Passport Photos


Those preparing to embark on a voyage abroad are going to need to apply for a passport if they don’t already have one or are in need of a renewal! Luckily, Texas Passports makes acquiring a passport in Houston much simpler than it otherwise might be. It’s important to keep in mind that the passport application requires a passport photo that must adhere to very specific guidelines. Texas Passports can assist you with your passport photo, but it’s good to know ahead of time what’s expected of you.

When you pose for your photo, you must be facing the camera directly and have your entire face in sight. Side profiles are not allowed and your face must not be obstructed. You must hold a neutral expression or give a natural smile, looking exactly as you would when encountered on the street. No forced or silly expressions will be accepted and both of your eyes must be open. Infants’ eyes may be closed or partially closed, but children should otherwise have their eyes entirely open. You may not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, and even prescription glasses should be removed for your photo. If they are unable to be removed due to medical reasons, you must include a signed statement from your doctor with your application.

passport photos Houston

Similarly, no hats, headscarves, or hoods are permitted unless the headwear is worn for religious or medical purposes. For religious headwear, a statement verifying that it is customarily worn or required to be worn in public continuously as part of a recognized tradition must be included. Headwear worn for medical reasons must include a signed statement from a doctor. No headwear may cast shadows upon your face or obscure any part of your head or face, including your hairline. You may also not wear headphones or wireless devices. Normal, everyday clothing is expected, and no uniforms or articles of clothing that resemble uniforms are allowed. Camouflage print is not permitted. Jewelry that does not obscure the face is perfectly acceptable.

Passport Services in Houston

Passport Photos Service in Houston

Passport Photos Service in Houston
Physical changes will not lead to a need for an updated passport photo if you are still recognizable from your original photo. If surgery, changes in weight, or a number of piercings or tattoos have drastically changed your appearance, you may need to apply for a new passport. Children’s natural aging process will not require them to apply for a new document.

The simplest way to capture a baby’s passport photo is to lay them on top of a white sheet or cover their car seat with a plain white backdrop. Photos of children need to adhere to the same guidelines as those of adults do, so they should be free of shadows, unnatural expressions, and obstructions. There should not be anybody else visible in the child’s passport photo.

The background for all passport photos should be solid white or off-white with no lines, patterns, or shadows. All photos must be in color and need to have proper exposure that shows your skin tone accurately. Your head should be in the center of the photo and the print should be two inches by two inches. This means your head should be between one inch and 1.4 inches. If your head is too small, it may be more difficult to identify you, and close-ups can distort your appearance, so it’s important to properly center yourself. There should not be any visible printer dots or pixels on the image and the photo should not be blurry.

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