I obtained a picture from a photographer that specialized in passport photos prior to applying at the post office hoping to expedite my application process. I was wrong; my daughter got declined because she was wearing glasses while applying for her passport. Her picture is taken as required without glasses since she “normally” wears contact lens. When asked if she normally wears glasses, we responded with a No, but were told they could not accept it since she was wearing glasses now while in line at the post office. We were also presented with “her hair looks more red in the picture” and if that would matter since the government clearly states the following criteria: “Photographs showing a change in facial or hair color are acceptable.” There is even an FAQ at the passport site about changing your hair color after obtaining a passport. The response is that’s why they obtain different descriptive criteria about a person.

Obtaining a passport should not be taken lightly. It’s a government document and should be treated as such. Any attempt to obtain falsely with incorrect information should be treated as a fraudulent criminal action. Every person in the process should look to prevent incorrect information from being collected. But when the solution presented is “step over here and get a new picture for an added expense” (which, by the way, doesn’t meet the government criteria since you normally don’t wear glasses) or go home and take a shower and come back wearing your contact lenses, something is wrong with the system.

Paul Gibbons

6 Bridge End Farm Lane Sandy Hook                       March 28, 2009