US NY MTA Metrocard for Seniors 1.5x2 inch Photo Size Requirements for US (2025 Update)

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 50 inches wide by 00 inches tall, with straight, even edges and no trimming of corners
• Head size and positioning: head (top of hair to bottom of chin) must occupy 60–70% of image height (approx. 2"–4"), centered vertically and horizontally
• Background: plain white or off-white, free of patterns, textures, shadows and objects
• Lighting and exposure: even, front-facing illumination with no glare on face or glasses and no visible shadows on background
• Facial expression and pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, directly facing the camera (no tilting or turning)
• Recent likeness: photo taken within the last 30 days reflecting current appearance (no heavy makeup, filters or digital enhancements)
• Glasses and eyewear: prescription glasses allowed if lenses are clear, no glare or reflections; tinted, sunglasses or lenses that obscure eyes are prohibited
• Head coverings: not permitted except for documented religious reasons—face must be fully visible from forehead to chin and both sides of face
• Color and print quality: full-color photo printed on high-resolution photo paper at a minimum of 300 dpi, glossy or matte finish, with sharp focus and natural skin tones
• No borders or markings: image must have no frame, border, matting, text, stamps or other extraneous marks on the front or back

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Download and review the official NY MTA Senior MetroCard Photo Guidelines (5″ × 2″), confirm head size is 1″–1 ⅜″ from chin to crown, plain white/off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no hats or sunglasses, even lighting with no shadows, and use a printed or on-screen template to verify exact dimensions before shooting.
• Second step: Have a professional photo center or high-resolution camera capture and print your image on glossy photo paper at precisely 5″ × 2″, trim with clean edges, sign the back lightly in pencil, attach to your completed MetroCard application (use a paper clip, not glue), and submit in person at an MTA Customer Service Center or by mail to the address on the form to prevent delays or rejection.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact dimensions: ensure your photo is precisely 5×2 inches (3:4 aspect ratio) with no extra borders or cropping—MTA’s scanners reject any off-size images.
• Neutral background: use a plain white or very light gray backdrop—colored or textured backgrounds trigger manual reviews and slow down card issuance.
• Centered head placement: position your face squarely in the frame with eyes 1–1⅜ inches from the bottom edge—off-center or too-tight crops can lead to automatic rejections.
• No obstructions or glare: remove hats, scarves, headphones and non-prescription glasses; avoid shiny prints—any cover or reflection that hides facial features will invalidate your application.
• High-quality print: use a 300 dpi resolution on matte photo paper with crisp focus—low-res, pixelated, or glossy prints often produce unreadable details and get thrown out.

Conclusion

In summary, the NY MTA Senior MetroCard photo must be exactly 1.5 × 2 inches (38 × 51 mm) with these non-negotiable elements:

• Full-face, neutral expression and open eyes facing the camera directly
• Plain white or off-white background with no shadows or patterns
• Head height occupying roughly 60–70% of the frame (about 1–125 inches from chin to crown)
• Recent (taken within the last six months), high-resolution color image without filters, retouching, hats or glasses
• Submitted as a clear print or JPEG file (300 dpi, ≤ 5 MB) following MTA’s digital-upload or mail-in guidelines

Adhering exactly to these specs ensures swift processing, avoids rejections and guarantees uninterrupted transit benefits for senior riders.