It’s already March, and spring and summer will be here before we know it. If you’re making plans to travel internationally this year, you’ll need a passport, which means you’ll need passport photos for new and renewal passport applications. We recently did a Q&A session with the passport photo experts at PostalAnnex, and they shared with us the U.S. Department of State’s answers to some common questions:
Q: I’m going to be traveling internationally, and I have young children. Do they need passports too?
- Yes, every child, including babies, needs to have a valid passport if they are traveling internationally.
Q: I’ve changed my hair color since my passport photo was taken. Do I need a new photo?
- The rule of thumb is you do not need a new passport photo if you can still be identified from your current photo. New photos are only required if your appearance has changed significantly; some examples include:
- Undergoing significant facial surgery or trauma
- Adding or removing numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
- Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight
- Making a gender transition
Q: I heard that you can’t smile in passport photos. Is that true?
- No. The government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression, but a normal smile is fine.
Q: Is there anything I’m not supposed to wear?
- Your passport photo needs to be a clear head shot, so the State Department advises people to avoid clothing that obscures their faces, like scarves and hats. They will allow head coverings only if you wear it daily for religious purposes. However, your face must still be fully visible, and your head covering cannot hide your hairline or cast shadows on your face. In addition, uniforms should not be worn unless it is religious attire you wear daily.
Q: What about my glasses?
- If you wear eyeglasses on a daily basis, then you may wear them in your passport photo. The person taking your photos will make sure there isn’t a glare that obscures your eyes.
Q: I want to look nice in my passport photos. Am I able to have my pictures touched up?
- In general, you are not allowed to digitally enhance or alter the photo to change your appearance in any way.
Q: How many photos do I need to take?
- You only need to submit one photo with your passport application. However, some countries also require visas, so it’s helpful to have extra photos on hand.
If you are getting a new passport or renewing your current one, you’ll need new photos. To make sure your photos come out right the first time, head to the nearest PostalAnnex location where the experts can quickly take your passport pictures. Some locations even offer expedited passport services, so if you need a passport fast, call the PostalAnnex location nearest you for assistance.
Source: U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs
