Passport Photos

Providing a good photo may seem like a minor part of the process Atlanta residents follow to obtain or renew their passports. However, the U.S. State Department reports that incorrect passport photos are the number one reason that delays passport applications.

Approximately 250,000 passport photos each year are rejected each year. “Submitting a passport application with a bad photo will delay your application and could interfere with planned travel,” the State Department noted. A list of the most common photo mistakes can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/picture-perfect-passport.html. 

Facial recognition technology has influenced how passport photos are formatted in recent years. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is rolling out its new cloud-based facial biometric matching program. Cameras in U.S. airports take your photo when you check in, and again at the security gate. Those photos are then digitally compared to your passport photo.  If the photos match, you can speed you through security without physically showing your passport. 

However, the technology requires sharp, clear photos of your facial features that comply with international standards for facial recognition systems. (For example, your passport photo may be rejected if your smile is “too expressive” and your application will be delayed.) Even if you have created your own passport photos in the past, you should still review the current rules to make sure your new shots will comply.  

Atlanta area residents have numerous options for obtaining a picture-perfect photo that meets the State Department standards. They can have a friend or relative take their photo; visit a retail store that provides passport photo services; hire a professional photographer; or rely on an industry specialist such as Visa Supply to take your picture. 

Requirements for Passport Photos

Your passport application must be accompanied by a clear color photograph of your face taken within the last six months. The photo should be taken against a white or off-white background. No selfies are allowed: someone else must take your picture. 

While there are some variations for infants (as listed below), most of these rules apply to all adult and minor applicants:

  • Submit a high-resolution photo that is not grainy, blurry or pixilated.
  • The correct size of the photo is 2 inches by 2 inches (51x51 millimeters). Your head must be 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Don’t use social media-style filters or digitally alter the photo.
  • If you wear eyeglasses, take them off to provide a clear facial image. (This requirement added in 2016 to accommodate facial recognition.)
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open. Photos with facial expressions will be rejected, as they distort automated facial matching. 
  • Face the camera directly so your full face is shown.
  • Do not tilt your head.
  • Wear clothing you normally wear in your daily life. Do not wear uniforms, uniform-style outfits or camouflage clothing.
  • No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
  • Jewelry and facial piercings are allowed if they do not hide your face.
  • Print your photo on matte or glossy photo quality paper. 
  • Do not submit photos with creases, smudges or holes.

As a general rule, you are not allowed to wear hats or head coverings. If you need to cover your head for religious purposes, you must submit a signed statement verifying the covering is part of the traditional religious attire that you always wear in public. For those who must cover their heads for medical purposes, you will need to submit a signed doctor’s statement that you use the head covering daily for that reason. In both cases, your full face must be visible in the photo. The head covering cannot cast shadows on your face or obscure your hairline.

More details on passport photo rules are available from the State Department at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

How to Get Passport Photos

The easiest and least expensive way to obtain a passport photo is to have a friend or relative take your photo with your smartphone. They should stand about four feet away from you, and take a photo that complies with the requirements listed above. This allows your friend to take multiple images until you get one that works. Take the digital photo to a retail chain such as Walmart, Walgreens or CVS to print it. Then attach the photo to your passport application and submit.

There are a number of mobile apps available specifically for passport photos. For example, Walgreens (https://www.passportphotocreator.com) offers the Passport Photo Creator app, which takes a photo you can forward to your local store for printing within an hour. “The Passport Photo Creator utilizes state-of-the-art technology and facial detection software that will help you get a 100% government approved and compliant passport photo,” the company states.  A number of other apps are also available (https://fixthephoto.com/best-passport-photo-app.html) that check for government compliance, and forward your images to Walgreens, CVS or online sites such as Amazon for printing.

If you don’t want the hassle and risk of creating your own photos, you can visit a retail store that provides passport photo services. We have seen consistently favorable results from photos taken at Costco and FedEx stores. AAA members can visit their local office (https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/travel/passports-and-photos.aspx). Walgreens, CVS and the UPS Store also provide this service. 

You can also hire a professional photographer. For those who live or work on the Northside of Atlanta, we recommend Advanced Photo & Imaging https://www.advphoto.com, a portrait studio in Sandy Springs. Finally, you can come to Visa Supply, where we will take a compliant passport photo for $15. 

Infants’ Passport Photos

There are several additional requirements for infants’ photos. Like with older applicants’ photos, the baby should be facing the camera with no one else in the picture. “It is acceptable if the infant's eyes (particularly a newborn's) are not, or are not entirely, open,” the State Department noted on its website. However, some experts report they have had photos rejected if the baby’s eyes are closed, so submitting one with open eyes is a safer approach.

Since it can be challenging to keep a baby still in an unfamiliar setting, it may be easier to take the photo yourself. Take numerous high-resolution photos with your smartphone or digital camera until you get the best one. For best results:

  • Choose the time of day when your baby is likely to be alert and open their eyes.
  • Use a flat white background. A smooth sheet, receiving blanket, T-shirt, or poster board should work well. If the background is wrinkled or the material shows a textured pattern, the baby’s passport application will be rejected.
  • Dress the baby in a colorful outfit that stands out from the background. 
  • Take the photo from above. This avoids needing someone to hold the baby.
  • Make sure the baby is facing directly into the camera. As with adults, the head cannot be tilted or turned to the side (even slightly). 
  • Make sure there is plenty of light. Natural light is best. If you must use a flash, make sure there are no shadows on the face or around the head, and no red eyes.

You can also use a professional photographer with experience in passport photos and taking pictures of infants. For Atlanta area residents, we recommend making an appointment with Advanced Photo & Imaging. 

Visa Supply can also provide infant photos. Zana Sabre at Visa Supply has solid experience with taking passport photos of babies, but you should call our office to check his availability.