Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago) Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago), a 51x51mm (2x2in) photo used for United States (USA) reduced fare card applications. Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Jurisdiction: Illinois
• Document Type: Reduced Fare Card
• Issued by: Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago area)
• Primary Specifications: 51x51mm (2x2in) color photo, uploaded or mailed with the application.

Photo Checking Standards for Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago)

When you choose the Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago), the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
2. Head Size and Position: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
3. Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
4. Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
5. Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.

6. Obstructions: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

7. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

8. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
9. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
10. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for the Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago) are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not recent.
• Wrong background: it is not plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• Poor lighting: shadows across the face or background.

• Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size photo does the Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago) need? A: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square. 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Recent.

Q: What do I submit? A: Upload, or mail a color print.

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago) on our main page and upload a photo; it is sized, framed and checked against these rules automatically.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, refer to the issuing authority: Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago area).

Official Reference: Illinois RTA Reduced Fare Card (Chicago) – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
• Head: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
• Glasses and headwear: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• How recent: Recent.
• What to submit: Upload, or mail a color print.
• Color.