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Resources Passport Photo RequirementsHow to Take a Passport Photo at HomeHow to Take a Passport Photo With Your Mobile PhoneHow to Take a Passport Photo With AndroidHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhonePopular Documents US Passport PhotoMost PopularBaby Passport PhotoUSCIS Photo2x2 PhotoChinese Visa PhotoPassport Photo MakerMost PopularUS Passport PhotoSize 2x2 inChoose documentHow it works How to Take a PhotoAI and Expert VerificationGuaranteeDeliveryAbout About UsEditorial ProcessEditorial TeamContactPassport Photo App AndroidPassport Photo App iOSResources Passport Photo RequirementsHow to Take a Passport Photo at HomeHow to Take a Passport Photo With Your Mobile PhoneHow to Take a Passport Photo With AndroidHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhonePopular Documents US Passport PhotoMost PopularBaby Passport PhotoUSCIS Photo2x2 PhotoChinese Visa PhotoPassport Photo MakerMost PopularUS Passport PhotoSize 2x2 inChoose documentHow it works How to Take a PhotoAI and Expert VerificationGuaranteeDeliveryAbout About UsEditorial ProcessEditorial TeamContactPassport Photo App AndroidPassport Photo App iOSOnline Passport Size Photo Maker Take a passport photo at home. Just upload a selfie and download a compliant photo in 30 seconds. Choose a documentChoose a documentExcellent11579 reviews on3-minute passport photoTake your picture at home. No driving or waiting in lineProfessional serviceAI technology + passport photo experts = instant feedback100% complianceAcceptance or a double money-back guaranteeHow do our mobile and web apps work?Snap the perfect passport photo in under 3 minutes! Find out just how simple it can be!Take or upload a photoUse a photo you already have or take a new one. We'll double-check it and make sure it passes all compliance tests.Get your photo tuned-up by AIOur AI system will crop, resize, and adjust the background of your image.Get expert verificationOne of our experts will carefully review your passport photo, providing you with feedback in under a minute!Benefits of the PhotoAiD passport photo appGet comfy at home, grab your phone, and snap a few pictures. End up with a result you’re 100% satisfied with!IndependenceNo need to drive or wait in line. Take a photo wherever you are with only your smartphone.Trusted serviceOver a million users worldwide, 18 million photos processed, and thousands of 5-star reviews on TrustPilot.Professional supportQuestions or doubts about your photos? Our photography experts and support agents will be happy to help you out.Acceptance guaranteeOnce you place your order, our AI and human expert will verify your photo to ensure it's 100% compliant.How to take a passport photo at home using your mobile phoneFollow these guidelines to create the perfect passport picture.Choose a documentChoose a document1Consider the distanceKeep your front-facing camera 16–20 inch (40–50 cm) away from the face. For rear cameras, keep a 4–6 foot (1–2 meter) distance.2Keep your head and body straightLook directly into the camera and avoid tilting your body. Remember, portrait mode is unacceptable for passport photos.3Prepare good lightingTake your passport photos in a daylight setting, like near a window on a sunny day. Shadows on your face or in the background are not permitted.Get 100% Compliant Passport Photos and Visa Photos in MinutesUse PhotoAiD’s AI passport-size photo maker. Download a digital photo or order prints for delivery to your address. 100% acceptance rate guaranteed.With help from the PhotoAiD passport photo checker you’ll get compliant photos for any ID:US passport photos,US visa photos,driver’s license photos, and more.Why take a passport photo online with PhotoAiD?3 minutes and done. Take a new selfie or upload a photo. The AI passport photo maker will check it, fix it, or suggest retaking it. Download a digital passport photo or order prints with a single click.100% acceptance, expert verified. PhotoAiD’s AI passport photo tool will run an initial compliance check. When complete, a human passport photo expert will review the results. This method results in compliance rates approaching 100%.11,000,000+ happy users. PhotoAid is rated 4.8 of 5 stars based on over 5000 reviews. Every month, thousands of photos go through the app, and successfully submitted with passport and visa applications.Get a visa or passport photo in 3 simple stepsUpload a photo or take a new one.It's your call. Take a fresh photo or upload an existing one. PhotoAiD’s mobile passport photo app will guide you through the whole process – the posing, background, and lighting.Get the photo analyzed and fixed.PhotoAiD’s AI passport photo app does the cropping, resizing, and will remove the background for you. Then, an ID photo expert will double-check your new photo to make sure it ticks all the official requirements for the document you chose.Download a digital copy or order prints.Download a digital copy or order prints with complimentary 3-day shipping anywhere in the US.FAQIs PhotoAiD compliant with US passport photo requirements?Yes, the PhotoAiD passport photo app and online tools are 100% compliant with requirements for multiple US official documents. Just pick the photo you want, and let the PhotoAiD ID photo app do the rest.What about other photo IDs and countries?PhotoAiD allows users to take photos for dozens of IDs used in the US and worldwide. When uploading or taking a photo, you pick what photo requirements you want to meet, and the software will abide by the appropriate rules.Does PhotoAiD have a mobile app for passport-size photos?Yes, PhotoAiD’s online passport photo maker can be used online or downloaded for