In most cases, wearing glasses in a passport photo is not permitted. Glasses can create glare and shadows, making it hard to see your face clearly in the picture. This can delay the processing of your passport application.
In 2016, the U.S. Department of State launched the No Eyeglasses Policy to establish consistent rules for passport pictures. Before the No Eyeglasses Policy went into effect, hundreds of thousands of passport applications were delayed because people submitted photos that weren’t compliant with the passport photo specs.
Wearing glasses in a passport photo may be allowed in certain circumstances, such as urgent medical situations. For example, this may be allowed if you recently had eye surgery and need glasses to protect your eyes, and you plan to travel in the immediate future.
If you have a medical reason to keep your glasses on for your passport photo, you must have a statement signed by your doctor explaining why you need to wear them and include it with your passport application. If you don’t have the statement, you will have to remove your glasses for the picture.
In the event you are allowed to wear glasses in your passport photo, certain guidelines must be followed:
You can’t wear sunglasses in a passport photo. However, if your prescription glasses have dark or tinted lenses, you can wear them if they are medically necessary. You may need to provide a signed statement from your doctor, so it’s a good idea to get one just in case.
The rules for kids who wear glasses are the same as for adults. They can’t wear glasses in their passport photo unless they have a signed statement from their doctor explaining that they need to keep their glasses on for medical reasons. The glasses requirements regarding the frame, glare, shadows, and refraction are also the same.
Certain requirements must be met for passport photo approval. You can help ensure your picture will be accepted with your application by following these passport photo specs:
In addition to the No Glasses Policy, there are some other guidelines to keep in mind when getting a passport photo:
Passport pictures can be taken at an acceptance facility. This is a local government office authorized to receive passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Examples of these facilities include clerks of court offices, public libraries, and post offices.
Many drugstores, stores that provide mailing and shipping services, and big box retailers also offer passport photo services. They typically know the passport photo specs and can often print your pictures while you wait.
Whether you’re required to remove them or not, you can find high-quality prescription glasses for men, women, and kids at FramesDirect. We also offer authentic designer sunglasses available with and without prescription lenses. Shop our wide selection of eyewear to keep your vision clear and your eyes protected everywhere your travels take you.