Do I Need to Remove Glasses for ID Photos?

[OTucker]

Glasses must be removed in some cases. Here are the relevant details: ID Card: When applying for an ID card at a police station, wearing glasses is generally not allowed. This is because the lenses may reflect light, making facial features unclear in the photo. Even if some locations permit glasses, only frames without lenses are allowed. U.S. Visa: Starting November 1, 2016, new regulations require that photos submitted for U.S. visa applications must not include glasses. Except in special cases where the applicant provides medical proof, such as a recent surgical certificate signed by a professional doctor, the embassy will no accept visa or U.S. passport photos with glasses. Exit-Entry Permit: The photo must be a front-facing, bareheaded image, so citizens cannot wear head accessories or heavy makeup. Additionally, hair must not cover the eyebrows, and both ears and eyebrows must be visible. All accessories must also be removed. Furthermore, citizens wearing glasses must remove them during the photo session or use the provided frames to avoid lens glare that could affect the normal processing of documents. Citizens wearing colored contact lenses must switch to clear ones before taking the photo.

[Carvalho]

I always proactively remove my glasses when taking ID photos, which has proven to be a wise decision through multiple past experiences. Glasses lenses are highly prone to glare under flash, which can obscure the eyes or distort facial features, resulting in unacceptable photos or even the need for retakes. Especially for official documents like passports and driver's licenses, clear and unobstructed facial features are mandatory to avoid identity verification issues. I believe removing glasses in advance is simple, efficient, and saves time and effort. If wearing glasses is absolutely necessary, frameless lenses or contact lenses can be considered as alternatives, but these come with additional risks and are less reliable than simply removing them. Additionally, ensuring even lighting and proper posture during the photo session is crucial to further enhance photo quality.

[Stacey]

I always remove my glasses for ID photos due to an awkward experience: my visa application photo was rejected for wearing glasses that caused glare obscuring my eyebrows. Since then, this has become my habit. Glasses in photos often cause light scattering or partial facial obstruction, compromising facial feature clarity, while ID standards emphasize unobstructed true likeness. Requirements may vary slightly across documents like national IDs or student cards, but removing glasses is the universally safe approach. I've also found that wiping facial oils off lenses and choosing natural lighting minimizes issues and improves success rates. Remembering these details ensures smooth application processes.

[FelixFitz]

I recommend removing glasses when taking ID photos to avoid potential glare or incomplete facial features. A clear image is crucial, as glasses may cause unnecessary visual interference affecting recognition. Ensuring high-quality lighting and angles can help, but removing glasses is a simple and effective solution. Also, check the specific requirements of the ID to make a decision.