Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?

While eyewear is a part of everyday life for many people, wearing them in ID photos is not allowed in most cases. Here’s why:

The No Eyeglasses Policy

Eyeglasses, sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted in passport photos. This is because they may alter your appearance or cause a glare in the photo, making it difficult to identify you or your eye color.

Because of these issues, the “No Eyeglasses Policy” was established by the U.S. Department of State in 2016. Eliminating the problem of misidentification has also helped make the process smoother and quicker in sending out passports to applicants.

Are There Exceptions to the No Eyeglasses Policy?

Yes. Some people are allowed to wear eyeglasses in passport photos. But this only applies to those who have valid medical reasons, and you need to provide a statement signed by your doctor during the application process.

You might be able to leave your glasses on in your passport photo due to a recent eye surgery or procedure that makes eyewear necessary for protecting your eyes. But you’ll still need a signed physician’s statement to prove it.

This also goes for those who are severely visually impaired. Even if you need to wear glasses at all times, without a note from your doctor, you’ll need to remove your glasses for a passport photo.

There are still requirements if you are allowed to wear glasses in your picture. This includes:

• Eyeglass frames cannot cover the eyes.
• There can’t be a glare on your lenses that obscure your eyes.
• There cannot be any shadow or refraction from the lenses that obscure your eyes.

Basically, any effect your glasses have that conceal your eyes is not allowed. These rules apply to both children and adults.

Are Sunglasses Allowed in Passport Photos?

No. Sunglasses are not allowed. As the rules above mentioned, any obstruction of your eyes is not permitted for your official ID.

Of course, if you’re traveling to a sunny destination and need a new pair of sunglasses when you arrive, we’ve got you covered.

Other Passport Photo Requirements

In addition to the No Eyeglasses Policy, the U.S. Department of State also requires the following for your photo:

• The photo must be in color.
• You must submit a photo from the last six months.
• Selfies are not allowed.
• You can smile, but your mouth must be closed and your eyes open.
• Filters, retouching and other alterations to your picture are not allowed.
• The photo must measure 2"x2".
• You must take your photo in front of a white background.

Many drugstores with photo centers offer passport photos. In fact, they’ll often have a white background prepared and can print off the correct size photo you need after it is taken.

In the meantime, there’s no harm in shopping for eyewear you may need for your vacation — whether you need reading glasses for your book on the plane or some sleek designer frames to match your luxury getaway wear.

SOURCES

• New Eyeglasses Policy for Visa and Passport Photographs. U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs. September 2016.
• Passport Photos. U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs. June 2023.