Eyeglasses no longer allowed in new passport photos
As AAA has long been as known place for people to have their passport photos taken, the organization is letting the public know of a change from the U.S. Department of State. Beginning November 1, travelers must remove their eyeglasses when having their passport photos taken. In 2015, the State Department received more than 200,000 unacceptable passport photos, with the most common reason being glare on eyeglasses, making it more difficult to verify travelers’ identities, which can result in delayed travel.
As of Nov. 1, travelers must remove their eyeglasses for U.S. passport photos. The state department is changing its policy to enhance the security of the application process and to verify travelers’ identities faster. They want to ensure that travelers have fewer delays in the application process. Travelers who have photos where they are wearing eyeglasses in existing passports will not be required to obtain new passports.
Problem passport applications were put on hold because the customer couldn’t be clearly identified from their photo. Eyeglasses may cause glare on the lens, create shadows on faces or block a portion of the eyes. A new passport photo without eyeglasses may help travelers move faster through U.S. ports of entry, especially when passports are verified electronically.
Travelers may wear glasses if they have a medical issue, such as a recent surgery requiring eyeglasses to protect their eyes. If a traveler must wear eyeglasses for a medical reason, they will need to obtain and submit a signed statement with their application from a medical professional or health practitioner.
Your local AAA Travel Center can provide passport photos, answer questions, assist with travel documents and provide a printed passport application. Passport photos are $8.95 for AAA Members and $10 for non-members.
AAA recommends that travelers renew their passports as far in advance as possible for an international trip to avoid delays. To further expedite travel, AAA recommends that frequent travelers enroll in trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Consult a travel advisor to ensure you have all necessary travel documents before your trip.
As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 860,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA.com or download our mobile app at AAA.com/mobile.
