In most cases, you cannot wear glasses in a U.S. passport photo. The U.S. Department of State requires applicants to remove eyeglasses unless they are medically necessary and supported by a signed doctor’s statement. Non-compliant photos may delay or reject your application.
Since 2016, the U.S. Department of State’s “No Eyeglasses Policy” requires applicants to remove glasses for passport photos. Exceptions apply only for documented medical necessity.
According to official State Department guidance, glasses often cause glare, shadows, or lens refraction that obscures the eyes — one of the most common reasons passport photos are rejected.
You may wear glasses only if they are medically necessary.
Examples of valid exceptions:
In these cases, you must submit:
Without documentation, your passport photo will be rejected.
If glasses are approved:
No. Sunglasses are not permitted in passport photos under any circumstances.
If you have prescription glasses with tinted lenses, they may only be worn if medically necessary and properly documented. Otherwise, lenses must be clear.
The same rules apply to children and infants.
Children must remove glasses unless a signed medical statement is provided. Frame visibility, glare, shadows, and eye obstruction rules remain identical.
To avoid delays, your passport photo must meet the following official specifications:
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Before 2016, hundreds of thousands of passport applications were delayed due to non-compliant photos — primarily glare and obstruction from eyeglasses.
The U.S. Department of State implemented the No Eyeglasses Policy to:
Facial recognition systems rely on unobstructed eye visibility. According to biometric imaging standards published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), glare and lens distortion reduce identity verification accuracy.
You can take your passport photo at:
Most locations are familiar with official passport photo specifications and can print compliant images immediately.
If you rely on prescription eyewear daily, consider removing your glasses briefly for the photo and putting them back on immediately after.
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Your application may be delayed or rejected unless you provide a valid medical exception with signed documentation.
Yes. Removing glasses briefly for the photo is recommended and does not affect your passport eligibility.
Yes. Contact lenses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no noticeable glare or color distortion.