Year: 2018

42% of Americans hold a passport book, the kind with your identification portion and the pages to stamp and 60% of American does not know if a passport book or passport card is good for internetional traveling.

In 2008, the United States government introduced a passport card, which can be used to travel to some countries. This has, unsurprisingly, caused a lot of confusion for individuals who are getting ready to travel.

Knowing whether you need a passport book or a passport card is relatively simple and can be explained in just a few simple steps.

So which do you need for your upcoming trip? Read on to find out.

Do I Need a Passport Book or Passport Card for My International Vacation?

It all depends on where you’re going.

With a passport book, you can enter over 170 countries without the need for a visa. With a passport card, there are many more restrictions.

The passport card cannot be used for air travel, no matter if the country you’re going to accepts the passport card. As a rule of thumb, if you’re going to take an airplane, always bring your passport book.

You can only use your passport card by air for domestic travel or when you travel by land or sea.

Which Countries Accept the Passport Card in Lieu of the Passport Book?

If you’re traveling by land or by sea to Mexico, Bermuda or Canada, your passport card will be valid for entry. You won’t need further documentation to enter via these ports.

Many countries in the Caribbean accept passengers arriving from the US by sea with a passport card, but not all of them. Some countries are still territories of European countries, and therefore, you will need a valid passport to enter them.

The United States government states that you should always check with the cruise line you’re traveling with to see whether the Caribbean country will allow you entry without a valid passport book.

Domestic Travel

For domestic travel, a passport card is an acceptable form of identification. This will allow you to travel from state to state via airplane. You will not need any other form of identification, including a driver’s license, to fly.

The Passport Card vs. Real-ID

Some individuals may think they need a passport card to fly domestically because their state is not Real-ID compliant. However, it depends on your state and if your driver’s license is already Read-ID compliant. You should be able to check the status of this relatively easily.

If your state does not provide Real-ID compliant driver’s licenses, you will need an alternate form of identification, such as a passport card after October 2018 for domestic air travel.

The purpose of this new system is to further prevent terrorists from boarding an airplane.

How Much Does the Passport Card Cost?

A passport card costs $65 for first-time adult applicants. Those under the age of 16 will pay $50. Renewals by mail will cost $30.

How Much Do Passport Books Cost?

A passport book costs $130 for first-time adult applications. Those younger than 16 will pay $100 and renewals are $130.

How Long Are They Valid?

Both passport cards and passport books have the same validity. For an adult over the age of 16, they are valid for 10 years. For a child under the age of 16, they are valid for 5 years.

Can You Apply For Both at the Same Time?

If your driver’s license is not Real-ID compliant and you would like another form of ID aside from your passport book, you can do so. You can apply for both at the same time by filling out the DS-11 form (if you’re applying for the first time in person) or the DS-82 (renewing your passport or ID).

You will merely have to indicate on the forms you are filling out that you would like both forms of identification. The same photo you use for your passport will be acceptable.

How Much Does It Cost to Receive Both at the Same Time?

If you apply for both the passport card and passport book at the same time, you will pay a reduced fee. For adults, you will pay $195. Those under 16 will pay $150.

Why Should I Get a Passport Card?

A passport card is a convenient form of identification. It is sized to fit into your wallet, just like other forms of necessary ID, bank cards, gym membership cards, gift cards, and anything else you cart around with you each day. Because of its convenient size, it makes it easier for you to have it with you at all times.

Many people lose their passports. It is a classic situation for travelers to get to the airport only to find they left their passport at home. With one of these cards, you won’t have to worry about it, especially if you’re traveling domestically a lot.

Instead, you’ll only have to worry about what you’re bringing with you on vacation.

Is It Better to Have a Passport Card?

It really depends on your needs. If you simply travel a lot domestically or live in a non-Real-ID compliant state, it is a good thing to have. If you have no friends and family who live abroad and you don’t foresee an emergency visit across the ocean, a passport card can be all you need.

As stated previously, the ease of use and convenience of it makes it highly recommended, especially for those who will be going on cruises to Mexico or other ports of call that accept the IDs. You won’t be searching your quarters every time you’re disembarking the boat.

