How to Attach a Photo to a Passport Application [Visual Guide]

Renewing a passport can be daunting.

But—

Don’t fret.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to staple your passport photo correctly, with examples to make the process easier.

Want to learn more about passport applications? Check the guides below:

Do You Have to Staple Your Passport Photo?

According to the US Department of State, you must staple your passport photo when applying for a new travel document by mail.

This helps ensure your image isn’t lost or separated from your form during processing.

However, you shouldn’t staple your photo if you apply for your first passport in person—the passport agent at the facility will do it for you.

Now—

Before you get stapling, ensure your photo for a passport renewal meets official requirements. If you don’t have one yet, try the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.

All you have to do is take a self-portrait, and our in-house experts will turn it into a compliant picture.

Easy.

Here’s How to Staple a Photo to Your Application

To correctly staple your passport photo to your application form, you’ll need to:

Place the photo correctly: Position it on the designated area of the DS-82 form (for renewals). Align the image with the dotted lines in the square marked “Place Photo Here.”
Use four staples, one in each photo corner: Place the staples close to the edges without covering any part of your face.
Avoid shadows: Make sure the staples don’t cast shadows on your face.
Check for stability: Ensure the photo is securely attached and doesn’t move.

Your stapled passport photo should look like this:

Two examples of stapled passport photos: one sample with lines and staple placements, and one actual photo.

Note: You must submit only one photo to your passport renewal application. Up until recently, two images were required.

Attached Passport Photo: Rejected Staples

Here are three common mistakes to avoid when stapling your passport photo:

Three examples of incorrectly stapled passport photos.

FAQ

Do I have to staple my photo to my passport application?

If renewing your passport by mail, staple your photo to your application. For first-time applications in person, the passport agent will attach the picture for you.

Can you tape a passport photo instead of staples?

No, you shouldn’t use tape to attach your passport photo. Staples are the only approved method for securing your photo to the application form when renewing by mail.

How do I staple my passport photo for renewal?

Follow these steps to staple your passport photo correctly:

1. Place the photo in the designated photo box on the DS-82 form.
2. Use four staples, one in each photo corner, close to the edges.
3. Ensure the staples don’t cover any part of your face and don’t cast shadows.

Does my passport photo have to be stapled on all sides?

Yes, your photo must be stapled vertically in each corner of your picture, close to the edges.

Sources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.