FZ Passport FAQs
Photo Requirements
How many photos must I submit with my passport application?
You must submit one photo with your passport application.
What type of paper should I print my photos on?
Photos must be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
Do my photos have to be in color?
Yes, the photos must be in color. Black and white photos will not be accepted.
How recent must my photos be?
Your photos must have been taken within 6 months of submitting your application and reflect your current appearance.
What size must my photos be?
The photo must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
What pose should I be in for my photo?
You must directly face the camera. Profile shots will not be accepted. Your expression should be neutral with both eyes open and directly facing the camera. Photos with unusual expressions and squinting will not be accepted
How large should my head be in the photo?
Your head should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair. If you are submitting a digital image, then your head should be between 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the top of the head, including the hair, to the bottom of the chin.
Can eyeglasses be worn for the photo?
Eyeglasses worn on a daily basis can be worn for the photo. However, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.
Can I wear sunglasses or tinted glasses in my photo?
You may only wear prescription glasses that have dark or tinted lenses if you need to wear them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required to verify prescription eyewear.
Can I wear a hat for the photo?
You may only wear a hat or head covering if you wear it daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be visible and your head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
Can I wear a uniform in my photo?
Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and camouflage attire should not be worn in photos except in the case of religious attire that is worn daily.
Can a parent or guardian appear in the photo of a child?
No, the child must be the only person in the photo. Nothing used to support the child should be in the camera’s frame, including the arms or hands of a parent holding the child.
Is it acceptable for my child’s eyes to be closed in his or her photo?
It is acceptable if an infant’s eyes, particularly a newborn’s, are not, or are not entirely, open. All other children must have their eyes open and looking straight ahead towards the camera.
What’s the best way to take a photo of a baby or toddler?
When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo, and your child should be looking at the camera with his or her eyes open.
| Tip 1: | Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. This will ensure your baby’s head is supported and provide a plain background for the photo. Make certain there are no shadows on your baby’s face, especially if you take a picture from above with the baby lying down. |
| Tip 2: | Cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and take a picture of your child in the car seat. This will also ensure your baby’s head is supported. |
Can I use a digital camera to take my passport photo?
Yes, you can use a digital camera. Most webcams and mobile phones cannot provide images of sufficient quality.
Can I remove the red-eye from my photo?
It is acceptable to use the red-eye reduction option on your digital camera when you are taking the photo. However, you cannot use any photo editing tool to digitally remove the red-eye from your photo. In general, you are not allowed to digitally enhance or alter the photo to change your appearance in any way.
Are photos that are copied from recent driver licenses or other official documents acceptable?
Copied or digitally scanned photos of official documents will not be accepted. In addition, photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way.
Are snapshots, magazine photos, mobile device photos, or photos from vending machines acceptable?
No. Snapshots, magazine photos, low-resolution vending machine photos, mobile device photos, or full-length photographs are not acceptable.
Do I need to take a new photo if my appearance has changed?
New photos are only required if your appearance has significantly changed from what is in your photo. Growing a beard or coloring your hair would not constitute a significant change. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, you do not need to apply for a new passport.
You may have to apply for a new passport if you have:
- Undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
- Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
- Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain
- Made a gender transition
If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, you do not need to apply for a new passport for him or her.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Yes. Although we do prefer a neutral facial expression, a natural (unexaggerated) smile is acceptable in passport photos.