New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card Photo Requirements
Official specifications, checking standards, and complete guide for your New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card application photo.
New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card at a glance
- Country
- United States (USA)
- Document type
- Reduced-Fare Card
- Photo size
- 38x51mm
- Full specification
- 38x51mm (1.5in wide x 2in high), solid background, full front face. Name on the back.
Source: official United States (USA) reduced-fare card photo requirements.
This guide explains the official photo requirements for the New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card, a 38x51mm 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: New York
- Document Type: Reduced-Fare Card
- Issued by: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Primary Specifications: 38x51mm (1.5in wide x 2in high), solid background, full front face. Name on the back.
Photo Checking Standards for New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card
When you choose the New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card, the following are checked automatically:
- Dimensions: 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high (38x51mm).
- Head Size and Position: Full front face.
- Background: Solid, plain.
- Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
- Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
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Obstructions: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
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Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.
- Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
- Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
- Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos for the New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card are often rejected for:
- Wrong size or head size: the photo is not 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high (38x51mm), or the head is too large or too small.
- Too old: it was not recent.
- Wrong background: it is not solid, plain, 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.
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Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.
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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 New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card need? A: 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high (38x51mm). Full front face.
Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Recent.
Q: What do I submit? A: 1 print with the paper application (free photos are available in person).
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: Solid, plain.
Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card 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: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Official Reference: New York City MTA Reduced-Fare Card – Official Photo Requirements
What the authority asks for (our summary):
- Size: 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high (38x51mm).
- Head: Full front face.
- Background: Solid, plain.
- 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: 1 print with the paper application (free photos are available in person).
- Write your name on the back.
Additional Official References:
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