What Do I Do If I Have Glasses in My Passport Photo?

As of November 1, 2016, passport photos are not longer compliant if you are wearing glasses. The glasses passport photo topic has been recently pushed by the U.S. Department of State. All passport photos submitted after November 1st, 2016 should have the photo taken without glasses. This decision was the result of over 200,000 passport photos being denied due to non-compliant photos. The U.S. Department of State decided this new rule would lower that number of rejected photos since glasses can cast a shadow on the subjects face and obstruct the details in the face or even minorly change the overall look of the subject.

Nothing. If your passport was officially issued prior to November 1, 2016, then you do not need to be concerned with this law. However, it is good to be aware of it in case you get stopped at a border control.

It is true that your passport photo must change if your appearance changes. However growing facial hair, coloring your hair, and whether you are wearing glasses or not does not require you to change your photo. In cases of a gender change, extreme weight loss or gain, or having undergone significant facial surgery or trauma are the times that this is a necessity.

If you prefer to get a photograph of yourself that you like for your passport it is now easier than ever. Instead of going to a place to take your photo, you can now download the Passport Photo Creator mobile app for free on your iOS or Android device. Our revolutionary new technology allows you to take a photo that ensures you meet all the requirements as well as one that you will like. With step-by-step instructions as you use the app, you can have a passport photo that no longer looks like a mug shot. Download it today for the perfect passport photo!