When applying for a passport, you are required to submit a picture that meets the standards set by the Department of State. If you are over 16 years old at the time of application, you are issued with a passport that is valid for 10 years.
If an individual is less than 15 years old during the application and uses a child passport photo, they ought to have their passport renewed every five years until they are over 16 years old. As an adult, you will be obligated to present new passport pictures that are less than six months old during renewal.
Although you do not have to replace the passport picture on your passport until you have to renew it, some circumstances require you to change the photograph. According to the US Department of State, you need to get new passport photos if your appearance has changed drastically since you acquired the passport.
Some of the changes include:
If you have made a gender transition
When someone has a sex change, they take hormonal medication that alters their facial appearance. Anyone that has undergone gender transition should visit the passport office to update their passport photos and personal details.
Facial surgery
When someone undergoes a radical facial surgery, it extensively alters their appearance. Such people are supposed to visit the passport office in the Department of State to change their passport pictures.
Introduction or removal of prominent marks on their face
If you had a plain face when applying for the passport and you choose to have a facial tattoo a few years down the line, you will be required to change the picture on the passport. The same case applies to someone that has facial piercings that have either been introduced or surgically removed.
Drastic gain or loss of weight
If you add or lose a lot of weight that alters your appearance, you will have to visit the nearest passport office for a change of photo.
If you take note of the above points, you will not be detained at the airport the next time you choose to travel.
