Updated Passport Requirements: No Eyeglasses Allowed

Passport Photos No Longer Allowing Glasses

The U.S. Department of State has updated their passport photo requirement for applicants wearing glasses. Previously passport applicants could include their eyeglasses in their passport photo as long as there was no glare. As of November 1st, eyeglasses are NOT allowed for passport photos. This is a very important update for passport applicants as the passport photo is the #1 reason passport applications are delayed or denied.

Updated Passport Requirements: No Eyeglasses Allowed

The passport photo requirements are strictly enforced. Please make sure to review all the passport photo requirements prior to submitting your passport application.

• a recent color photo taken within the last six months, printed in color, on photo quality paper.
• 2”x2” in size (51mm x 51mm)
• Head size must be between 1 inch and 1 ⅜ inches.
• No smiles. You must have a neutral facial expression. Directly face the camera. No shadows on your face.
• Normal clothing. No uniforms, except for religious clothing worn daily.
• Background must be white or off-white in color.
• You cannot wear a hat or head covering. Nothing can cover your hair or hairline, unless you normally wear it daily for religious purposes.
• No headphones, sunglasses, or similar items can be worn.
• Prescription glasses are no longer permissible.
• Hearing devices worn daily may be included with medical certification.

If you are concerned about your passport photos, please visit a professional passport photo studio such as a passport agency, CVS, Walgreens, or local photo shop that specializes in passport photos. The U.S. Department of State provides a Passport Photo FAQ Page for additional information.

No Eyeglasses Allowed: Updated Passport Photo Compliance Rules

November 1st, 2016 is the date set for all passport applications submitted on that date and beyond to adhere to the updated passport photo requirements. Glasses are not allowed so please make sure you are not wearing eyeglasses in your passport photo. Your passport photo will be rejected if you wear glasses. You will receive a letter or notification by phone or email when your application is rejected or suspended. To ensure the fastest processing time for your passport application, familiarize yourself with all of the requirements for your passport photos and application forms.

Expediting your passport through a service like Fastport Passport will help ensure that your passport will be ready by your travel date. Fastport Passport can secure your passport as fast as 24 hours if necessary. Another benefit to expediting your passport through a trusted registered passport expeditor like Fastport Passport is that you will have a trusted professionals to review your documents and walk you through the process. If there are any issues with your passport photo or documents, Fastport Passport will work directly with you and the U.S. Department of State to process your documents on time, every time.

UPDATE: The newly released Passport Photo Creator mobile app now offers a revolutionary new way to get a compliant passport photo. Download the app today and take your own passport photo. The app will tell you with error alerts what you need to fix so you can re-take your passport photo until it’s perfect and compliant. The app integrates with over 8000 Walgreens locations so you can print your photo at your local Walgreens for pick up in less than an hour. Photo rejections are the #1 reason a passport application is denied. Don’t let your passport get delayed due to a bad photo. Use the Passport Photo Creator to take a picture perfect passport photo!

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Updated Passport Requirements: No Eyeglasses Allowed