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Post by colleen on Aug 13, 2014 17:52:12 GMT
I just had my photo taken for my global entry/trusted traveler card and the Customs agent said "don't smile" and then kind of snorted, so I laughed, then he snorted again -- until we both were giggling like idiots. My photo looks like one of those toddler crying fit shots.
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Post by KelleeM on Aug 13, 2014 18:19:45 GMT
I just traveled to the Dominican Republic using the passport I got when I was significantly lighter and had long blonde hair. I barely have 3/4 of an inch of mostly grey hair now and when I got second glances I said "cancer" and no one questioned anything.
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Aug 13, 2014 18:21:15 GMT
i could google...but y'all are much more fun
why can't we smile in passport photos?
not even a smirk? grin?
i look like a hateful bitch if i don't attempt to make a 'happy face' (y'all better not be thinking.....)
gina
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Post by scrapbookashlee on Aug 13, 2014 18:25:00 GMT
I have a friend who lost over 200 pounds and he used his passport photo from before his weight loss. He wasn't given any grief about it at border patrol (apparently they use your eyes and facial structure which don't change to identify you. But to ensure he didn't have problems, he had a new passport with updated photo reissued.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 13, 2014 18:30:51 GMT
DD wasn't even 2 when she had her first passport. It was good for 5 years and she was never questioned. Even the renewed passport from when she was 10 looks so much different than she does now at 15 (yes, it expires in a few months.) It's like everything else with TSA. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.)
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Post by tania7424 on Aug 13, 2014 19:15:03 GMT
Kids passports are only valid 3 years in Canada, because their appearance changes so much. And if it's issued as an infant (under 1), you can have it reissued before it expires for free. My passport photo is colour though, gloryjoy. My eldest DS's NEXUS card is hilarious. HUGE grin.
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Post by Dictionary on Aug 13, 2014 19:47:56 GMT
I think it depends on the agent and the airport. I have others give me a glance over looking back at photo, back at me, back at photo and others that I don't think even bothered to make a connection. Never been stopped or hassled over it.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Aug 13, 2014 19:55:05 GMT
Our passports get scrutinized pretty closely some foreign countries, but have hardly gotten more than a glance here in the US. Right now our passports are pretty good representations of how we look. But until my husband had to replace his a few years ago, his old one had facial hair that really threw off the resemblance. It still didn't seem to be an issue though.
If you are really worried, travel with at least one other photo ID as well, like a driver's license. Perhaps with that picture too, it could clear up any questions someone might have about whether it's really you.
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gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
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Post by gloryjoy on Aug 13, 2014 19:59:42 GMT
Kids passports are only valid 3 years in Canada, because their appearance changes so much. And if it's issued as an infant (under 1), you can have it reissued before it expires for free. My passport photo is colour though, gloryjoy. My eldest DS's NEXUS card is hilarious. HUGE grin. Ok, well um, I went and looked again at mine just now and I guess they are color, but they don't look color.
I do remember we went on a horrible rainy day and were both wearing black rain jackets, and the photos seem so washed out and faded, so at first glance they do look like they are black and white.
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Post by FrozenPea on Aug 13, 2014 20:30:39 GMT
When I got my passport last fall the Postmaster told me to smile so I did. No problems using it. When I went to get my international drivers permit the lady said don't smile. When I gave her my passport she looked at it & gave me crap for the picture. Told me "good luck using that to get back in the country after you leave." I told her that I doubt they would have issued it if there was a problem with the photo.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 13, 2014 20:41:59 GMT
Facial Recognition software can identify you better if it has a blank slate to work from (straight on photo, hair off the face, eyes visible, neutral expression).
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modiemay
Full Member
Posts: 134
Jun 30, 2014 4:24:15 GMT
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Post by modiemay on Aug 14, 2014 3:01:44 GMT
On his old passport my DH had long, long red hair and was,unshaven. We often used to have to wait while 2-3passport officers looked at it, only to laugh and compare the difference to the now cleanshaven investment banker he is now!
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Post by hjs on Aug 14, 2014 3:13:13 GMT
I recently filled in the form to renew my passport, and laughed when one field asked for "current hair color". So, obviously there is recognition that hair color changes! Occasionally a border guard will do a double look comparing photo to face, but I have never had a problem. Hopefully I do not typically look as bad as my photo does!!
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