How to Get a Passport Photo

September was “Passport Awareness Month” and the Bureau of Consular Affairs compiled some excellent information for this occasion, encouraging all Americans to get their passports. The first step to getting your passport is your passport photo. This post will help you understand how to get a passport photo without any issues.

Passport Photo Rules & Regulations

Getting your passport can be a stressful and confusing responsibility, especially if you already have travel plans. If you have an upcoming trip, you can’t risk having any issues with your passport application. The number one reason for passport application rejections is due to the passport photo. Over 250,000 applications last year had issues with their passport photos. Make sure you understand the passport photo rules prior to taking your passport photo.

US Passport standards require the following:

• two copies of an identical photo
• recent photo taken within last 6 months
• 2” x 2” square
• white background
• 1”-1 ⅜” from top of head to bottom of chin
• photo quality paper
• color photo
• skin tone must be accurate match
• look straight into the camera
• neutral expression, no smile
• body facing forward
• dress how you normally dress, so no uniforms
• only religious attire you wear every day is acceptable

Common Reasons For Passport Photo Rejection

There are a few reasons your photo will be rejected,. While some are common sense, most other reasons for passport photo rejections are technical. Which is why we recommend taking this task to a professional who does it every day and is well aware of the acceptable standards. Keep these points in mind for your own passport photo:

• blurry images are not accepted
• any shadows on face not acceptable
• photo no more than 6 months old
• photo MUST BE taken with white background
• DO NOT wear your glasses or sunglasses (even if you wear them all the time)
• DO NOT wear any uniform or any costume
• DO NOT wear headphones
• DO NOT wear a hat or head covering (Religious head coverings accepted)
• Photos must be the correct size 2”x2”
• person must be framed properly within the photo

How to Get the Perfect Passport Photo

The best way to ensure your photo is accepted is to have it taken at one of the many nationwide professionals that offer passport photos as an everyday service. There are a number of companies that offer passport services like Walgreen’s, Costco, and UPS.  There is even a mobile app that uses biometric facial recognition technology that is set to the U.S. Department of State passport photo requirements. This free app is called the Passport Photo Creator and you can use it to take as many passport photos as you’d like until you are satisfied with your passport photo and it meets the Passport Agency requirements. Once you have your perfect passport photo, you can print it at any Walgreens of your choice. You only pay for the photo when you pick it up at Walgreens. We highly recommend making sure you have a perfect passport photo. Your trip may depend on it!

Passport Processing Times

Routine passport processing can take 4-6 weeks or longer. If your photo is rejected, then your passport application will be delayed or suspended. Make sure you take your time gathering the required documents. If you’re traveling soon and need your passport faster than the post office, Express Passport will provide you with fast, friendly service and get your passport in as little as 24 hours.

Express Passport offers you specialized, front of the line passport services right to your door. The last thing you need after all of the time expense & effort you put in, compiling your personal documents- is having your passport rejected due to a technicality! We provide you with all the details and support  you need to get your own passport. We offer expedited services if you need your passport in a hurry-as little as 24 hours!

The number one reason more than 250,000 passport applications were rejected last year, was because the photo was rejected. Express Passport will help you make sure you have all of your documents prepared correctly so you get your passport on time every time.