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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: must be exactly 5 × 2 inches (width × height) on quality photo paper
• Head size: face height (chin to top of hair) should fill 60–70% of the photo’s vertical dimension
• Background: plain white or off-white, free of patterns, textures, shadows or objects
• Color and clarity: full-color image printed in sharp focus with no pixelation, blurring, over- or under-exposure
• Recent photo: taken within the last six months to accurately reflect current appearance
• Facial expression: neutral expression with eyes open, mouth closed, no exaggerated smiling or frowning
• Pose and framing: head and shoulders centered, directly facing the camera, no tilt or turn
• Glasses: if worn, frames must not cover eyes, lenses clear (no tint), and free from glare or reflections
• Head coverings: permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, must not obscure any facial feature
• Lighting: even, diffuse lighting with no shadows on face or background and no red-eye
• Print quality: high-resolution print on matte or glossy photo paper, free of scratches, creases or smudges
• Borders and markings: photo must have no borders, text or stamps on either side; edges should be cleanly cut

Step-by-Step Process

• Review Photo Specifications: Confirm MTA’s senior MetroCard photo rules—image must be exactly 5″ wide by 2″ tall, head height between 1″ and 1 3⁄8″, full‐face view, plain white background, color print, no hats or sunglasses, taken within the last six months.
• Prepare Your Shooting Area: Choose a well-lit space with even, diffuse lighting (natural window light or two soft lamps); hang or drape a wrinkle-free white backdrop high enough so no edges or shadows appear behind your head and shoulders.
• Position Camera and Subject: Mount your camera or smartphone on a tripod at the subject’s eye level, about 4–6 feet away; instruct the senior to stand 2–3 feet in front of the backdrop, look straight at the lens, keep a neutral expression, and keep shoulders relaxed.
• Capture the Photo: Use the highest resolution setting, disable filters and flash red-eye reduction, fill the frame with head and shoulders, leave equal spacing top and sides; take multiple shots to ensure sharp focus and natural skin tones.
• Crop and Resize Precisely: Open the best shot in photo‐editing software (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP); set the crop tool to a 3:4 aspect ratio, frame from top of head to bottom of chin, then resize to 5″×2″ at 300 dpi to preserve print quality and maintain head height within 1″–1 3⁄8″.
• Print on Photo Paper: Use high-quality, matte or glossy photo paper rated for inkjet or laser printers; disable “fit to page” and borderless options; verify printer settings match 5″×2″ output; print at 300 dpi to avoid pixelation.
• Verify Final Print: Measure the printed image with a ruler—width must be exactly 5″, height exactly 2″, and head height between 1″ and 1 3⁄8″; inspect for even lighting, correct color, no shadows, and crisp focus.
• Attach and Submit: Affix the photo securely to your completed senior MetroCard application using non-acidic photo tabs or glue stick; double-check placement aligns with form guidelines; submit in person at an MTA Senior Citizen ID center or by mail following MTA mailing instructions.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions: Print your photo at exactly 5×2 inches with no cropping or borders—MTA scanners reject any deviation, so measure with a ruler and ask your printer to “fit to size” to avoid common resizing errors.
• Plain White Background: Use a smooth, evenly lit white backdrop with no shadows or textures—photos shot against colored walls or wrinkled sheets are often refused, so stand a foot from the background and use two light sources to eliminate shadows.
• Proper Head Positioning: Center your face so the head occupies about 50–69% of the frame, looking straight ahead with eyes open—off-center or too-small faces trigger rejections, so mark guidelines on your camera screen or ask someone to check alignment.
• High Resolution & Recent Capture: Submit a clear, color photo taken within the last six months at ≥300 dpi—blurry, pixelated, or outdated images lead to delays, so use a smartphone with autofocus or a professional service and review the image at full size before printing.
• Secure Attachment & No Alterations: Affix the photo flat with tape or glue inside your application envelope—folded, torn, or digitally enhanced pictures are invalid, so handle with care and avoid Photoshop filters or retouching that can flag your submission.

Conclusion

Adhering to the NY MTA 1.5 × 2 inch photo specifications for senior MetroCards is essential to avoid processing delays or rejections. By following these clear guidelines on dimensions, head placement, background, image quality, and appearance, seniors can ensure their photos are accepted the first time and maintain uninterrupted access to transit benefits.

• Dimensions: 5 inches wide × 2 inches tall
• Head size: face height must occupy 50 %–70 % of the photo’s vertical dimension
• Background: plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, shadows, or objects
• Photo quality: high resolution (minimum 300 dpi), true-to-life color, no glare or pixelation
• Appearance: full-face, neutral expression, eyes open, no hats or glasses (except for certified religious headwear)