passport photo/bad hair day

[Dee Sa]

Yesterday I took my papers to the post office to renew my passport and they refused my photo because I have a fringe ! my last passport photo [10 yrs ago] I have a fringe, have worn one for 20 years, but now I must plaster my hair away from my face and have another photo done, apart from all the wasted time, effort and cost.
Has anyine else come across this ?

[JoolsTwo]

I haven't renewed mine recently, but have you tried taking it to another post office and see if it is accepted there. It might be that that particular assistant is being a bit picky. I don't see why a fringe should make a difference. It might be worth trying.

[vehelpfulguy]

Here is the official web site with a guidance to passport photos.

http://www.passport.gov.uk/index.asp

It gives all sorts of rules about hats, glasses, hair ACROSS eyes, shadows on face, other people in photo etc

It DOES NOT mention a fringe, although it does say the whole of your face must be shown.

But supposing a man had a full beard, would not that cover a lot of his face.

Try another post office, although remember the post office may accept it but the passport office may NOT.

[vehelpfulguy]

Here is a list of things to note about your photgraph

http://www.passport.gov.uk/general_photos_stan dards.asp

[originalang]

I haven't quite had the same experience, my husband was delayed at passport control both ways because his appearance had changed so much since his photo about 3 years ago. He has lost over 4 stone in weight and now wears contact lenses instead of glasses. I think as long as its obvious its you, they're being difficult. I mean how many people must change their hair styles over and over again, Im definitely with JimJools, try another post office.

[JK2]

I renewed my passport in December 2006 and I have a full fringe. I had recently had my haircut & my fringe finished just fractionally above my eyebrows and it was accepted no problem.

Is your fringe very long perhaps and coming across - or too near - to your eyes?

Try another Post Office as the others have said - or get your fringe trimmed a bit for the photo - it will soon grow.

[Dee Sa]

yesterday I rang the passport office and the guy who answered suggested that I try another post office and he said that as long as the eyebrows are not covered[ they are not] it will be accepted.
At the post office I went to in Becontree, Essex, both men behind the counter said no way, the passport office guy gave me his extn number and said they could ring him if in doubt, but I will just use another post office from now on.
Is nothing we do hassle free these days ?

[Dee Sa]

Here endeth the tale, I went back to the booth at Asda, put grips either side of my fringe so I looked like Olive from "On the Buses" [anyone old enough to remeber that tv programme ?]and had yet another mug shot, I look like an advert for "keep death off the road" but the deed is done and I am past caring what I look like, and yes I went to a different post office.
Please god the damn passport doesnt go astray, I have paid extra for a proper delivery.Amen.
Dee

[xanderma]

Dee Sa, I had to post to say how much your last post made me smile on a wet Saturday morning! I too had problems keeping my fringe out of the way (it DOES cover my eyes if allowed to!) so I now have the most beautiful (not) photo with hair scraped back, winter pallor on my face and a strange smile/not smile because I was scared to get that wrong as well! And it's there for 10 years, AND I used the same photo for my driving licence as well - hey ho, at least there's two of us now looking like old Olive!

[Dee Sa]

xanderma
should we form an Olive Appreciation Society ?
best regards
Dee

[paulineward]

Dee...you all had to TRY to look like Olive!!

[Dee Sa]

paulineward -- didnt take much effort, looked in the mirror and there she was, good old Olive [ minus her baby dolls though- I draw a line at some things !!!!]
Dee

[mypassportphotos]

Is it obstructing your face? You can try your luck with taking a passport photo at home. The next bureaucrat might not be so strict and you might get away with it. Try https://www.mypassportphotos.com/ if you're interested.