Should I Choose a Passport Book or Passport Card?

Whether you choose a passport book or a passport card is up to you. For many people, especially those who are not United States ex-pats, having both is an advantage. You can use the passport card to keep in your wallet at all times, with the passport book at home and ready to go should the need to travel internationally by air arises.

Visit our blog for more information about United States passports and other travel information.

1. Figure Out a Plan of Action

Apply Online

Go Through an Official Government Office

Pay for a Third-Party Courier Service

2. Get All Your Information Together, Stat

• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of identity
• Two current photographs (these are your passport photos)
• Your social security number
• Payment for the application

3. Check Your Passport Status

4. Drive to the Nearest Regional Passport Office

Go From “I Need to Rush My Passport” to “Here’s My Passport!”

You’re planning a beautiful family vacation to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit.

You want even the youngest members of your family to be able to enjoy the trip and to come along with you.

But if you’re leaving the country, do children need passports?

Yes.

Plus, you must ensure you know how to get a passport for a child.

There are many rules you might not initially expect, but the good news is that they’re not difficult to follow.

Whether you need a passport for a teenager under 18 or an infant passport, read on to learn what you need to know.

How to Get a Baby Passport?

First, let’s talk about the steps you need to take to secure an infant passport.

When you apply for a passport, you must ensure that both parents and the baby are present.

You’ll need to make sure that you bring the following primary documents (so, no copies):

• A birth certificate
• Proof that you are the parents
• Adoption decree (if needed)
• The government-issued ID of both parents
• Your Social Security card

We suggest that you make at least one copy of all of these documents and bring them with you in addition to the original.

You’ll also need to complete the DS-11 application form for an American passport. It would be best if you wrote only in black ink, but remember not to sign it until you’re in the Passport Acceptance building.

Let’s say that, due to travel or work obligations, it becomes impossible for both parents to be present at the passport application meeting.

In this case, you’ll need to ensure you have a notarized letter of consent from the absent parents. This is called the DS-3053 form.

If you’re a parent with sole custody of a baby?

Then you’ll also need to bring a judicial declaration supporting that you’re a sole parent. If the baby’s mother or father has died, you should bring their death certificate.

You must wait four to six weeks to receive your infant’s passport. Of course, you’ll also need to pay a passport processing fee to the Department of State.

Taking a Baby Passport Photo

Let’s discuss some rules surrounding the baby’s passport photo.

You’ll need to bring two passport photos, which are copies of one another. They need to have a white background and need to be 2 by 2 inches in size.

The head of the baby needs to be uncovered, and not even the hand of a parent supporting the child should be in the photo.

An infant’s eyes should try to be somewhat open, if possible.

Avoid casting any shadows on your baby’s face, and aim for an all-white background. You can put the baby down on a white sheet and take the photo from above.

Related Read: Single Parents Guide to Getting a Kid Passport

How to Get a Child Passport?

Now, let’s discuss how to get a passport for a child.

It’s important for you to keep in mind that passports created for children who are under the age of 16 will only be valid for five years.

Additionally, if you’re applying for a passport for someone under 16 years of age, you will need to apply in person. Both parents will need to be present as a means of showing parental consent.

The first step is to download and fill out the DS-11 form. As with the baby passport, don’t sign it until you’ve been instructed to do so during the in-person application process.

You’ll need to give your child’s Social Security number and documents that can help you show your child is a U.S. citizen.

This can include an older expired passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a report of birth abroad if needed.

Bring both the originals and copies, and if it’s not possible to get an original, bring a certified copy.

You’ll also need to prove your parental relationship with the child. This can be your birth certificate, custody decree, adoption decree, or foreign birth certificate.

You’ll also need to bring your government-issued ID and a photocopy.

You’ll also need to pay fees, which can be calculated on the U.S. Department of State Travel website.

Related Read: DS-10 Birth Abroad Application Form

Child Passport Photo

Your child needs to have a neutral expression, and they need to be directly facing the camera.

They need to keep both eyes open, and they should also show the tops of their ears.

