Beginning November 1, you must remove your eyeglasses for U.S. passport and visa photos.
We are changing our policy to enhance the security of the application process and verify your identify faster. We want to ensure you have fewer delays in the application process. Last year, more than 200,000 passport customers submitted poor quality photos which we couldn’t accept. We put these passport applications on hold because we couldn’t clearly identify the customer from their photo.
The main reason we couldn’t accept passport photos last year was issues with eyeglasses. For example, your eyeglasses may cause glare on the lens. Glasses may also create shadows on your face or block a portion of your eyes. A new passport photo without eyeglasses may also help you move faster through U.S. ports of entry especially when your U.S. passport is verified electronically.
You may wear glasses for U.S. passport and U.S. visa photos if you have a medical issue such as recent surgery requiring eyeglasses to protect your eyes.
If you must wear eyeglasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to obtain and submit a signed statement with your application from a medical professional or health practitioner (such as a surgeon or ophthalmologist) in these cases.
See the full information on photos here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photo-examples.html
