Show HN: Take a Passport Photo in the Browser

github.com

25 points·tppiotrowski··7 comments

The US passport service requires you to print photos? The UK one you just take a selfie with your smartphone in the normal manner https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/help/photo-rules

Yes. All new US passports require a scheduled, in-person appointment. Both paperwork and photo need to be printed and submitted in person along with originals or certified copies of identification and proof-of-citizenship. You have to swear all information to be correct and sign in the presence of a government worker.

Renewals, however, can be done by mail. But the photo still needs to be physically submitted with the paperwork.

In years past the physical photo was laminated into the passport, and they needed two copies. These days only one is required and is scanned and printed into the passport page directly. So it's a step forward, but it's still a paperwork process and that's probably not changing for now.

The service is exceedingly stupid. You have to submit two physical photographs, one of which is then scanned in. And the requirements are pretty strict, has to be the exact size and your head has to be in a narrow band of scale and position. Typically costs $US15 (GBP12) to get them done on the spot at a private photo provider, for something that should be completely free.

See above for user persona ^

UK is just kicking the can down the road:

> If your photo doesn’t meet the rules you may have problems with your application or when you travel.

This can be very useful to create a DIY withpersona type site clone for kyc

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