As with the infant passport, you’ll need a plain white background for the photo.

When it comes to size, the photo will need to be in color and two by two inches in size.

Related Read: Where to Get a Passport Photo Taken?

Ready to Get a Passport for a Minor?

We hope this post has helped you better understand how to get a passport for a child.

Whether you need to get an infant passport or if you want to get one for your teenager, it’s important that you become as familiar with the rules as you can.

This will save you a lot of headaches down the line.

Of course, we know that you sometimes leave the job of getting a passport to the last minute.

If you’re in need of an expedited passport, we want to help you to be able to get it.

Spend some time on our website to learn more, and reach out to us when you need help.

Conclusion

Getting a passport for a child may seem like a daunting task.

However, with the right preparation and research, you can be prepared to apply without any problems. 

Remember to have all necessary documents ready and two identical photos that meet the size requirements (2 by 2 inches in color). 

You should also be aware of the different rules.

According to research as recently as five years ago, only 36% of Americans actually possess a valid passport. A large percentage of Americans have never left the country, so they don’t think they need a passport if they have no plans to do so.

While you may think it’s not necessary to have one as you currently have no plans to leave the country, there are several reasons why you should always have one anyway.

Read on to find out some of the top reasons that answer the question, “Why do you need a passport?”

Why Do You Need a Passport? In Case of Emergency

You may not have plans to go abroad, but many people have family members who actively travel or live abroad. If your sister or son decides to spend a week in Japan, for example, you may think this won’t affect your need for a passport.

If an emergency occurred while your family member was visiting Japan, you may want to get to them immediately. Say they got incredibly ill suddenly or were in an accident and you wanted to be with them in the hospital as soon as humanly possible. If you had a valid passport in your drawer, you would be able to book a seat on the next flight out.

However, if you don’t have a passport, it can take up to eight days to receive one, even if you purchase a rush service. This could mean waiting at least that long to see your loved one who may need you.

You’ll Always Have Proof of Citizenship

If there’s any question about your legal status or if you can work in the United States, having a passport will clear that up immediately. You can present it to your employer or any agent who is curious as to your status. The passport is an official document testifying to your citizenship.

You Can Save on Fees

In the emergency case scenario, we mentioned that it could take as long as eight days to receive an expedited passport.

While you’ll not only have to wait for it to come, you’ll also have to pay for the rush service. At present, that’s an extra $60 you wouldn’t have had to spend if you had your passport waiting for you.

You Can Use It for Starting a New Job or for Enrolling in School

When you start a new job, you’ll likely have to provide proof of your ability to work in the United States. A US passport proves this without a shadow of a doubt.

You can also use a passport to enroll yourself or your children in school. A passport provides proof of age and identity. Most public schools will accept them as a document to allow you or your child to enroll. However, it is a good idea to check with them before relying on it solely.

What If Something Good Happens?

So we’ve covered a catastrophic emergency abroad, but what if you have a good emergency? Some companies send employees abroad at relatively short notice for work assignments. If you don’t have a passport, you’ll have to turn it down, or they won’t pick you knowing you don’t have the credentials.

You could also suddenly be gifted a holiday by your spouse or a family member that requires you to leave on short notice. Without a passport, there’s a lot of stress required in the lead up to what is supposed to be a good time.

Although not likely, you could also always win a sweepstakes or gambling prize in which you’re given a free vacation abroad. If you can’t get your passport together before you go, then you’ll have missed the chance for an all-expenses-paid vacation abroad!

If You Don’t Drive, You Can Use It For ID

While many people in the United States are dependent on cars, not everyone drives. Some people live extremely close to their work and do not see the need for a car. Others live in big cities where public transportation is reliable and a car is an unnecessary expense.

If that’s the case for you, you may have let your driver’s license lapse. As a result, you may not have an official ID to allow you to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, enter into a club or even buy a glass of wine at a restaurant. The last thing you want is a hassle when you’re trying to enjoy yourself, and having a passport provides instant proof.

You Can Use It to Get Another ID

If you need a driver’s license or state ID, you’ll typically need another form of identification to get it. A passport can be all you need in order to do so and will save a lot of time and effort of gathering other documents you may not have lying around your house.

