Outdated Passport Pictures

by Janelle
( Seattle, Washington, United States)

Question: My son's passport is valid until August if this year but his photo is 5 years old and, at 16, the difference between then and now is significant. When traveling on an exchange program to Germany two years ago, German Officials questioned him regarding the validity of his photo.

Now, as we preparer to travel to Mexico next month and The Bahamas in April, I'm concerned we'll encounter trouble.

I have been unable to get this concern addressed via FAQs on web pages. Can you advise?

Answer: If your son was questioned about his passport photo two years ago, there is a good chance that border agents in the Bahamas and in Mexico could do the same.

There is no way to update a passport photo other than apply for a new passport. Since your son's passport will expire this year, you may want to do this even though he will lose some of the remaining validity.

Since your son is 16, parents are not required to appear with him. Also, his new passport will be valid for 10 years. If you prefer to go this route, click the link below for a complete list of requirements.

New Passport Requirements

One suggestion, if you prefer to wait, is to carry some photos of your son taken from the time he received his passport until now.