How Old Can a Passport Photo Be?

When applying for or renewing a passport, one detail you don’t want to overlook is the photo. Common questions people ask are: How old should your passport photo be? Or, how long is my passport photo valid for?

In this article, we'll answer these and other questions about passport photo age. We'll also give you some helpful tips on how to take an ID picture in no time at all.

Table of contents

• Age limits for passport photos
• Can you use the same passport picture twice?
• General passport photo requirements (USA, Canada, EU, Australia, etc)
• Get your passport photo online!
• Passport Photo App
• What to do if you no longer look like your passport photo?
• What to do with an old passport photo?

Age limits for passport photos

How old do passport photos have to be? — Different countries may interpret passport picture expiration slightly differently, but the general global standard is that the image must reflect the applicant's current appearance within the past six months. This is to ensure that the picture accurately represents your current look, especially if there have been significant changes in your appearance such as hairstyle, weight, facial hair, or aging.

Passport photo expiry is not printed on the image itself, but authorities will reject photos older than the permitted time frame during the application process.

How long is the passport picture valid for minors? — For children, passport photos are typically valid for 6 months, just like for adults. If a child's appearance has changed due to the normal aging process, they generally do not need to provide a new photo before the standard six-month period. However, acceptance of the photo is at the discretion of the consulate where the application is submitted. If the child's appearance changes significantly in a short time, especially in the case of infants and toddlers, a new photo may be required even sooner.

Can you use the same passport picture twice?

In most cases, you can only use the same passport photo again under very specific conditions. However, if you need a replacement passport because the original was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can reuse your existing photo, provided it's not older than six months and still looks like you.

For passport renewals due to expiration or when there has been a major change in your appearance, like surgery or significant weight changes, a new photo is typically required.

General passport photo requirements (USA, Canada, EU, Australia, etc)

Regardless of the country, passport photo guidelines tend to follow similar basic principles, although there are minor differences. Here's a summary of standard passport photo rules for several regions: the USA, Canada, the EU, Australia, and China.

General guidelines:

• You need a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed.
• Your entire face should be clearly visible, centered, and directly facing the camera.
• Most countries require a plain white or light-colored backdrop.
• Avoid any shadows on your face or in the background.

How old can your passport picture be when applying for a passport in the USA, Canada, the EU, Australia, and China? — In all these countries, passport photos should generally be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Specific requirements by country:

• United States:
  • Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
  • The head should measure between 1 inch (25 mm) and 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) from chin to top.
  • Glasses are not permitted unless medically necessary, with a doctor's note.
  • Digital files for online submissions must range between 250 KB and 10 MB.
• Canada:
  • Size: 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)
  • The facial length should be 31 mm (1¼ inches) to 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to crown.
  • One photo's back should include the photographer's details and the date taken.
• European Union:
  • Size: Usually 35 × 45 mm
  • Photos need to meet ICAO standards for biometric passports, compatible with facial recognition technology.
• Australia:
  • Size: 35–40 mm wide by 45–50 mm tall
  • Head height should be 32–36 mm from chin to crown.
  • Use a plain white or light grey background.
• China:
  • Size: 33 × 48 mm
  • Head height should fall between 28 mm and 33 mm, and width between 15 mm and 22 mm.
  • Head coverings are accepted for religious purposes, with a signed confirmation.

Get your passport photo online!

Need to take a passport photo and want to make sure it's right? Since the photo requirements vary from country to country, it's best to use specialized online tools to get it done correctly. Visafoto has been helping people with their document photos since 2013 and knows the specifications for passports, visas, driving licenses, and more around the world.

With Visafoto, you can take your passport application photo from anywhere. Just snap a picture of yourself following the guidelines and upload it to the tool below. Don't worry about the details like format, background, or dimensions — we'll take care of those for you.

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

We'll provide you with a digital version for online use and a print-ready format. Plus, if you're not happy with your photo, we'll replace it for free. And if it doesn't meet official standards, we'll give you a full refund.

Passport Photo App

Another fantastic option for perfect passport photos is the 7ID App from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app utilizes advanced AI to help you create ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your smartphone and is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Using the 7ID App is easy: upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will take care of the rest. It will automatically adjust your photo to meet official requirements, covering aspects like size, format, background color, and correct positioning of your face and eyes.

You'll get a digital copy along with a print template that fits standard sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. If you have questions or need assistance, our technical support team is ready to help.

What to do if you no longer look like your passport photo?

If your appearance has changed slightly, such as a new hairstyle or hair color, you usually don't need to update your passport photo. You can continue using it without any problem. However, if your appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken, it's advisable to update it. Replacing your passport photo to reflect how you currently look is somewhat like the process of obtaining a passport for the first time, though the details can differ by country.

Typically, this involves submitting a new application or renewing your current passport, based on the extent of your appearance change. For instance, in the U.S., if you want to update your passport photo, you have two options: for voluntary changes, use Form DS-82 along with new photos; for changes that necessitate a new photo, complete Form DS-11, which must be processed by an acceptance agent.

For more details, check our article: I Don't Longer Look Like My Passport Photo: What To Do?

What to do with an old passport photo?

While an old passport photo may no longer be valid for official passport applications, there are still several ways you can make use of it, or at least ensure it’s disposed of properly.

Use it for other ID purposes: Some organizations, like schools, clubs, or job applications, might accept a photo that isn’t as strictly regulated as a passport photo. Just make sure they don’t have their own recent photo requirements.

Keep it for the records: An old passport photo can be useful for personal documentation or emergency purposes. Some people keep them in travel wallets or family archives.

Use it as a reference: If you're planning to take a new passport photo, having the old one on hand can help you match the required posture, lighting, and background when preparing your new shot.

Don’t reuse it for new applications: Even if your appearance hasn't changed, reusing an old photo beyond the accepted time frame is not recommended. Passport authorities are strict, and using an outdated photo could result in a rejected application.

Dispose of it securely: Passport photos are a form of personally identifiable information (PII), so if you're throwing them away, it's best to shred or destroy them first to prevent misuse. Use 7ID and Visafoto.com to make sure you get a fresh, compliant photo when you apply for your next passport!