Having a Passport Opens Up Possibilities

Currently, Americans can visit over 170 countries with their passports. Having one makes the idea of traveling more of a reality. Even if you don’t have plans in the near future to travel, you may decide to do so, and having the passport in your pocket means one extra hurdle you don’t have to jump over.

If you and your spouse are mulling over a dream vacation in Paris, having a passport makes it much more of a reality. You’re much more likely to bite the bullet and order your plane tickets and make hotel reservations if you have your passport all ready to go.

Should I Get a Passport?

We’ve answered the question of “Why do I need a passport?” rather thoroughly in this article, but whether or not you decide to get one is up to you. It is an excellent tool not only for travel but for identification, and can be more powerful than some other forms of identification. With it, there is no question of your country of citizenship or your work status.

For more on all things passport and travel, visit our blog.

In most cases, traveling to a new country is an exciting experience that presents adventures and life-changing opportunities. Some of the reasons why people move to foreign countries are tourism, to pursue studies and careers, and to do business.

If you are conversant with the process of traveling to a foreign country, you know that travel documents are necessary. Many people are familiar with the terms passport and visa since they go hand in hand in most cases. However, some do not know the difference.

These travel documents are vital, and they serve different purposes. You can better understand these official papers once you know the use of each. This article will demystify the mix-up between passport vs. travel visa for you.

What is a Passport?

A passport is an official document you receive from your country’s government to serve as proof of identity and citizenship. The document helps to identify you when you are in a foreign country. It bears your personal information and a photograph and has several blank pages.

Countries across the globe are adopting electronic security measures, including adding biometric data to a chip embedded on the passport. The development is an attempt to curb forgery. Passports come with a validity period, after which you have to renew.

A passport also allows its holder to return to the issuing country. This privilege may extend to foreigners with the right of abode in the country. However, the document does not automatically grant you any rights in the state you are visiting.

Validity of Passports

Passports belong to the state under the law of most countries. The government can revoke it on specified grounds at any time. The rules surrounding passports may have slight variations in different countries.

Most countries issue their citizens with only one passport at a time. Nationals can apply for replacements when the old ones expire or have no blank pages. In such a case, the issuing authority may demand the surrender of the old document for invalidation.

Some countries could allow you to have more than one passport under special conditions. For instance, if you are always traveling for business. You could get another passport to use while the first one awaits a visa for somewhere else, but you must prove the need.

Sometimes you will not need to surrender the expired passport. An example of such a case is when the passport contains a valid visa. In most countries, the validity of passports is five or ten years.

What is a Travel Visa?

A travel visa is an official document you receive from the government of the country you visit. It serves as a permit for you to be in the country. A visa is in the form of a stamp or a sticker attached on a blank page in the passport.

Sometimes the need for a visa depends on your citizenship, the purpose of your visit, and the planned duration of your stay.

In the past, immigration officers had the power to allow or reject the entry of visitors into a country. It is after granting the visitor entry that they would stamp the passport. Nowadays, most states require you to apply for a visa in advance.

You obtain a travel visa from the embassy of the country you are visiting or its local consulates. A visit in this context is the reason for entry into a foreign country. Some countries allow visitors to acquire visas on arrival for brief visits.

Typical information captured in a travel visa is the duration of your stay, the day you may enter, and the territory you may access in the country. The visa may also state whether you have permission to work in the country you are visiting.

A travel visa is subject to checks by immigration officials at the point of entry. The country’s government you are visiting can revoke your visa at any time.

In rare occasions, some states provide mandatory exit visas. Whether citizen or noncitizen, you have to apply for this document before leaving the country. Conversely, some countries have bilateral agreements to allow their citizens to visit or leave without visas.

In the event the country you wish to visit does not have an embassy or a consulate, you may have to look for visa application services in another country. Otherwise, the host country can process your visa and arrange for you to collect it at the entry port.

Categories of Travel Visas

Various countries have different types of visas. Below are some of the universal classes.

Immigrant Visas

People who qualify for this visa can move to the issuing country and acquire permanent residence. Examples include marriage visas and spouse visas.

