PASSPORT PHOTOS / DO AND DON’T

Do!

Do follow the current U.S. Government guidelines for passport photographs as outlined on their website. There is nothing worse than submitting your passport application in anticipation of your travel experiences, then have it rejected due to an improper photograph. Here is the link. And in case you need it, here is the link for the full passport application and renewal page.

U.S. Passport photo History

According to Wikipedia, the first simple forms of passports were actually used during the Revolutionary War. These were basically a piece of paper with endorsements on them. Various forms and methods of travel documentation were tried, but we failed to incorporate a legal standard that would be recognized by all U.S states as well as travel in countries outside the United States. It wasn’t until 1941 that passports were required under U.S. law. And it wasn’t until 1952 that it became illegal to enter or exit the United States without a passport.

Just as the history of the passport itself is long and varied, so are the guidelines for passport photographs. Prior to passport photographs, distinguishing facial features were described as part of the passport documentation. Even when photos on passports started to be included in as early as 1914, there was no standardized style or guidelines.

Gradually, the U.S. Secretary of State has revised and updated the use of photographs. These changed as the need arose during wartime, and also were updated based on evolving technology.

to smile or not to smile – that is the question?

Sometime in the 1960’s the U. S. Government asked people applying for passports to be sure and have their photograph taken without a smile. Why? Well, it seems it’s easier for them to connect your photo to your face when going through check lines if you don’t have any facial expressions. Interesting? And even today, the photo guidelines state:

“Acceptable – The customer is directly facing the camera with a neutral expression. Eyes are clearly visible.”

“Acceptable – The customer’s full face is visible, and no shadows or clothing block the face.”

 “Photo tip: You may not wear hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical purposes.”

U.S. Passport Photos (state.gov)

Where do you get your passport photo?

When I needed to renew my passport a few months ago, I was surprised by how the process and photographs had changed. My previous passport photos had been done by an approved professional photographer. Now, I found myself back on google trying to find a location that offered passport photographs with a location in our very rural area. Here are a few choices for you to find a location near you.

• Pharmacies such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid
• Shipping offices such as UPS
• Some Post Offices

My big tip is to use Google to search for “passport photos near me”. Then, be sure and call to get information from the locations you are interested in. Do they require appointments, are they open, do they have staff and paper to complete the process? In my case, the only location in our little town to be listed was out of paper in their machine. I ended up driving 30 minutes away to the next town. Call first!

And always be aware of other businesses or scammers that will try to direct you to their sites for passport services and application processing. Never trust your sensitive personal details to anyone outside of the websites I’ve linked to in this article.

And one more thing

Ask for a few extra photographs. You can use them for other types of ID applications. I also recommend when you submit your photo and final application that you pay the extra fee to get the passport card as well. It’s small, and discrete, and in the U.S. is an acceptable form of proof of identity.

Where Am i going?

I will be using my new 2024 passport to travel to Portugal and Spain this summer. I’m have plans to walk the last 100 km of the El Camino de Santiago. I am so excited! Crossing that dream off my bucket list. So, tell me…Where is your passport taking you next?