In today’s digital age, passports are a necessary item for anyone looking to travel internationally. One crucial requirement for obtaining a passport is providing the appropriate documents, including a passport photo. But how many pictures do you actually need for a passport?
According to the guidelines set by the United States Department of State, when applying for a passport, you are required to submit one photo along with your application. This passport photo must meet specific criteria to be accepted, including being in color, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, and sized at 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with a head size of 1 – 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the chin to the top of the head.
In addition to these requirements, the photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background, with the applicant facing the camera directly and maintaining a neutral facial expression. Hats, head coverings, and glasses are not allowed unless they are worn for religious purposes, in which case they must not obscure any part of the face.
While only one photo is required for a passport application, it is always a good idea to have extras on hand in case they are needed for other travel documents or visa applications. In some cases, you may also need additional copies of your passport photo for things like international driver’s licenses, student ID cards, or even employment applications.
It is crucial to follow the guidelines for passport photos closely to ensure that your application is not delayed or rejected. Failure to provide a suitable photo could result in delays in processing your application, which could affect your travel plans.
In addition to the number of photos needed, it is also essential to consider the quality of the photos. A blurry or poorly lit photo may not meet the requirements for a passport and could be rejected. To ensure that your photos meet the necessary criteria, it is recommended to have them taken professionally at a passport photo service or a local photography studio.
Passport photos can also be taken at some post offices, as well as at certain drug stores, photo studios, and shipping centers. These services typically offer passport photo packages that include multiple copies of your photo, making it easy to have extras on hand for future use.
Overall, when applying for a passport, you only need one photo to submit with your application. However, it is always a good idea to have extras on hand for other travel documents or visa applications. By following the guidelines for passport photos closely and ensuring that your photos meet the necessary criteria, you can avoid delays in processing your application and ensure that your travel plans go smoothly.