Visitor Visa

This type of visa permits you into a country for a specified purpose within a limited period. Examples include tourist visas, private visas (when invited), visas for medical reasons, business visas, and refugee visas.

Related Read: How to Get a Chinese Visa?

Long-Stay Visa

This visa permits its holder to stay in the country for an extended but limited period. Examples are temporary worker visas, student visas, asylum visas, and journalist visas.

Transit Visa

This type of visa allows you to pass through a country to a destination in another country. The duration for the visit could be anything from a few hours to some days.

An excellent example of a transit visa is the driver, steward, or crew member visa. The issued person is usually an employee of an aircraft, sea vessel, train, or another locomotive traversing the issuing country.

Official Visas

These are visas for people working for their governments in foreign countries. They include diplomatic visas and courtesy visas.

Conclusion

We hope the distinction between a passport and a travel visa is clear. The main difference is the issuing authority. You get a passport from the immigration department of your country, whereas you obtain a visa from the country you want to visit.

However, countries have different laws governing international visits. Some states require both documents, whereas others accept the passport only. Others allow the movement of visitors from specified nations with neither a passport nor a visa.

If you have any passport questions, be sure to ask the pros.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs reported there were 21,378,994 passports in circulation. Of those, 2,511,778. And these numbers are on the rise.

In 2008 when the Passport Card was first introduced, there were only 189,560 issued. That is an average increase of 122% over the course of 10 years.

If these passport cards are so amazing, why doesn’t everyone have one? Should you have one? What are the differences between a Passport Card and a Passport Book?

Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

What is a U.S. Passport Card?

A passport card is a wallet-sized, limited-scope U.S. Passport. Just like a standard Passport book, passport cards prove you are a U.S. citizen and confirm your Identity.

When traveling to “border” countries from the U.S., a passport card speeds up the security check process by using a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip. The RFID chip contains a unique number generated by the U.S. government when the card is issued.

The card is scanned, and the Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) use the number to look up your information before you arrive at the security station. To protect your identity, there is no personally identifying information on the chip itself.

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport to Travel Domestically

Passport Card vs. Passport Book

Be it a card or a book, a Passport is still a Passport. That is not to say these two pieces of identification are equal. They are not.

Related Read: Passport Books vs Passport Card

How are They Different?

Size: Passport Cards are wallet-sized. This makes them very convenient. Passport Books are a bit bulkier. When closed, they are 5″ x 3.5. By no means are they huge, but they aren’t going to fit snuggly in your billfold either.

Travel Visas: Passport books are required for Travel Visas. Passport Cards do not support Travel Visas because they do not have blank pages for them to go on.

Where you can go: You can only go to and reenter the U.S. from border countries with the Passport Card. Border countries are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

How you can get there: You can travel internationally via air, sea or land with the use of a Passport Book. With the card, you can only travel by sea or land. International air travel is not allowed with the card even if you go to a border country.

Cost: Depending on your circumstances, additional fees may apply, but the basic pricing information is as follows:

• Applicants 16 or older can get a passport book for $145 or a card for $65.
• Applicants under 16 can get a passport book for $115 or a card for $50.
• Renewal Applicants can get a new passport book by mail for $110 or a card for $30.

Related Read: How Much Does a Passport Cost 2023

How are They the Same?

Who issues them: As previously mentioned, both the Passport book and the Passport card are Passports. As such, the Passport Services of the U.S. Department of State -Bureau of Consular Affairs issues them both.

Real ID Compliant: The passport book and the passport card are Real ID compliant. This means you can access federal buildings and fly domestically with either. You can no longer do so with a standard-issue state driver’s license.

Validity: How long is a passport card good for? For the same amount of time as the Passport Book. If you are 16 or older, both are good for ten years. Otherwise, they are valid for up to 5 years.

Do I need a Passport Card?

Since they are comparatively inexpensive, a passport card for a cruise is ideal! As long as you go by sea or air, they are also great for other types of one-time trips to border countries.

Because they speed up the security process, passport cards are also great if you frequent border countries but don’t stay long or travel outside of the U.S. otherwise.

