Nowadays, we can take passport photos even without going to studios with the help of a camera & tripod or smartphone & a buddy to take the photo.
But, what many of us don’t know are the ideal passport photo requirements to meet the government standards
Many of the real life Incidents and stories reveal that your passport applications may be denied due to passport photos that don’t meet the government requirements.
To prevent this from happening there are several passport photo requirements, you need to consider while taking a passport photo.
Here are some of the passport photo requirements you need to focus on for easy approval of your passport.
Table of Contents
Passport Photo Requirements
To create more value to our readers. We have designed an Infographic titled “Passport photo requirements, you need to know about”.
According to this, It represents some of the most common mistakes that we make while taking and editing a passport photo more simply.
To find out more, check out the infographic below.
1. The Costume
While taking a passport photo we should only wear normal clothes which we wear daily uniforms aren’t allowed, religious clothing if normally worn daily is permitted.
2. Wearing a Shade/Glasses
Glasses are no longer allowed in passport photos, as they tend to glare on camera.
However, you can wear them if you wear them for a medical condition, but have to submit a signed statement from a medical professional in your passport application.
3. Wrong Background & No Shadows
You may think what’s with a background?
But they also have some set of rules, they are
The background should be plain white, off white with the head at the center of the frame.
The photo should be colored (i.e. No black & white photo) and there shouldn’t be any shadows or glare on the face and in the background.
4. Something on Your Head
It is prohibited to wear a hat or any kind of headwear that obscures part of your face or hairline on a passport photo.
But, if it is part of your religious attire like a turban or headscarf you can wear them, Even then, your face must be visible from your hairline to your chin and from the front of one ear to the front of the other.
5. Head Area is Too Small
For a passport photo to be considered eligible, it must be 2×2 inches (for India, U.S) and your head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch (22mm and 35mm) or 50% and 79% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
6. Smiling Too Much
Though smiling is encouraged for every regular snap we take, but it is not encouraged in a passport photo.
The subject for a passport photo must have a neutral look with both eyes opened, in other words, save those funny faces for selfies.
7. Passport Photo is Too Old
Any passport photo submitted with an application must have been taken within the past 6 months to reflect the current appearance.
8. Size of The Photo
Different government and public organizations expect passport photos of different sizes based on their purpose this can range from 1 inch to 3 inches, make sure you Comply with the photo dimensions expected by the organization.
Conclusion
These are the 8 mandatory passport photo requirements that everyone needs to know about. Check for these requirements to prevent denial of your passport applications.
Moreover, the size of the passport photo may differ from country to country based on their preferences and for different organizations.
Hope this article clears your doubt and educates you about the mandatory requirements of a passport photo in detail.
