Do I need a new passport photo if I grow a beard or dye my hair?
Usually not. The US and UK say a beard or new hair colour doesn’t need a new passport unless you can no longer be recognised from your photo. Canada (for significant changes) and India say to apply for a new passport; Australia doesn’t say.
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | No. Growing a beard or colouring your hair is a small change; you only need a new passport if your appearance changed significantly. | You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. Small change - do not apply for a new passport Growing a beard Coloring your hair Normal aging process |
travel.state.gov | |
| United Kingdom | No new passport is needed for slight changes like dyeing your hair or growing a beard; you need one if you can no longer be recognised from your photo. | You do not need to get a new passport if you: change your address or contact details get a new job change your appearance slightly - for example, dye your hair or grow a beard your appearance, if you cannot be recognised from your passport photo any more (for example, you’ve had plastic surgery) |
gov.uk | |
| Canada | Only if needed: if your appearance has changed significantly and you have difficulties crossing borders, you should apply for a new passport (and pay the fees) to update the photo. | If your appearance has changed significantly and you experience difficulties when crossing borders, you should apply for a new passport. Updating your photo will reduce your risk of having problems when travelling outside of Canada. To change your passport photo, you must apply for a new passport and pay the fees. |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | Not stated by the Australian Passport Office. | — | passports.gov.au | |
| India | If your appearance has changed, changing the passport photo requires applying for Re-issue of Passport. Beard or hair colour are not specifically mentioned. | To change the photograph in the Passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of Passport. The photo should be most recent showing the latest appearance. A notarised statement is required in case of request from Sikhs who want to change from turban photo to clean shaven ones or the other way. |
passportindia.gov.in passportindia.gov.in (PDF) |
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Answers quote the official pages linked above. Not affiliated with any government. Final acceptance is up to the issuing authority.