How To Look Great in Your New Passport Photo

Like driver’s license pictures, passport photos are known for not showing people at their best.  Once you get a new passport, you’re probably going to be stuck with your passport photo for the next 10 years. If you’re the type of person who will be constantly embarrassed by a bad passport photo, these tips will help you take a better picture for your new passport:

1. Go for a “classic” look: 10 years is a long time. Today’s trends are tomorrow’s embarrassments, so keep your clothes and hair subdued and low-key for your new passport photo.
2. Get enough sleep the night before-you don’t want to look look like a deranged mental patient, do you?
3. Shiny skin is your enemy. For women: translucent powder is your friend. For men: wash your face well before you go in for your photo. If all else fails, borrow your wife or girlfriends’ powder when she isn’t looking!
4. No hats or headgear, and no dark sunglasses unless you need them for medical reasons. As of November 1st, 2016, you are no longer allowed to wear glasses in your passport photo.
5. When you get a new passport photo taken, you can make your face look slightly thinner by lifting your head up slightly. However, the government requires you to look straight at the camera-don’t tilt your head to the side.
6. If you’re female, wear a full face of natural makeup, but don’t overdo it.
7. Try to look happy for your photo-think about all the fun you’ll have on your trip. A natural, happy, relaxed expression looks better than a fake smile.

Also, make sure to review these guidelines for acceptable passport photos to make sure your new passport application doesn’t get delayed!

Passport Editorial

Passport Editorial represents the combined expertise of RushMyPassport's passport advisors, operations team, and travel documentation specialists. With hands-on experience assisting thousands of U.S. citizens with their passport applications, our team writes and reviews content to ensure accuracy, practical guidance, and up-to-date information — because when your travel is on the line, you need advice from people who do this every day.

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