wrote

Sylvia Else wrote:
This is background research for an article I'm writing.

Can someone tell me whether the FAA (or other agency) retains a
photograph of people who hold private pilot's licences in the USA?

Sylvia.

No photo is currently required for any pilot certificate.

To fly as a Sport pilot, a valid driver's license may be used to establish
medical fitness and almost all states require a photo on a driver's
license.

--
Jim Pennino

"No photo is currently required for any pilot certificate"

Correct, for current, but they have in the past. My old original paper
license from 1947 was replaced in 1955 with a new thin pasteboard wallet
size card. At that same time I was issued an Airman Identification Card
with a passport size photograph on it along with a thumb print. I still have
both of those cards in my possession today. I know that the FAA still has a
copy of that photo because I recently ordered a copy of my complete FAA
records and that card with the picture was among them. I don't know when
they dropped that requirement. My license card wasn't replaced again until
2010 when I got this new plastic one.
Sam