Android or iPhone – PhotoAiD Passport Photo Maker App (Android) and PhotoAiD Passport Photo Maker App (iPhone).Where can I print my passport photos?The PhotoAiD passport photo maker offers a convenient way to order prints delivered to your address. All you need to do is simply select this option in the final step.What is a passport photo maker?A passport photo maker is a mobile app or online tool that creates passport photos from digital headshots by removing the background, cropping the image, tilting the face, and adhering to general passport photo requirements.Is PhotoAiD safe?PhotoAiD is compliant with EU’s GDPR privacy laws, the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), and follows stringent security measures. All images – the original upload as well as the modified and verified images – aren’t shared with third parties or used in training AI models. See terms & conditions for more.Choose your documentPopular documentsOfficial US documentsVisas and other documents needed abroadUniversal size photosOther documentsStudent IDs and University diplomasUS Passport PhotoGet startedDigital Passport PhotoGet startedBaby Passport PhotoGet startedWalgreens Passport PhotoGet startedWalmart Passport PhotoCVS Passport PhotoReal IDRite Aid Passport PhotoUSCIS PhotosUS Visa PhotoCanada Visa PhotoChinese Visa PhotoGreen Card Photo / DV Lottery 2027Schengen Visa PhotoISIC - International Student Identity CardStudent ID PhotoPhoto 2x2 Inches (51x51 Millimetres)Photo 2x2 Inches (51x51 Millimetres)Chinese Passport PhotoFrench Passport PhotoGreek Passport PhotoHong Kong Passport PhotoIndian Passport PhotoJamaican Passport PicturesOnline Japan Passport Photo- Size and RequirementsMalaysian Passport PhotoDutch Passport PhotoSouth Korean Passport PhotoTaiwan Passport PhotoTurkish passport photoUnited Arab Emirates Passport PhotoBaby Passport PhotoCostco Passport PhotoCVS Passport PhotoDigital Passport PhotoNFA ATF PhotoPassport Photo Cropping ToolPassport Photo ResizerPassport Photos in CaliforniaPassport Photos in New York StatePassport Photos Las VegasPassport renewal photoReal IDRite Aid Passport PhotoTarget Passport PhotosUPS Passport PhotoUS Passport PhotoUSCIS PhotosUSPS Passport PhotosWalgreens Passport PhotoWalmart Passport PhotoVietnam Passport PhotoShow more documentsSchengen Visa PhotoAustralian Visa PhotoCanada Visa PhotoChinese Visa PhotoIndian Visa PhotoJapanese Visa PhotoMalaysia Visa PhotoRussian Visa PhotoSaudi Arabia e-Visa PhotoUAE Online Visa PhotoEAD Card PhotoGreen Card Photo / DV Lottery 2027US Visa PhotoVietnamese Visa PhotoShow more documentsPhoto 2x2 Inches (51x51 Millimetres)Photo 2x2 Inches (51x51 Millimetres)Photo 30x40 Millimetres (3x4 CM)Instagram Profile PhotoProfessional Resume PictureWhatsApp Profile PhotoISIC - International Student Identity CardStudent ID PhotoWas this information helpful?Let us know how useful you found this pageRate this page4.76/5Number of votes: 49470ResourcesPassport Photo RequirementsHow to Take a Passport Photo at HomeHow to Take a Passport Photo With Your Mobile PhoneHow to Take a Passport Photo With AndroidHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhonePopular DocumentsUS Passport PhotoBaby Passport PhotoUSCIS Photo2x2 PhotoChinese Visa PhotoPassport Photo MakerHow it worksHow to Take a PhotoAI and Expert VerificationGuaranteeDeliveryAboutAbout UsEditorial ProcessEditorial TeamContactPassport Photo App AndroidPassport Photo App iOSGet the App!Get the free app for iOS or Android.Powered by PhotoAiD ®PrivacyTermsReturns and Refunds PhotoAiD AndroidPhotoAiD iPhoneChoose a language:English (USA)Deutsch (Deutschland)Deutsch (Österreich)Deutsch (Schweiz)English (Australia)English (Canada)English (India)English (Ireland)English (New Zealand)English (Singapore)English (South Africa)English (UK)English (USA)Español (Chile)Español (Colombia)Español (España)Español (México)Español (Perú)Français (Belgique)Français (Canada)Français (France)Français (Suisse)HrvatskiItaliano (Italia)Italiano (Svizzera)MagyarNederlands (Nederland)PolskiPortuguês (Brasil)Pусский (Россия)RomânăShqipSlovenčinaSuomiSvenskaTiếng ViệtTürkУкраїнська中华的日本語Choose a documentChoose a document --- Skip to content As seen on:ContentsPassport Photo Requirements: In a NutshellPassport Photo Guidelines: ChecklistGet a Compliant Passport Photo InstantlyBaby Passport Photo RequirementsSubmission & Printing GuidelinesPassport Photo US Requirements: Wrap-UpFAQScroll to the topIf you’re applying for a US passport, it’s crucial to provide a photo that meets all official guidelines. A non-compliant image can result in delays or rejections.Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the USA passport photo requirements applicants must follow to ensure a smooth application process.Get a compliant passport photo in 3 minutes with PhotoAiD’s passport photo maker. Upload or take a photo.Let the PhotoAid Al check and fix it.A compliance expert will verify the result.Download or order a print. Done! Get a digital passport photo or order prints with help from PhotoAiD®100% acceptance, expert verified2x money-back guarantee3 minutes and done11,000,000+ happy users I was pressed for time and couldn’t get hold of a photographer. I found PhotoAiD, took a selfie, uploaded it, and had a compliant passport photo almost instantly. Getting a photo for my baby girl was a breeze, too!JohnExcellent7,022reviews on Related reading:Can You Smile in a Passport Photo?What to Wear for a Passport Photo?Bad & Good Passport Photo ExamplesPassport Photo Hair RulesPassport Photo Shadow RequirementsPassport Photo Requirements: In a NutshellEach US passport photo must meet specific technical requirements. These include:Color: The photo must be in