How Old Can a Passport Photo Be?
Reusing an old photo is tempting, but most authorities require a recent one so that it shows how you look today. Here is how recent it needs to be.
The six-month rule
Six months is the most common limit. The United States, Türkiye, Australia, South Korea and Chinese visa centres all ask for a photo taken within the last six months.
Schengen visas
There is no single rule for all Schengen consulates. Many ask for a photo no older than six months, and some ask for a more recent one, so check the requirements of the consulate or visa centre you apply through.
Why it matters even within six months
The rule is really about looking like your photo. If your appearance has changed a lot, for example a new beard, very different hair or a big weight change, take a new photo even if the old one is recent.
Don't reuse a photo from an old document
Scanning the photo from an old ID or passport doesn't work: copied or retouched photos are rejected, and the photo is almost certainly too old.
Taking a new one is quick
A new photo takes a few minutes with your phone and a light wall. Nouply crops it to the right size for your document and replaces the background, in your browser.
Related guides
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home with Your PhoneTake a passport or visa photo at home with your phone: lighting, background, camera position and the most common mistakes, step by step.
- Passport Photo Rules: Background, Expression, Glasses and MoreThe rules most passport and visa photos must follow: background color, head size, expression, glasses, head coverings and photo age.
- Passport and Visa Photo Sizes by CountryPhoto size, head height and background color for passport and visa photos of the US, Schengen, UK, Canada, Türkiye, China, India and more.
- How to Reduce a Photo's File Size (to 100 KB or Less)Online forms often limit photo uploads to 50, 100 or 200 KB. Here is how to shrink a photo to an exact file size without losing visible quality.
- Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?Whether glasses are allowed in passport and visa photos depends on the country. The rules for the US, Türkiye and ICAO-based photos, and what to do if you can't take them off.