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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: must be exactly 5 inches wide by 2 inches tall after cutting, with no borders or margins
• Background: solid white or off-white, uniformly lit with no patterns, textures, shadows or objects visible
• Head size & positioning: head (top of hair to bottom of chin) should measure between 1″ and 1⅜″ and be centered both vertically and horizontally
• Facial expression: neutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
• Lighting & exposure: even, frontal lighting with no shadows, glare, hot spots or red-eye; true-to-life skin tones required
• Attire & accessories: no hats or head coverings except for documented religious purposes, no sunglasses or tinted lenses; prescription glasses permitted if lenses are clear and frames do not obscure eyes
• Photo quality & finish: high-resolution color print on professional photo paper (matte or glossy), free of creases, tears, smudges or ink marks
• Currency of photo: taken within the past 60 days to reflect your current appearance
• Attachment method: affix photo to application form with non-acidic glue or photo tape (no staples, paper clips, or self-adhesive backing)

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Gather and verify official size and image requirements
• Confirm that the MTA senior MetroCard photo must be exactly 5″ wide by 2″ tall with a tolerance of ±05″
• Ensure a plain white or off-white background with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible
• Verify head positioning: full face centered, eyes 1″–3″ from the bottom of the photo, neutral expression, mouth closed, both ears visible if possible
• Check lighting and clarity: even, natural lighting; no harsh shadows or glare; high resolution (300 dpi minimum); acceptable formats if uploading: JPEG or PNG
• Review any recent MTA bulletins for updates (e.g., changes in background shade or file format) to avoid surprises at submission
• Second step: Capture, crop, print and submit—what to do and why
• What to do: Position the subject 4–6 feet from the camera against the plain background; use two soft lights at 45° angles to eliminate shadows; set camera at eye level with a tripod or steady surface
• Why: Proper distance and lighting guarantee even illumination, eliminate red-eye or shadow under the chin, and ensure the face fills approximately 70–80% of the frame
• What to do: Photograph at the highest resolution, then import into an editing tool; crop to exactly 5″×2″ at 300 dpi; confirm eye-line and head size measurements with an on-screen ruler
• Why: Precise cropping and resolution prevent automatic rejections by MTA’s verification kiosks and ensure printed photos are sharp and correctly sized
• What to do: Print on matte or glossy professional 4″×6″ photo paper, then trim carefully with a ruler and photo trimmer to the 5″×2″ dimensions; alternatively, save and upload the digital file per MTA’s online submission guidelines
• Why: High-quality printing and precise trimming maintain the integrity of size and image quality; digital uploads must match the printed specs to pass the MTA’s automated photo approval system

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Photo Dimensions: ensure your photo measures exactly 5″×2″ (set your camera or editing software to 450×600 px at 300 dpi) to prevent automatic vendor resizing that can invalidate your MTA senior fare card.
• Proper Head Sizing & Centering: frame your face so the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin fills about 1″–4″ of the photo height, centered vertically, to avoid MTA rejection for heads that are too small or too large.
• Neutral Background & Even Lighting: use a plain white or off-white backdrop with uniform, shadow-free lighting so the MTA’s scanners clearly distinguish your features and don’t flag your image as non-compliant.
• Natural Expression & No Glare: maintain a neutral expression, keep eyes open and mouth closed, remove glasses or tilt them to eliminate reflections—poor eye visibility or smiling can lead to your application being sent back.
• Quality Printing & Measurement Check: print on matte photo paper without scaling to fit and verify with a ruler that the finished print is 5″×2″—any shrinkage or enlargement at the print stage may force you to retake and resubmit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring your senior MetroCard photo meets the 1.5×2 inch requirements is essential for a smooth application process. Key points to remember:

• Size: exactly 5″ × 2″ (38 × 51 mm) without cropping or borders
• Head dimensions: between 1″ and 1 ¼″ (25–32 mm) from chin to crown
• Composition: full-face view, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Background: plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns
• Quality: high-resolution color print, no retouching, glare, or pixelation
• Attire: no hats, headbands, or glasses (except for religious or medical reasons)
• Currency: photo taken within the last six months

Adhering to these precise specifications will help you avoid delays or rejections and ensure you receive your Senior MetroCard promptly.