I Dread Posing for My Passport

The United States Department of State has issued a video with soundtrack on how to photograph for a passport photo.

Photo Tips

1. Submit one color photo, taken in last 6 months.
2. Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
3. Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
4. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
5. Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.

Resolution, Print Size, and Quality

• Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

• The correct size of a passport photo is:
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.

• Do not digitally change the photo.

• You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose and Expression

• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.

• Face the camera directly with full face in view.

• Note to parents of young children: we have sample photos in the Photo Examples section below with tips for submitting a baby's passport photo. We realize that an infant's pose and expression are challenging to maintain for a photo.

Attire

• You cannot wear glasses.
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.

• Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.

• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.

• You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
  • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover up part of your face.

• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.

Pretty extensive, huh? Well, my passport expires next January and as a rule one should get the passport renewed about six months before it expires. The passport costs $130!

I feel challenged by taking photos. My hairline is receded yet I grow my hair long. Do I droop it on my shoulders or do I pull it back in a pony tail. I can't wear a hat or head covering, but I can wear a wig. Maybe I could get one that covers the front. Should I have a full beard or a goatee. I never want to be clean shaven because I have a double chin.

And should I dress? Suit and tie are often acceptable; it's only a face shot anyway and sometimes it's more of a head shot than anything else.

More importantly, what about my weight. I'm about 20 pounds overweight. Does it affect the way my face looks. It does/has. I'm not going to go on a crash diet just to take a photograph. Maybe I should opt to stay in America for the rest of my life!