color; black and white photos aren’t acceptedSize: 2 x 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm)Head: Centered and facing the camera; between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25-35mm)Cropping: The head, neck, and top of the chest must be visible, with sufficient space between the top of the head and the top border of the photoRecency: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 (six) monthsThe US passport renewal photo requirements are the same unless you apply online. In this case, follow these additional rules:Digital size: 600 x 600 pixels (minimum) and 1200 x 1200 pixels (maximum)Format: JPEG onlyFile size: Min. 54kBFor a detailed overview of the US passport photo requirements, read on.Passport Photo Guidelines: ChecklistAfter hours of research and countless sleepless nights, PhotoAiD® proudly presents the ultimate passport photo guidelines checklist. Be sure to read through each section carefully before submitting your passport photo to US agents.Also, look at our research study on the most common reasons ID photos are rejected.So, what are some rules when it comes to your passport photo? Let’s dive in.US passport photo size & formatThe photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).Your face must take up 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown.The image must be high-resolution, in color, and printed on matte or glossy photo paper.The file format for digital passport photos must be JPEG with a minimum size of 54 kB.Background & lightingThe background must be plain white or off-white. Shadows in passport photos aren’t allowed.The lighting should be even to avoid overexposure or dark spots.No visible shadows on the face or background are allowed.Pose & facial expressionYour expression should be neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed.Smiling in passport photos is permitted, but no teeth should be visible.Your head must be centered and facing forward.If you want to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable pictures, check our article with visual examples of passport photos.Attire & accessoriesWhat to wear for a passport photo? It’s best to wear everyday clothes such as a shirt, t-shirt, or v-neck that does not obstruct any part of the face. Passport photo clothing requirements are lenient, but here’s what to consider:You should wear everyday attire, avoiding uniforms or camouflage patterns.No hats or head coverings are allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.Jewelry and piercings are acceptable if they don’t obscure the face.Necklaces mustn’t cause glare or shadows. Avoid bulky or flashy statement pieces.You can wear earrings in a passport photo if they don’t hide the face, cast shadows, or cause glare.💡 Can you wear a hoodie in a passport photo? Passport picture rules allow you to wear a hoodie. However, it’s not recommended. A hood (just like a turtleneck) is likely to obstruct your neck or cast shadows on it, both of which are unacceptable. It’s best to remove a hoodie for a photo.Hair guidelinesPassport photo hair rules state that hair shouldn’t obscure the face. So, you can wear your hair up or down, in a ponytail or a bun.Bangs mustn’t cover the eyes or eyebrows. If they’re too long, use a hairpin.Beards are acceptable if they are a natural part of your look.Passport photo requirements state that you don’t have to show ears in a passport photo. The subject’s hair can cover them or have the individual’s hair tucked behind them. The most important is for your face and neck to be visible.Your ears don’t need to be visible in a passport photo as long as the oval of your face isn’t obscured.MakeupPassport photo requirements for makeup are very liberal; however, there are a few things to keep in mind:Avoid reflective or excessive makeup that may alter natural facial features.Don’t do contouring, avoid lipliners, and don’t wear fake eyelashes.Avoid glossy and shimmery products.Avoid dark and bold colors (e.g., eyeshadows and lipstick).Using natural-looking makeup or avoiding it altogether is best if you seldom wear it daily.GlassesCan you wear glasses in a passport photo? Glasses (of any type) aren’t permitted in US passport photos and must be removed before snapping your picture—this includes corrective eyewear.However, US citizens who wear glasses for serious medical reasons supported by a signed doctor’s statement can keep them for a passport photo.QualityParticular guidelines exist regarding the quality of photos submitted for US passport applications and renewals. For example, damaged, punctured, creased, or smudged passport photos will be rejected due to non-compliance with photo quality standards.Get a Compliant Passport Photo InstantlyForget about rejected passport photos and use PhotoAiD® apps on Android and iOS devices. Our AI-powered tool ensures compliance with passport photo requirements in the USA, offering expert verification and a 100% acceptance guarantee.Simply:Upload a photo.Let the AI check and correct it.Get expert verification.Download or order a print.Fast, reliable, and hassle-free—get your passport photo approved the first time with PhotoAiD®!But don’t just take our word for it; with over 1,200 reviews and an average 4.6⭐rating on Trustpilot, our customers feel the same way.Taking US passport photos: Common mistakes to avoidGet US passport photo requirements right by ensuring that:The image is sharp and clear, with no blurring or pixelation.The background is plain white or off-white. Shadows are unacceptable (in the background or on your face).The face is fully visible, without hair, accessories, or clothing obstructing the features.No digital editing alters the natural appearance of the