How do I get my Passport Card?

Print and fill out form DS-11 or form DS-82 and head to a local Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Do not sign the application because giving it to an agent at the passport agency or you will have to fill it out again.

If you qualify to apply for your passport with the DS-82 form, you can mail it in instead of going to the agency in person. If you have to go, there are 8,400 facilities in the U.S. You can find one easily, but some locations require an appointment.

Once your application is filed, you can expect your new card in as little time as four weeks or it could take up to 3 months. The exact amount of time will depend on the demand at the time you apply.

Take a look at this article if you need more information about the specific documentation to apply for a Passport Card.

Which Form Should I Use?

The form you should use to apply for a Passport Card depends on whether you have had a passport before. How long ago you had a valid passport can also affect it.

If you have had a passport in the past, it does not matter if it was a card or a book, it is still a passport. It is important to keep that in mind when reading the below information.

You need to fill out a DS-11 form if:

• You have never had a U.S. Passport
• Your last passport was lost, stolen, or severely damaged
• Your last passport was issued when you were 15 years of age or younger
• You are currently under the age of 16
• Your last passport expired more than five years ago.

If you do not fall within the above criteria, you can apply to renew your current password with form DS–82.

Ready for Your New Passport Card?

Considering the amount of time it can take to get your Passport card after applying, you should get one as soon as possible if you plan to travel to a border country. Do not wait until it is too late, or you must pay $60 to expedite the process.

No one wants to shell out extra money.

If you have additional questions about the Passport Card, all you need to do is ask! We are always happy to help with your passport needs.

Conclusion

Getting a new passport can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information and preparation, you can make sure your application process goes smoothly. If you are under 16 years of age or if your last passport expired more than five years ago, then you will need to apply for a new passport rather than attempting to renew your current one.

Remember that if you plan to travel to a country bordering the United States, the Passport Card may be right for you. And don’t forget that we are here to help with any questions or concerns you have about obtaining your passport! Good luck with your application process!

We wish you safe travels.

Picture this: you’ve just booked an international vacation, and you’re already counting down the days. You apply for a passport ASAP because you don’t want any hiccups.

Then disaster strikes. Two months later, your trip is three weeks away, and you find out your passport application was denied. Is it because you have a long-lost identical twin with arrest warrants?

Nope. It’s because your head is crooked in your passport photo.

Passport photos have very strict requirements. In fact, photo problems are among the most common reasons passport applications are delayed or denied. To avoid this problem, read up on these photo requirements:

U.S. Passport Requirements

1. The photo must be taken within the last six months.
2. The background of the photo should be plain white or off-white with no shadows.
3. Your face must be square to the camera, and your eyes open directly at the camera lens.
4. You cannot wear anything that covers your face (except for religious attire).
5. Your head must be centered and not tilted or rotated in any way.
6. Your face should take up about 50% of the frame, with room for your hair on the sides.
7. You cannot wear glasses (unless you have a medical or religious reason to do so).
8. The photo should be taken at eye level, not from below or above.
9. The photo should be taken in focus and in natural color (no filters).
10. Your expression should be neutral with your mouth closed (no smiling, frowning, etc.).

Once these requirements are met, you can upload your passport photo! Keep in mind that the photo must also meet certain technical specifications;

Does it Matter How you look in a Passport Photo?

To make your photo identifiable, there are restrictions on almost every aspect of your picture.  For example, you cannot have your hands crossed in the photo. Your hair must be pulled away from your face, and it can’t be covering any part of your eyes. Your facial expression must remain neutral, and you need to maintain direct eye contact with the camera.

What is the Facial Expression on a Passport Photo?

In years past, you had to have a neutral facial expression in your photo: a resting face. However, that rule has changed. You can now smile in your passport photo, as long as it’s a natural smile.

You are still not permitted to make any facial expressions besides a natural smile or neutral resting face, however. Kids and babies can’t be crying in their photos, so be prepared for several re-dos.

You also need to have both eyes open in your passport photo, with no squinting. Young infants and newborns are an exception to this rule.

