When applying for a U.S. passport card, you need to submit one passport photo. Unlike a passport book, which requires two identical passport photos, only one photo is required for a passport card application.
Quick Answer
No, you only need one photo when applying for a U.S. passport card. The passport card application requires one 2×2 inch color photo that was taken in the past six months. The photo must meet the same standards and specifications as photos for passport books.
Detailed Answer
The U.S. Department of State only requires one passport photo when applying for a U.S. passport card. This differs from the passport book application, which requires two identical photos.
According to the passport photo requirements on the U.S. Department of State website:
- You only need to submit one photo with a passport card application
- The photo must be 2×2 inches in size
- The photo must be in color
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months
- Your head must be between 1-1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- It must be taken against a plain white or off-white background
- You must be facing the camera directly with a neutral facial expression
- No glasses or hats are allowed
So in summary, you only need one photo for a U.S. passport card that meets the standard passport photo specifications. Unlike for passport books, you do not need to provide two identical photos.
Reason Only One Photo is Required
The U.S. passport card was introduced in 2008 as a limited use passport document. It is a wallet-sized card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Since the passport card is valid for less travel purposes than a passport book, only one photo is required. The Department of State decided there was no need for two identical photos for this type of passport.
Some key differences between the passport card and book include:
- The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
- It is valid for 10 years compared to passport books which are valid for 20 years for minors and 10 years for adults.
- The fees are lower ($30 for minors, $50 for adults) than for passport books ($80 for minors, $110 for adults).
In summary, since the passport card is a limited use document, only one photo is needed to meet the identification requirements.
Passport Card Photo Specifications
While you only need one photo for a passport card, the photo must meet the same specifications as passport book photos.
Here are the requirements for passport card photos according to the National Passport Information Center:
- The photo must be 2×2 inches in size
- It must be in color
- Printed on photo quality paper
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Show your full front face with a plain white or off-white background
- Taken in normal street attire
- Should show your eyes open and directly facing the camera
- No hats or head coverings allowed except for religious purposes
- Glasses are allowed if your eyes are visible and there is no glare
Professional passport photo services can provide photos that meet these specifications. You can also take your own photo with good lighting and a plain background.
Make sure the photo meets all the requirements before submitting. If the photo does not comply, your passport card application can be delayed.
How to Provide the Photo
When applying for a passport card, you need to submit one passport photo along with your application and payment. Here are some ways you can provide your passport card photo:
- In person – Bring your photo and application to an authorized passport agent or acceptance facility
- By mail – Mail your photo with your passport card application to the address provided in the instructions
- Online – Upload your digital photo during the online application process
If applying in person or by mail, stick your photo on your application in the designated spot. Make sure not to damage the photo.
For online applications, you will be prompted to upload your digital passport photo. It should be a high quality JPEG or PNG file not exceeding 5MB in size.
Photo Tips
To ensure your passport card photo meets all the specifications, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a high resolution digital camera or smartphone camera. Set it to the highest resolution setting.
- Take the photo with your face and shoulders centered, with adequate lighting and focus.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
- Face the camera directly with eyes open and visible.
- Make sure no hair or garments cover your face.
- Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows or marks.
- Check the photo size, coloring, cropping, and quality before submitting.
- Take several photos to select the best one for your application.
Review the photo guidelines carefully before taking your passport card picture. Getting a photo that meets the specifications helps avoid delays in processing your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, only one passport photo is required when applying for a U.S. passport card, rather than two identical photos that are needed for passport books.
The photo for your passport card application must:
- Be 2×2 inches in size
- Be in color
- Have a plain white background
- Show your full front face
- Be taken in normal attire
- Be taken within the last 6 months
Carefully review the passport card photo requirements before taking or selecting the picture you will submit with your application. Having one compliant photo reduces delays in getting your U.S. passport card issued and approved for use.