applicant.Baby Passport Photo RequirementsThe youngest US citizens (i.e., babies, infants, and toddlers) have their own unique guidelines regarding passport photos. The major differences include the following:Newborns and infants may have their eyes partially open or closed and can open their mouths in their baby passport photos.The infant’s tongue can be visible but should not be explicitly sticking out; pacifiers and outside objects (that may potentially obscure the newborn’s face) aren’t permitted.The hands and arms can be present in the photo, provided they are not covering the face and are below the shoulders.Furthermore, only the child may be present in the photo (other people cannot be seen holding them up), and they must be facing the camera directly.Children old enough to understand and follow directions should adhere to the standard passport photo rules for adults (i.e., a neutral expression or slight smile with both eyes open).Submission & Printing GuidelinesSo, you’ve scored the perfect shot and are now ready to apply for a passport. What about paper requirements for passport photos? And what if you want to apply online? Let’s discuss all you need to know about submission guidelines.💡 How many photos for a passport application? Despite the confusion, the official US Department of State guidelines state that you must submit only one color passport photo for new US passport applications or renewals. The photo must have been taken within the last six months and comply with all guidelines.Submitting passport photos onlineFor online applications, create a MyTravelGov account and upload a digital image that meets the official US passport digital photo requirements:The image must be between 600×600 px (min) and 1200×1200 px (max).Ensure your image is a JPEG file sized 240 kB or less.If you compress the file, the compression ratio should be 20:1 or less.Don’t scan printed pictures.The MyTravelGov tool will then crop the photo to the appropriate size (if necessary), perform an initial quality check (to see if said photo complies with all requirements), and either “accept” or “reject” the photo. If the image gets rejected, an error code will be generated.Note that the US passport photo checker isn’t always accurate. Even if you get an error code but are sure your photo is compliant, don’t worry. A passport agent processing your application will verify the image manually.Pro tip: The most common rejection reasons for digital passport pictures are the file format, size, and quality.Attaching printed passport photosYou’ll need to print passport photos when renewing your passport via mail or applying for the first time. In these cases, you must submit one passport-style photo printed on high-quality matte or glossy photographic paper.Ensure your printouts are impeccable. Creases, ink marks, bends, smudges, or cuts aren’t acceptable.For mail renewals, staple one 2 x 2-inch photo to Form DS-82 at four designated points (see an example below). Don’t use glue or sticky tape.How to staple a passport photo to the application:Passport Photo US Requirements: Wrap-UpApplicants must follow many requirements for US passport photos when submitting their applications. In addition to adhering to technical specifications (e.g., 2×2”, 600 x 600 pixels, etc.), there are more nuanced guidelines that some applicants may find confusing.One surefire way to eliminate the guesswork from passport photos is to use a trusted service like PhotoAiD®. Since all of our photos are double-checked to ensure compliance with all passport photo rules, you can rest easy knowing your photos are guaranteed to be approved (or get double your money back).Getting an passport photo can be a hassle. Our tool makes the process fast, easy, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:  1. Upload Your Photo Upload an existing photo or take a new one. 2. AI + Expert Verification Our AI handles sizing, lighting, and background removal. Then, one of our experts reviews every detail to ensure it meets official standards—24/7. 3. Download or Order Prints Download your perfected photo right away, print at home, or order prints with free shipping. FAQCan you wear a turtleneck in a passport photo?Turtlenecks aren’t recommended for a passport photo. The applicant’s face and neck must be visible, and this clothing can obscure part of them. It’s better to opt for a simple shirt or even a T-shirt.Do your ears have to show in a passport photo?A US passport photo must be a close-up of your entire head and the top of your shoulders. Your face, eyes, and eyebrows must be visible, but your ears don’t need to show. How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Average rating 4.8 / 5. Vote count: 23 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. Sources:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.htmlhttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html Sylwia GreenSylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.Take a compliant ID photo with your cell phone in just 3 minutes—acceptance guaranteed.You may also like Category Passport Photo DIYDoes Office Depot Do Passport Photos [Cost, Print & More Service Details] Category Passport Photo DIYWhere Is the Cheapest Place to Get Passport Photos [2026] Category Passport Photo DIYHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhone [Step-by-Step] Category Passport Photo DIYBad & Good Passport Photo Examples (Based on Official Requirements & Rules) --- Skip to content As seen on:ContentsOfficial Rules for Passport PhotosHow to Take a Passport-size Photo at Home [4 Steps]What Are the Don’ts for Passport Photos?Tips on Taking Baby Passport Photos at HomeDIY Passport Photo: Can You Do It?FAQScroll to