A spontaneous trip abroad can become a headache when you aren’t prepared with an up-to-date passport. If it is your first time applying for a passport, the transaction might seem overwhelming. Relax. We are here to help. Obtaining a passport can be a simple process. The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs sets forth the passport application criteria. Requirements include evidence of citizenship, a government-issued photograph identification, the application document, and a passport photo.
The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that you apply for your passport six weeks in advance of your trip. There are a few options that will determine the processing time for your passport. Expedited processing and delivering can take anywhere from eight days to several months. The standard processing is four to five weeks.
Unapproved passport photos can add a significant delay to receiving your passport. The most challenging element for most passport applications tends to be the passport photo. The passport agency has specific criteria regarding acceptable passport pictures. To avoid a delay in processing your passport application, be confident that your passport pictures meet the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs standards.
Acceptable passport photos meet these requirements:
– Passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches
– The size between the top of the head and chin must be 25mm to 35mm (pictures taken too far away or too close up will not meet the requirements)
– Passport photos must be taken within the past six months. The photograph should reflect your current appearance.
– Do not wear accessories on your head or face. No glasses, hats, or headgear is acceptable in a passport photo.
– If glasses are a requirement for medical reasons, your application must include a signed medical note from your doctor
– Headgear is not acceptable, this includes hats, head coverings, headphones and wireless hands-free devices. The only exception to head coverings in passport photos is in the event that they are normally worn for religious purposes and you wear them on a daily basis.
– Your face should show a neutral expression. Do not exaggerate a smile. Be sure that both eyes are open.
– The passport photo must not show shadows on your face
– Wear clothes that you would wear on a normal basis
– The passport picture must be in color
To avoid delays in your passport application, trust Paspic to ensure your passport photos meet the government’s regulations.
