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Introduction: Obtaining a US passport is an essential step for international travel, and one crucial aspect of the application process is providing the correct passport photo. The United States Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos to ensure consistency and accuracy. This article will outline the US passport photo requirements for adults and children separately, so you can confidently prepare your passport application.
US Passport Photo Requirements for Adults:
Photo Size and Quality:-
- The passport photo should be 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) in size.
- The photo must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Appearance and Pose:
- The photo should feature a clear, front-facing view of the applicant’s full face.
- The head must be centered within the frame, and the face should occupy 50–69% of the photo’s total height.
- The applicant should maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open.
- Hats, head coverings, and non-prescription glasses should be removed unless they are worn daily for religious purposes.
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, and similar items should not be worn in the photo.
Lighting, Background, and Resolution:
- The photo should have even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.
- The background should be plain white or off-white.
- The photo must be high-resolution, with a minimum of 600 pixels per inch (dpi).
Clothing and Accessories:
- The applicant should wear regular clothing, without uniforms or camouflage patterns.
- Dark-colored shirts or tops are recommended to provide contrast with the background.
- Large jewelry or accessories that obstruct the face should be avoided.
Chin to top of hair is from 1″ (dotted line) to 1 3/8″ (solid line) on passport photo.
US Passport Photo Requirements for Children:
Photo Size and Quality:
- The photo size for children is the same as for adults: 2×2 inches (5×5 cm).
- The photo must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
Appearance and Pose:
- Similar to adults, the child’s face should be fully visible and centered within the frame.
- Children under the age of six do not need to have a neutral facial expression or have their eyes open. However, the eyes must be visible and not covered by hair or any other objects.
- Parents or guardians should not be visible in the photo or supporting the child.
Lighting, Background, and Resolution:
- The lighting and background requirements for children are the same as for adults.
- The photo must also have a minimum resolution of 600 dpi.
Clothing and Accessories:
- It is recommended to dress children in normal, everyday clothing.
- Children should not wear head coverings or hats unless they are worn daily for religious purposes.
- The child’s face should be clearly visible, and no objects, such as pacifiers or toys, should obstruct the face.
Conclusion: Meeting the US passport photo requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth passport application process. Whether you are an adult or preparing a passport photo for a child, following the United States Department of State guidelines is essential. Adhering to these requirements regarding photo size, appearance, pose, lighting, background, and clothing will increase your chances of obtaining a valid passport and being well-prepared for your international travels.
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