Passport photo, was told I have to cover my shoulders & upper arms...

[cabanafrau]

It seems like the last time we did our passport photos there were requirements regarding the background to be used as well. Maybe I'm conflating that with the requirements for senior pictures in the yearbook, but I think we were limited in where we could have our pics done partially because of the background required.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It seems like the last time we did our passport photos there were requirements regarding the background to be used as well. Maybe I'm conflating that with the requirements for senior pictures in the yearbook, but I think we were limited in where we could have our pics done partially because of the background required.

The background should be neutral color (white or off white) for US passports.

 

[cabanafrau]

The background should be neutral color (white or off white) for US passports.

We're about due to renew, so my memory is fuzzy anymore. I do know there was a requirement for shirt with sleeves at that time because I remember one of my daughters had her own ideas about what she wanted to wear for her picture and having to tell her in no uncertain terms that she would be wearing such and such, end of discussion. She was in grade school at the time and such a delight.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We're about due to renew, so my memory is fuzzy anymore. I do know there was a requirement for shirt with sleeves at that time because I remember one of my daughters had her own ideas about what she wanted to wear for her picture and having to tell her in no uncertain terms that she would be wearing such and such, end of discussion. She was in grade school at the time and such a delight.

The first time I got a passport was in 2013 just before I got married so we could go on our honeymoon and I just got a new one a few months ago in May (to change my name as I hadn't done it when we got married) so we can go on our vacation in August.

I don't remember what the requirements were back in 2013 TBH but the requirements now don't list an issue with sleeves. I really don't know how often they change the rules but when you're renewing it should tell you on the application the current guidelines (though I like the way the website is laid out). I did my name change by mail as well since I coud provide a certified copy of my marriage license (saved me the execution fee of having to do it in person). I mailed it on 5/4, they received it on 5/8, processed it on 5/19 and I received it on 5/21 I believe so it didn't really take a long time (I remember it was about 2 1/2 weeks or so back in 2013 too). A few days later I received my old passport and marriage certificate in a separate envelope.

You can list an e-mail and a phone number so they can contact you if there's any issues or questions they may have.

 

[dish rag]

For the US I know they can reject the photo but that would be for things against the rules which can be found via the website another poster mentioned on the first page.

Current U.S. rules regarding certain things mentioned in the thread:

Bare shoulders=not against any rules (there isn't any mention regarding this and an example acceptable photo shows the woman with bare shoulders)

White shirt=not against the rules (there isn't any mention regarding this other than some helpful hints for babies and several example acceptable photos show individuals with white shirts)

Smile=acceptable so long as it's a natural smile, an unnatural smile is not acceptable

Glasses=not acceptable unless you submit paperwork from your doctor reflecting it's for medical reasons, etc.

So if you take a picture with glasses on with an unnatural smile yeah you're taking a risk it could get rejected. Wearing a white shirt with your shoulders bare should not get you rejected unless you are not conforming to one of the other rules regarding the picture (could be hair on face, a hat, proportions, background, etc). That was my point.

As far as your issue listed above, respectfully that's really different than a passport photo with guidelines spelled out on our government's website. Plus they even put out a youtube video (hey they're up to date on the times lol). When you do your passport applications you'll also see the photo guidelines listed: (though the website has it listed easier)
View attachment 334944

You can argue with them all you want but they aren't like the people you argue with at the Dis, the fact is that you will have your prints sent back, just like I did, it does no good arguing. You will lose. There was a young lady in the place with me this morning, Indian, long hair, also getting pics for Canadian immigration, we talked, I saw her pics, her hair was behind the ears.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You can argue with them all you want but they aren't like the people you argue with at the Dis, the fact is that you will have your prints sent back, just like I did, it does no good arguing. You will lose. There was a young lady in the place with me this morning, Indian, long hair, also getting pics for Canadian immigration, we talked, I saw her pics, her hair was behind the ears.

What are you talking about? Arguing. Good lord what parts of my comments indicated I would argue with anyone?

You're free to look at the U.S. guidelines if you'd like and make your own decision no skin off my back.