the topCan you take your own passport photo? Yes, you can.If you can spare a few minutes and your phone’s camera is at least five megapixels (the chances are yours is way more than that), you can take your own DIY passport photo with ease.This guide explains how to do it.Get a compliant passport photo in 3 minutes with PhotoAiD’s passport photo maker. Upload or take a photo.Let the PhotoAid Al check and fix it.A compliance expert will verify the result.Download or order a print. Done! Get a digital passport photo or order prints with help from PhotoAiD®100% acceptance, expert verified2x money-back guarantee3 minutes and done11,000,000+ happy users I was pressed for time and couldn’t get hold of a photographer. I found PhotoAiD, took a selfie, uploaded it, and had a compliant passport photo almost instantly. Getting a photo for my baby girl was a breeze, too!JohnExcellent7,022reviews on Learn more about passport application:How Much Does a Passport Cost?What Can I Use Instead of a Birth Certificate for a Passport?How to fill out the DS-11 FormHow Long Does It Take To Get a Passport?How to Staple Your Passport Photo [Visual Examples]Official Rules for Passport PhotosBefore you start taking passport photos at home, slow down. Read this section to understand how US passport photo requirements define a passport-quality photo.Size: The photo must be a 2×2 inch square, with the head measuring 1–1.4 inches in height.Position: Your head must be centered, facing the camera directly (your eyes and lens must be at the same level). The top of your shoulders must also be visible.Facial expression: You can smile only with your mouth closed. To avoid issues, I suggest gently lifting the corners of your lips, making sure your eyes are fully open.Quality: The photo must be free of blur, pixelation, and shadows. Ensure the lighting is even across the whole picture (especially your face).Background: The backdrop must be plain white or off-white, without shadows, creases, or other objects visible in the frame.Editing: None allowed, including blemish removal (unless done professionally).White space: Though not clearly defined, there should be a few millimeters of space from the top edge of the image and your head.Prints: Print your passport picture on glossy or matte paper.Besides the technical aspect, there are some additional passport photo instructions:You can wear head coverings only for religious or medical purposes (e.g., after surgery). Hair accessories are acceptable only in one case: If your bangs cover the eyebrows or eyes, you can pin them with a small bobby pin.The passport photo dress code is relatively relaxed. You can wear anything that doesn’t have camo patterns, isn’t white, and isn’t a uniform.Prescription glasses are no longer accepted in passport and visa photos. You can wear them only if you have a documented medical condition (you’ll need a signed note from your doctor).There’s no rule forbidding you to do makeup. However, you mustn’t alter your natural appearance in any way. So, contouring, fake lashes, heavy smokey-eye looks, and the like are a no-go. Avoid shimmers and glossy-finish products—they reflect light, and, in the best-case scenario, you’ll look like a ghost.Passport photo hair is also a no-brainer. Any hairstyle is fine if your face, eyebrows, and eyes aren’t obscured.Jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces, is acceptable but should be dainty. A thin chain and tiny studs won’t be an issue. If, however, the pieces are “in-your-face” or cause glare, the photo won’t be accepted.Okay, I know what you’re thinking: She just told me taking a DIY passport photo would be simple, and now there are so many rules to follow…Don’t worry; it is simple.Read on to find out how PhotoAiD, our passport photo app, and our photography experts can help you meet all official passport photo guidelines with little effort.How to Take a Passport-size Photo at Home [4 Steps]Without further ado, here’s how to take your own passport photo at home:1. Prepare yourselfNo, I don’t mean preparing yourself mentally (although the thought of another ugly passport photo can be scary, it won’t happen).Start by preparing your passport photo look. Here’s a little checklist:Wear plain, dark-colored clothesApply simple makeup (no glossy-finish products, contouring, fake lashes, etc.)Avoid head accessories or any other headgearKeep your hair off your face (tied or tucked behind the ears)Remove glassesAvoid bulky or flashy jewelryAll items ticked off? Let’s move on.2. Setup your cameraChances are your camera is already set to the highest resolution, but it won’t hurt to double-check it. If you own an iOS device, do the following:Go to Settings→Camera→Formats.In “Camera Capture,” select “High efficiency.”In “Photo Capture,” choose the highest photo mode available. What about an Android? Open the camera app and locate the resolution settings. On a Samsung Galaxy, you should see them at the top of the screen. Then, select the highest resolution available.Now—In theory, you should use the rear camera as it always offers higher resolution. But it’s not a golden rule. For example, my iPhone 15’s selfie camera is 12 MP—more than enough to snap a DIY passport photo!Important: While it might be tempting to play around with exposure, saturation, contrast, and other editing options, passport photos must be completely unaltered.3. Take a photoI bet you think you need box lights, tripods, and a white backdrop, much like in a professional studio. Nothing could be further from the truth—You can achieve professional results that are ideal for passport-quality photos at home without any gear. Here’s how I took my ID photo recently:First, remember to take a photo in