothes that you wear daily.

Should I wear extra items like a wig or a hearing device in the photo?

Yes, you can wear extra items like a hearing device, wig, or similar articles in your passport. But these are allowed if you are wearing them daily.

Will a parent or guardian turn up on a child’s picture?

No, the single person in the photo must be the child. None used to help the child should be inside the camera frame, including a parent holding the child’s arms or hands.

Is it appropriate to close my child’s eyes on his / her photo?

No. Always keep your child’s eyes open and face the camera straight ahead.

What’s the best and easy way to get a photo of a child?

Place your baby on a simple white or off-white sheet on its back. This will ensure support for your baby’s head and give the photo a plain background. Ensure your baby doesn’t have shadows on its face, mainly if you take a picture of the baby lying down from above. You may also use a simple white or off-white sheet to cover a car seat and take a child’s picture in the car seat. It will also protect your baby’s eyes.
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May I delete my photo’s red-eye?

Using the choice Red-eye reduction on your digital camera when taking a picture is appropriate. However, you can’t use any photo editing tool to remove the red-eye from your photograph digitally. Typically speaking, you are not allowed to update or modify the photo digitally to adjust your appearance in any way.

Are images copied from recently issued driver licenses or other official documents acceptable?

We do not accept copied or digitally scanned images of official documents. Furthermore, pictures do not need to be digitally enhanced or changed to alter your look in any way.
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Are snapshots, magazine images, smartphone pictures, or vending machine photographs appropriate?

No. Snapshots, images of a magazine, low-resolution vending machine or pictures of a cell phone, or full-length photographs are not appropriate.

Will I take a new picture if I color my hair recently or grow a beard?

If your hair color and beard are not showing any significant change, you don’t have to take a new photo. If there is a considerable change in the appearance, then you need a fresh picture.

Moreover, if you can still be identified from the picture in your current passport or visa application, you do not need to apply for a new passport or submit a new photo for your visa application.

However, have to apply for a new passport or request a new photo to apply for a visa if you have:

1. Major facial surgery or trauma
2. Numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos.
3. Undergone significant amount of weight gain or loss.
4. Got a new gender identity.

The acceptance of your photo is always at the discretion of the US passport service. If you are applying for a visa, then the discretion is under the US embassy or consulate.

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