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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 5 × 2 inches (38 × 50 mm) with square corners, printed on matte or glossy photo paper
• Head size: distance from chin to crown must be between 1″ and 1 3⁄8″ (25–35 mm), filling about 70–80% of the frame
• Eye position: eyes should be 1 1⁄8″–1 3⁄8″ (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge, level and centered horizontally
• Background: plain white or off-white, uniformly lit, with no shadows, patterns, textures or objects visible
• Facial expression: neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling or frowning, natural skin tone
• Head orientation: full-face view directly at camera, head centered and upright, no tilting or turning
• Glasses: remove sunglasses and tinted lenses; clear prescription glasses allowed if frames don’t cover eyes or create glare
• Head coverings: only religious or medical coverings permitted; must not obscure hairline, facial features or cast shadows
• Photo quality: high-resolution color image, sharp focus with no pixelation or blurring, printing resolution ≥ 600 dpi
• Color and contrast: true-to-life color, no red-eye, evenly balanced brightness and contrast to show all facial details
• Physical integrity: unaltered original print with no creases, tears, ink marks, stains or smudges; no heavy retouching
• Recency: photo must be taken within the last 30 days to reflect current appearance; date stamps or watermarks prohibited

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Verify exact photo specifications
• Confirm the required size is exactly 5″ wide × 2″ tall on high-quality, matte or glossy color photo paper
• Ensure your head (from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) occupies 50–69% of the image height (approximately 1″–38″)
• Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects
• Second step: Capture the image correctly and why
• Stand 4–6 feet from the camera against a neutral background under even, natural or soft-box lighting to eliminate shadows
• Center your face directly toward the lens with a neutral expression and both eyes open—this meets MTA’s full-face, forward-gaze requirement
• Wear everyday clothing (no uniforms or hats unless for religious reasons) so you match MTA’s guidelines and avoid retakes
• Third step: Edit, crop, and resize precisely
• Import your image into photo-editing software or a certified passport-photo app that supports U.S. requirements
• Crop the image to 5″ × 2″, ensuring your head height and top-of-head margin are correctly aligned—double-check with built-in measurement guides
• Save the file at 300–600 dpi in JPEG format with minimal compression to preserve sharp details
• Fourth step: Print and perform a quality check
• Print on photo paper using a professional-grade printer or at a retail photo center that guarantees passport-style prints
• Measure with a ruler: confirm the final print is exactly 5″ × 2″; your head fills the photo within the 50–69% range; the background is uniformly white
• Inspect for color fidelity, focus, and full-face visibility—reject any prints with spots, creases, or glare
• Fifth step: Attach your photo to the Senior MetroCard application
• Use a glue stick or photo-safe tape to affix the photo to the designated box on the mailed or in-person Senior ID/Reduced-Fare MetroCard application
• Write your full name and date of birth lightly in pencil on the back of the photo to prevent mix-ups during processing
• Sixth step: Submit your application and await confirmation
• In person: visit any MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard Enrollment Center with your supporting ID and proof of age
• By mail: send to the address on the application with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope for your card
• Expect 2–4 weeks for processing; you’ll receive an approval letter or call if additional information or a retake is required
• Seventh step: Pick up or receive your MetroCard
• In person pickups require your appointment confirmation and a photo ID matching the application
• Mailed cards will arrive in the envelope you provided—activate by following the enclosed instructions before your next ride

Tips and Best Practices

• Head Size Compliance: Keep head height between 1″ and 1 ³⁄₈″ (from top of hair to chin) to meet MTA’s 5 × 2″ framing specs and avoid automatic cropping rejections.
• Background Uniformity: Use a plain white or off-white backdrop free of patterns or shadows to ensure clear contrast and prevent scanning errors that lead to disqualification.
• Centered Framing: Position your face squarely in the middle with shoulders visible and eyes at mid-height to avoid angled or off-center shots that the MTA rejects for biometric inconsistency.
• Print Quality & Dimensions: Print the photo at exactly 5 × 2″ on matte, high-resolution (300 DPI) paper to prevent pixelation, ink smears, or trimming discrepancies during processing.
• Glare & Obstruction Avoidance: Remove tinted glasses and any non-religious head coverings, or ensure full facial visibility under hats for religious reasons to eliminate glare or shadows that obscure identification features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adhering to the 1.5×2-inch photo specifications for the NY MTA Senior MetroCard ensures a smooth application process and avoids costly delays.

Key points:

• Dimensions: exact 5″×2″ (38×51 mm) color photo on matte/semi-gloss paper
• Recency: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
• Head position: head occupies 70–80% of frame, centered, with full face visible
• Background: plain white or off-white, evenly lit with no shadows or patterns
• Expression: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glare on glasses
• Attire: everyday clothing only; no uniforms, head coverings allowed only for religious reasons
• Attachment: firmly affix photo to application form stub in designated area
• Quality check: ensure clear focus, proper lighting, and adherence to size before submission