daylight; natural light (9 am–1 pm) is ideal.Place your phone on a window sill and stabilize it to prevent it from tilting. I used a stack of books as support. You can also put the phone on a table in front of a window.Sit on a chair or the edge of the bed (like I did). The key is to ensure the camera lens is leveled with your eyes.Straighten your soldiers and look directly at the camera. You can smile gently with your mouth closed.Set up a timer for 10 seconds and take a few shots. You can also use burst mode (taking several pictures in one go).And if you have someone to help you? Face the window at around 30 degrees so your photographer won’t cause shadows in your passport photo.Psst! You can also upload an image with this button; the process is the same:4. Edit the photoNow it’s time to crop the photo to the correct 2×2 photo size (not forgetting about head dimensions and white space), erase the backdrop, and ensure all other passport photo guidelines are met.If you want to do it yourself, try our free photo cropper and background remover.But here’s the deal—No free tools can guarantee the authorities will accept your DIY passport photo. Thus, if you want to save yourself the trouble and processing delays, Use our passport photo editor, available as the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android, and we’ll handle everything for you:Our advanced AI will convert your self-portrait according to the technical specs (size, head measurements, white space, background).One of our photo experts will manually verify the image against all US passport photo requirements.The process won’t take more than a few minutes. We’ll instantly email your digital DIY passport photo and a free template for printing passport photos on 4×6-inch paper. If you want high-quality printouts, they’ll be delivered within 2–3 business days (on average).In the unlikely event that your photo doesn’t pass the official check, contact our customer support team. We’ll either help you take a new photo or offer a refund.What Are the Don’ts for Passport Photos?Whenever I have a new task, I like to know what not to do. Luckily, you don’t need to go through the trial-and-error process—we’ve done it for you.One of our researchers teamed up with PhotoAiD’s photography experts to analyze over 10,000 photos from our users. The goal? To identify the most common reasons for rejecting ID photos.Based on our study, here are 10 don’ts when taking passport pictures at home:Poor torso visibility (33.5%): Photos are too zoomed-in, and upper shoulders aren’t visible.Mouth open (21.3%): The mouth isn’t fully closed.Uneven lighting (14.7%): The lighting in the photo isn’t consistent.Low resolution (13.2%): The photo might be grainy or pixelated.Face shadows (10.6%): Shadows obscure facial features.Insufficient lighting (9.4%): Crucial facial features aren’t clearly visible.Blur (8.3%): The picture is out of focus.Side lighting imbalance (7.4%): Part of the face is more lit than the rest.Photo of a photo (5.4%): The submitted photo isn’t a digital copy or a scan.Unnatural facial expression (4.3%): An open-mouthed or broad smile distorting natural features.Here’s your answer to the “how to make a passport photo at home” question: Avoid the mistakes above! For visual help, look at our ultimate guide with examples of passport photos.Tips on Taking Baby Passport Photos at HomeIn the first six months of life, infants show stress responses even to minor everyday situations. Thus, it’s a good idea to save them (and yourself) the drama and take a picture for their travel document from the comfort of your home. Here’s how to do it.PositioningYour child must be the only subject in the photo; you can’t hold them. But what if the baby can’t sit independently? You can place them in a car seat (with a white sheet or blanket draped over it). Alternatively, lay your newborn on a blanket on the floor and take a photo from above.Pro tip: Put a rolled blanket under the baby’s neck to hold their head in place.Facial expressionIdeally, your baby should keep a neutral facial expression and look directly at the camera. Luckily, the officials know it’s easier said than done, so infants can have their eyes partially closed and grimace (crying, however, is unacceptable). Here’s what you can do:Hold a toy over the phone to get the infant’s attention. It’s alright if their mouth is slightly open in awe.Play a cartoon in the background and angle the camera to get a clear shot.However you decide to get your child’s attention, don’t do anything funny—it’ll make your baby laugh, and you’ll end up with a bad passport photo.DIY Passport Photo: Can You Do It?Taking your own passport photos is not only possible but, for many, more convenient.For me, the biggest advantages are convenience, reliability, and the ability to get passport pictures without leaving the house. All you need is your phone and a few minutes.Of course, I might be biased, so I encourage you to check out these Trustpilot reviews from busy parents and people with disabilities to see how it worked for them: Its so convenient for me especially I need to take a newborn photo and doing this at home just make life easier. PhotoAiD did all the hardwork and all I need is just to supply a photo from my end. — Vie (AU) I am very pleased with the service offered by PhotoAid. The process was simple to use and the photo checking service was so helpful. I am disabled, so being able to do this from home was of great benefit. Thank you — Gill Harvey (GB) Quick and easy! Able to take and print passport photos in the comfort of my home. This is the 3rd time using (for various family members) and it works perfectly each time. — Tyra Ivy (US)Getting an passport photo can be a hassle. Our tool makes the process fast, easy, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:  1. Upload Your Photo Upload an existing photo or take a new one. 2. AI + Expert Verification Our AI handles sizing, lighting, and background removal. Then, one of our experts reviews every detail to ensure it meets official standards—24/7. 