Related Read: Cheapest Place to Get a Passport Photo Near Me

Attire

In your passport photo, you need to wear the type of clothing you wear daily. There are more specific regulations about your attire from the neck up, though:

Headwear

For the most part, you can’t wear a hat or headwear. There are two exceptions to this rule. If you wear a head covering as a custom of a recognized religion, it is permitted in your photo. However, you must include a signed statement explaining this in your passport application.

You can also wear a head covering if you need to wear it daily for medical purposes. In this case, you need a signed note from a doctor explaining this in your application.

It can’t obscure your face even if you wear a head covering for one of these reasons. It needs to show your full face clearly and can’t cast shadows on your face.

Glasses

Until a recent change, you could wear glasses in your photo as long as there was no glare on them. However, this has recently changed. Glasses are no longer permitted in passport photos.

In addition to these rules, you can’t have anything obscuring your face in your photo. For instance, babies can’t have a pacifier in their mouths and your hair can’t be in front of your face. You also can’t wear headphones or in-ear devices other than hearing aids.

Framing

Your final photo must be two inches wide and two inches tall, but there are also specific restrictions about the framing. Your face must be between one inch and 1.4 inches tall. Standing four feet from the camera will usually give you the right size.

The photo must show your entire face, which must be centered. You must also be at a straight-on angle with your shoulders squared to the camera. Your head can’t be tilted or turned in any way.

Background

You need to take your photo against a plain background that is white or off-white. The background can’t have texture. For example, a white brick wall is not acceptable. The photo also needs to have adequate lighting without shadows on your face.

This can be tricky when it comes it an infant’s photo. If you have a baby, you can’t hold your baby for his/her photo. The easiest method is to put your baby on a white blanket or in a car seat with a white blanket behind him/her. Keep in mind that the blanket needs to be inside the car seat, not behind it.

Quality

While it doesn’t need to be a work of art, your picture must be of high quality. It can’t be blurry or grainy, and it can’t have any motion blur.

The picture can’t be stretched to meet the correct dimensions because this distorts your face. You also can’t have red-eye in the photo, because this blocks your eye color.

Unaltered

As much as you may want to look thinner or more attractive in your new passport, you can’t digitally alter the photo. You can’t use any retouching, nor can you crop your face out of another photo to give it a white background.

In a similar vein, your photo needs to be from the past six months. The only acceptable altering is to crop the photo to the required size and remove the red-eye.

The Finished Product

It might be 2023, but passport photos still need to be in printed form. They must be printed in full color on matte or glossy photo paper. Many people choose to go to a drug store with a photo lab because these stores often have passport photo stations and can print your photo according to regulations.

Taking a Successful Passport Photo

When taking a passport photo, it’s not about getting the right look or a flattering angle. Knowing the regulations for your passport photo and following them to the letter can help your application get approved in as little time as possible.

Now that you know how to ace your passport photo don’t forget the other complex aspects of the application process.

Conclusion

Taking the right passport photo is important when applying for a US passport. Following specific regulations and guidelines can help your application get approved in as little time as possible. Visiting a drug store with a photo lab or using online services are great options to ensure you get the best results for your passport photo.

For more information on submitting a successful application, check out our US passport tips blog. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can get your passport in no time!

Good luck!

Did you know that less than half of Americans possess a passport? As of 2023, only 42% of people in America reported having a passport. While some are not interested in possessing a passport, others do not meet the criteria. This is because being granted a passport is based on each individual meeting certain qualifications.

What Disqualifies You From Getting a Passport?

In general, law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have any problems getting a passport. However, certain things can prevent an individual from being granted a passport. This can be anything from drug convictions to minors without consent. Are you worried that you might not be eligible for a passport? If you’re wondering what can stop you from getting a passport, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’re outlining the five most common reasons an individual in the United States would fail to meet passport standards.

1. Felony Drug Convictions

While not all felons are automatically denied a passport, certain felons are more likely to lead to an application being denied. These felons are often certain drug charges that will result in a denial.

