How to Attach Pictures to a Passport Renewal Form

Properly attach your passport photo to your renewal form to avoid processing delays.

The U.S. Department of State is strict when it comes to enforcing the rules in place for passport application photos. Photos must meet each and every requirement without fail or your passport application is denied. In addition to making sure your photo meets every requirement, many passport applicants are unsure how to affix photos to the passport application in a way that the U.S. Department of State deems acceptable.

Instructions

1. Go to a passport acceptance facility or retail photo shop to have your passport picture taken. Passport acceptance facility photos are taken precisely to U.S. Department of State specifications. If you take your own passport photo, you must ensure you meet each requirement.

2. Locate the photo square on the front page of your passport application. Line up one of your passport photos evenly with the photo square. Staple each of the four corners of your passport photo to your application. Do not tape your photo, and do not use less than four staples in the designated spaces.

3. Insert your second photo into the envelope with your passport application, and mail it to the U.S. Department of State.

Tips & Warnings

• Photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches, the amount of space between the bottom of your chin and top of your forehead must not exceed one and 3/8 of an inch nor may it be less than 1 inch. You must wear street clothing and nothing on your head or face unless you wear prescription glasses. Exceptions are given to those who wear religious garb on a daily basis. Your photo must be in color, against a white background and of only your face, looking straight into the camera. You must provide the U.S. Department of State with two identical copies of the same photo.

References

• U.S. Department of State: Helpful Hints for Mailing Form DS-82
• U.S. Department of State: Passport Photo Requirements