The U.S. passport photo guidelines have changed. Beginning November 1st, 2016, clients applying for their U.S. passport or renewing their U.S. passport must remove glasses for their photo.

If the photo of you in your unexpired U.S. passport has glasses, don't worry about it. You don't have to renew your passport now.  Next time you renew your passport though, you'll have to take your glasses off to comply with the new Department of State photo requirements.

*If you must wear eye glasses for medical reasons, you'll need to obtain and submit a signed statement with your U.S. passport application from a medical professional or health practitioner.

Passport Photo

Your passport photographs must be:

• Photo must be in color.
• 2 x 2 (51 x 51 mm) inches in size.
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance.
• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Taken in normal street attire: Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hair line.
• If you normally wear a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
• Starting November 1, 2016, eye glasses will no longer be allowed in passport photos.
• Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
• Articles worn for religious or medical reasons should be accompanied by a statement to that effect.

Additional Resource:  Conde Nast Traveler