How to Staple a Passport Photo — DS-82 and DS-11 Instructions

US Passport Guide · Last verified: May 2026

The instructions on the DS-82 and DS-11 forms say to "staple your photo." But there's a right way and a wrong way — and the State Department's official guidance actually says do not staple for DS-82 (renewal). Here's exactly what to do.

The key rule: tape for DS-82, staple for DS-11

DS-82 (Passport Renewal by Mail):

> "Do NOT staple your photo. Use tape or glue to attach your photo to the form."

DS-11 (New Passport Application, in-person):

> "Attach photos to your application with a paper clip. Do not staple."

In practice at acceptance facilities (post offices, clerks of court):

The acceptance agent typically staples the photo to your DS-11 for you as part of processing. You do not need to staple it yourself before your appointment.

DS-82 (Mail Renewal) — how to attach your photo

1. Position your photo in the designated box on the upper right corner of the DS-82 form. The box is labelled "Attach photo here."

1. Tape method (recommended):

• Apply a small piece of clear tape to the top edge of the photo
• Press the tape to the form so the photo is flat and centred in the box
• Do not tape over the face — tape only the top and/or bottom edges
• Do not tape so heavily that the photo can't be removed cleanly

1. Glue method:

• Apply a thin layer of non-wrinkle glue to the back of the photo
• Press flat and centre in the designated box
• Allow to dry before mailing

1. Do not staple — the DS-82 instructions explicitly say no staples. The State Department uses machines to process mailed applications, and staples can damage processing equipment and the photo itself.

1. Write on the back of one photo in pencil (light pressure):

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Do not use pen or marker — ink bleeds through and damages the photo front

DS-11 (New Passport — In-Person) — how to handle photos

For DS-11 applications at post offices, clerks of court, or regional passport agencies:

• Bring 2 photos to your appointment
• Do not attach them to the form yourself — the acceptance agent will handle attachment
• Paper clip is acceptable if you want to keep the photos with the form before your appointment
• Do not staple yourself

The acceptance agent will:

• Review your photos for compliance
• Attach them to your application
• Complete the form verification

What happens if you staple

If you staple your DS-82 by mistake:

• The processing machine may damage the photo when extracting it
• You may receive a request to resubmit with a new photo
• It will not automatically cause rejection, but it may delay processing

If you've already stapled: carefully remove the staple, flatten any bent corners, and use tape instead. If the photo is damaged, use a new one.

How to write on the back of your passport photo

For DS-82 renewals, you must lightly write your full name and date of birth on the back of one photo:

• Use a pencil — never pen or marker
• Press very lightly — pen pressure can leave indentations visible from the front of the photo
• Write in the lower half of the photo back — away from the face area on the front
• Write legibly but don't press hard

How to attach a photo for DS-82 mailing

After attaching the photo to your form:

• Place the completed DS-82 flat in a stiff envelope (do not fold)
• If mailing the form, use a flat mailer or stiff envelope to prevent photo bending in transit
• Place the form photo-side facing up in the envelope for best protection

Frequently asked questions

See also