3. Download or Order Prints Download your perfected photo right away, print at home, or order prints with free shipping. FAQIs a phone photo good enough for a passport?Yes, smartphones with cameras of five megapixels or more are good enough to take passport-sized pictures at home. Just remember to follow the necessary official passport photo guidelines.Can I use an app to take a passport photo?You can easily make a passport photo online with the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android. Pictures created with our app come with an acceptance guarantee and a 200% refund in case of rejection.Can I submit a passport photo which I took of myself?You can’t submit selfies, but taking a passport photo yourself is still acceptable. Remember to follow passport photo criteria when doing so, and your submitted image should be accepted. If you don’t feel confident enough to ensure all official requirements, PhotoAiD®’s photography experts can help you 24/7.Can I print my own passport photo?You can easily print passport photos on 4×6-inch paper at home or a local store like CVS or Walgreens. Remember to print your passport-sized photo on high-quality matte or glossy paper.Can I take passport photos at home?Absolutely. You can take your own passport photo at home and then use an app to convert it into a 100% compliant passport picture. Here’s how simple it is to create passport photos with PhotoAiD®:1. Take a self-portrait and upload it into our app.2. Wait a few seconds for the AI to remove the background, resize, and crop the image.3. Order a manual compliance check.4. Choose between a digital picture and printouts.5. Download your DIY passport photo or wait for printed copies. How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Average rating 4.6 / 5. Vote count: 23 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. Sources:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/online-renewal-photo.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3030888/Sylwia GreenSylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.Take a compliant ID photo with your cell phone in just 3 minutes—acceptance guaranteed.You may also like Category Passport Photo DIYDoes Office Depot Do Passport Photos [Cost, Print & More Service Details] Category Passport Photo DIYWhere Is the Cheapest Place to Get Passport Photos [2026] Category Passport Photo DIYHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhone [Step-by-Step] Category Passport Photo DIYBad & Good Passport Photo Examples (Based on Official Requirements & Rules) --- Skip to content As seen on:ContentsWhat Should a Passport Photo Look Like?How to Take a Passport Photo with Your Phone4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Passport Photo on a PhoneFAQScroll to the topCan you take a passport photo with my phone?Yes, you can take your own passport photo using a smartphone. Modern phones have high-quality cameras that are good enough to take ID pictures. However, you must also pay attention to the official requirements. It’s best to use a passport photo app which will verify your image for compliance.Now, let’s see how to create your passport photo with a phone.Get a compliant passport photo in 3 minutes with PhotoAiD’s passport photo maker. Upload or take a photo.Let the PhotoAid Al check and fix it.A compliance expert will verify the result.Download or order a print. Done! Get a digital passport photo or order prints with help from PhotoAiD®100% acceptance, expert verified2x money-back guarantee3 minutes and done11,000,000+ happy users I was pressed for time and couldn’t get hold of a photographer. I found PhotoAiD, took a selfie, uploaded it, and had a compliant passport photo almost instantly. Getting a photo for my baby girl was a breeze, too!JohnExcellent7,022reviews on Read more passport-related articles:How Much Does a Passport Cost?What Is a “Type P” Passport and How to Get It?How to Staple Your Passport Photo [Visual Examples]How to Get a Cheap Passport Photo: Your Best OptionsWhat Should a Passport Photo Look Like?All passport pictures must meet biometric technology standards to accurately identify your unique facial features. Thus, a passport-style photo must follow specific rules:Recency: Taken within the last six monthsSize: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)Background color: White or off-whiteHead dimensions: 1–1.4 inches (25–35 mm)Quality: Even lighting, no filters, blur or pixelationDigital alterations: Strictly prohibitedHowever, technical requirements aren’t the only ones you must adhere to. Let’s look at these additional guidelines you should pay attention to when taking passport photos with a phone:SmileCan you smile for a passport photo? In the US, a gentle smile (with your mouth closed) is perfectly acceptable. Other countries, such as the UK, require a neutral facial expression.HairThere are few passport photo hair regulations. In a nutshell, you can wear any hairstyle as long as it doesn’t cover the oval of your face or eyebrows. Play it safe: Keep the hair off your face and pin your bangs with barely visible pins.Headgear & AccessoriesAll head coverings are prohibited unless worn for medical or religious purposes.ClothesPassport pictures are about your face, so what you wear shouldn’t matter, right? Not quite. According to the passport photo dress code, you should