According to the U.S. Code Classification Title, anyone convicted of a drug-related felony or misdemeanor cannot get a passport at that time. This timing includes the time in which one is incarcerated as well as during a probationary period. Those in this situation may even have their passports taken away if they already possess one.

2. Outstanding Child Support Payment

Anyone who has outstanding child support payments over the amount of $2500 will not be eligible for a passport. This helps to protect parents who are not receiving adequate funds from the other parents spending their monies on travel. Before even applying for a passport, parents dealing with child support should make arrangements to ensure their payments are paid in full.

If you are unsure as to what you may owe, you will need to contact your child support enforcement agency. Here, they will be able to explain the process of payments and outline any outstanding amounts.

Once the adequate payment is made, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will have to remove one’s name from the list. From here, an updated copy must be sent to the U.S. Department of State. Only once this list is received can the individual apply for a passport.

3. Unpaid Federal Student Loans

If you have an unpaid federal loan, the State Department has the ability to deny you a passport. Let’s provide some examples of what an unpaid federal loan might be.

The first example may be an individual traveling abroad and becoming incarcerated. From here, that individual may have accepted a loan from the U.S. government in order to be released back into the country. Without paying this loan back to the U.S., the individual can be denied a passport.

Once these loans are repaid in full, that individual can apply for and likely be granted a passport. On a similar note, if the U.S. government provides an individual and their family with a loan to get back to the U.S., that loan must be paid back in full in order to be granted a passport.

4. Minors Without Parental Consent

In order to get a passport without parental consent, an individual needs to be over the age of 16. If under the age of 16, minors require the consent of both parents or a legal guardian. These minors will need to apply in person, with a valid form of identification, and with a parent or legal guardian.

If only one parent is present for this, the other parent must provide notarized written consent. In the event of a single parent, they will have to provide evidence of sole custody.

The final option would be to have a third party present with a notarized written statement from both parents. This statement would attest to the fact they are giving consent for the minor to get a passport.

5. Incarcerated or Trouble with the Law

Those facing trouble with the law are more than likely going to be denied a passport. Of course, individuals who are currently in jail are not eligible for a passport. This also applies to anyone who is wanted or has a current warrant for their arrest. Until a court case has ruled the individual not guilty, they will not have success in being granted a passport.

This also applies to anyone who has been forbidden to leave the country or has, in the past, been found guilty of fraudulent passports. An individual can also be denied if the State Department considers them to be a legitimate threat to national security.

For individuals who have been in trouble with the law in the past, it’s best to check with a lawyer to understand if you will meet the qualifications.

Outlining What Can Stop You from Getting a Passport

While not every American takes advantage of what a passport can offer, some merely do not have the choice to possess one.

If you’ve been concerned about meeting the criteria for receiving a passport, you’re going to want to consider whether you conflict with the above standards. From unpaid child support to a warrant for your arrest, these are serious factors that are likely to deter one from getting a passport.

When getting a passport, it’s important to do it right the first time. After all, the associated passport fees will not be reimbursed for those who have their passport denied. Because of these reasons, it’s best to ensure beforehand that you meet all of the qualifications. To learn more about passport qualifications and what can stop you from getting a passport, be sure to visit our website today.

Why Would The IRS Deny Your Passport?

The IRS certifies taxpayers with seriously delinquent tax debts ($59,000.00) to the State Department for specific passport actions. After receiving the certification from the IRS, the State Department will typically not issue passports to these taxpayers.

Can I Travel Outside the U.S. If I Owe Child Support?

It depends on how much money you owe and your situation. Usually, it’s more than $2500.00 in unpaid child support. But if you plan to travel outside of the country and need to apply for a new passport or renew the one you have, you might not be able to go.

Conclusion:

At US Passport Help Guide, we believe that in order to make sure you receive your passport with no issues, it is essential to prepare and understand all of the requirements before applying for a passport. By taking the time to learn about the conditions you must meet and the risks associated with not meeting them, you will greatly increase your chances of receiving a valid passport without delay.

We are here to help you with any questions you may have about the passport application process and provide you with step-by-step guidance every step of the way.

Thank you for choosing US Passport Help Guide. We look forward to helping you get your passport quickly and without issues!