U.S. Passport Photo FAQ

Passport photos that do not meet the requirements are a big reason why application forms are delayed. It is very important that applicants understand and abide by the regulations for acceptable passport pictures. If you have any questions about this subject, you can submit them below. Before you do that, you may want to look over the information provided on our web site about passport photo requirements

Our passport photo page will provide you with information about the number of photos required, dimensions, background color, pose, what can be worn and more. If you plan to take passport photos with a digital camera be sure to read the guide to digitalized passport photos. While you can save a few dollars by taking the pictures yourself, you want to guarantee that they are not rejected. The pages listed will provide you with a list of necessary equipments and some tips to help you make your own passport photos.

NOTE: Your question will only be answered if you request email notification on the thank you page that you will be sent to after making the submission. Your question will be answered and possibly posted as a new page on the website. Once the answer is posted, we will send you an email to notify you of the fact. You will receive no further emails from U.S. Passport Service Guide.

Have a Question about Passport Photos?

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Check Out the Passport Photo FAQ Below

See a question below that interests you? Just click the link to read the answer provided.

Can I change my passport photo even though my passport is still valid?  Question: When my passport was issued, I had short hair and weighed a few pounds more. The last time I crossed over the border from Canada, the customs ...

Do you have to pull your long hair behind your ears for the passport photo?  Question: I had my passport photo taken a few days ago and the person taking the picture instructed me to tuck my hair behind my ears. I was hesitant ...

Can I use passport photos with light green backgrounds?  Question: I took digital photos with a light green background. Is this okay?

Answer: The State Department requires all passport photos to have ...

Outdated Passport Pictures  Question: My son's passport is valid until August if this year but his photo is 5 years old and, at 16, the difference between then and now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....

Signing of new passport photos?  Question: Thought I was all ready to have branch post office mail my packet of information which includes following: filled out application form, check ...

Are two 4x5cm photos acceptable for my babies passport photos?  Question: We live in Italy and it's hard to find a photographer who will take 2x2 photos, so the photographer took 4x5 cm photos. Will they be excepted?...

Where can I take a passport photograph for my minor son in Columbus to be able to make his passport asap?  Question: I live in zip code area 43224 and I would like to apply for a passport for him asap.

Answer: Here are a couple of places where you can ...

How do I update my daughter's passport photos taken when she was very young?  Question: Does it matter that the photo on my daughter's passport has her "little girl" look and she is now in high school? What is the procedure to ...

Wanting an old picture on a German passport  Question: I have my grandpa and grandma passports when they came over from Germany but we are missing a picture of one of the children. Is there a way ...

Passport Photos for Name Change  Question: On the website page http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-name-change.html do you mean "UNLESS your passport was issued less ...

How do I get a biometric passport photo for my passport renewal ?  Question: Please tell me if you take the correct size photos for the UK passport, these are not the same as US passport photos and they have to be exact ...

renew passport because I am bald now and current photo has been questioned, but it is only 4 1/2 years old  Question: I don't know if you can renew a passport that is only 4 1/2 years old? I need to do it because I look very different since shaving my head ...

Can I get a new passport with a new picture if it's not about to expire?  Question: My last passport renewal was a rush and the picture is absolutely terrible. I am hoping I can apply for a new one with a better photo. Can ...

How do I affix my photos to the application for a passport book renewal?  Question: I am sending in my application on Monday January 25 via Federal Express at the end of the day and would like the answers to the questions above:...

Do I need new passport photo because I dyed my hair and let it grow long?  Question: My hair was white and very short on my passport photo. Now it is longer and dyed brown. Do I need a new photo?

Answer: You may get some ...

Do I need a new passport photo after losing over 40 pounds?  Question: My passport was issues 2 yrs. ago, and since that time I've lost more than 40 pounds on a successful weight-loss program. Do I need to have ...

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