avoid:Light-colored clothes (they’d blend with the background)Camouflage patternsRevealing pieces (e.g., tank tops)All sorts of uniformsMakeupYou can’t show your beaming smile, and your favorite white dress is out of the question. Can you at least save the look with makeup? Yes, you can.Well…okay, not everything is allowed.Go for the “less is more” approach, and don’t alter your natural features, including your skin tone.Give your eyelashes a stroke of mascara and even out your skin with foundation—but leave the contouring kit and glittery highlights for special occasions.GlassesFirst off, sunglasses are an obvious no-go, even if they’re glued to your face like Bono’s from U2. But what about prescription glasses?US passport photo rules don’t allow glasses unless you can’t remove them (e.g., after surgery). In such a case, attach a signed doctor’s statement to your applicationRead our illustrated guide with passport photo examples to better understand the do’s and don’ts of passport photography.How to Take a Passport Photo with Your PhoneMany web tools and mobile apps can assist you in resizing your self-portrait to the required dimensions of 2×2 inches (51 x 51 mm) for passport photos. PhotoAiD (available as PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android) is one of the most popular options.Here’s how you can make a passport photo on a phone:Take a photoGrab your phone and take a passport-style photo following the guidelines we’ve discussed. Once you’re ready, upload your image to the app.Let the AI convert itOur tool will convert the photo to passport size according to the official requirements and erase the background. The process is fully automated—simply wait a few seconds.Approve the photoCheck the photo preview. Does it look like a perfect passport picture? Tap “Accept.” If you don’t like it, you can redo the process for free until you have the passport photo.Pick the photo optionChoose between:Instant digital photo for $16.95Four printed photos and a digital copy for $19.95Both options include a passport photo template you can print on 4×6-inch paper at home or a local store.Wait for the expert verificationPay for your order and give us a few more minutes. One of our photography experts will check your picture to ensure it complies with all official requirements. It may happen that we won’t green-light the photo on the first try…but don’t worry.You’ll receive an email detailing why the photo needs to be retaken and instructions on how to do so. You can upload the new image again through the attached link—free of charge.Afterwards, you can download your digital image. If you opt for printed copies, they’ll arrive in the mail within an average of 2–3 business days.Does that sound too good to be true? Check our Trustpilot page for reviews:“There website is super easy to use and works really well and they have teams of graphic artists who ensure everything is perfect and you can even request extra customization if your not happy about anything and they helped me for free without any extra charge! I am using their photo for my final passport photo, very happy and grateful and great deal imo!” — Philip Toyo Lee (US)“Love that the app takes all the background ect out of the picture for you, simple and easy to use! Much easier than finding a photo booth ect” — Ben Evans (UK)“PhotoAiD is user-friendly and efficient. Took less than 10 minutes to get a digital passport photo.” — Customer (US)4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Passport Photo on a PhoneOur photography experts verify ID photos every day, and they don’t always green-light them on the first try. To help you take an acceptable photo, we’ve analyzed the most common rejection issues for ID photos and prepared a few tips on how to avoid them.Mistake #1: Wrong positionMistake #2: LightingMistake #3: Facial expressionMistake #4: Glasses and HeadgearFAQCan I use an app for my passport photo?Using a reliable app to take passport photos is a convenient alternative to local photo studios or photo booths. As long as the app guarantees compliance with government requirements (like PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android), you can get a passport photo from a phone.Can you take a digital passport photo on your phone?Yes, it’s allowed to take your own digital passport image at home. Making a digital passport photo on a phone takes a few minutes. With PhotoAiD®, you can get yours with an acceptance guarantee and a 200% refund should passport agents reject the picture.Is there a free passport-size photo converter?Many passport photo apps promise to turn your image into an ID picture but don’t guarantee compliance with official requirements. To ensure the authorities accept your photo, use our passport-size photo converter: PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android. Should anything go wrong, you’ll be eligible for a refund. How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Average rating 4.9 / 5. Vote count: 17 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. Sources:https://www.tsa.gov/biometrics-technology https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html Sylwia GreenSylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.Take a compliant ID photo with your cell phone in just 3 minutes—acceptance guaranteed.You may also like Category Passport Photo DIYDoes Office Depot Do Passport Photos [Cost, Print & More Service Details] Category Passport Photo DIYWhere Is the Cheapest Place to Get Passport Photos [2026] Category Passport Photo DIYHow to Take a Passport Photo With an iPhone [Step-by-Step] Category Passport Photo DIYBad & Good Passport Photo Examples (Based on Official Requirements & Rules)