Question:
Has anybody had to get a new passport because the picture doesn't match anymore?

I'm travelling to France and China this year and I got out my passport and realized that I don't remotely look like the person in the passport photo. Thank God - that person resembles a bullfrog. I'm wondering if any other post ops have had to get another passport because they are unrecognizable in their old photo. I travelled the world at over 400 pounds (I honestly don't know how I did it) and now I'm really looking forward to seeing it 260 pounds lighter. The situation in the world today makes me wonder if my passport will be accepted. Has anyone else dealt with this?    — Traci H. (posted on February 15, 2003)

February 15, 2003
Congratulations on your success. You are going to travel like a different person!!! I would try to ask the passport service what they suggest. They do have a site on the web. Or, you could say you lost it and get another one. The only problem with that, is in today's climate of intense security, I would worry that you might have some trouble getting a "replacement". I think e-mailing or calling the passport office would be best. Enjoy your trip!!!
   — Fixnmyself

February 15, 2003
It would probably make sense to get a new photo on your passport. I have heard stories on this site where people were given a very hard time because they don't look like the photo on their driver's license. Just imagine how much of an major hassle it could be at an airport or in a foreign country! You don't need to spend two weeks in a foreign country trying to straighten things out. It is worth the extra effort while here!
   — Julie S.

February 15, 2003
Get the new pictures taken anyway. In todays climate you would probably be held up. Also you could post them. Congrats on the weight loss
   — snicklefritz

February 16, 2003
I would get a new passport, or at least a new picture done for it anyway. It's always nice to see the before / after results of our surgeries. Recently I've been asked several times for a second ID cause my DL no more looks like me after a 233 lbs weight loss (and my DL also had my "real" weight on it) Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss , and have fun seeing the world ! :)
   — Elizabeth D.

February 16, 2003
You can't just change the picture on your passport. You need to get a new one. I recently had to get visas for several countries and the Uganadan Embassy sent it back to me, stating that the photos sent in did not match. I was held up coming back in the country from Norway several months ago, because my passport photo did not look like me. Any my DL was no help--it looks even less like me. Have a great tim on your trip
   — barbara A.