How to print passport size photo at home

We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.

Taking your own passport photo might not be something you’ve thought of in the past. After all, you’ve been accustomed to hearing from friends and family about where you can go to have your passport pictures taken. But with all of the changes that COVID-19 has brought to our world and the convenience it can offer, it’s a skill that may come in handy.

It’s good to know that if you prefer,  you can easily take your passport photo at home.

This guide will give you step-by-step instructions for taking your own passport photo, including photo requirements, so you’ll be ready to go the next time you decide to travel.

Table of contents

• How To Take Your Own Passport Photo
  • Step 1: Take Your Passport Photo
  • Step 2: Upload and Resize To Fit Requirements
  • Step 3: Complete the Process
• Passport Photo Requirements With Photo Examples
  • Passport Photo Basics
  • Print Size and Quality
  • Pose and Expression
  • Attire, Hats, Glasses, and Hair
• Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

• How To Take Your Own Passport Photo
  • Step 1: Take Your Passport Photo
  • Step 2: Upload and Resize To Fit Requirements
  • Step 3: Complete the Process
• Passport Photo Requirements With Photo Examples
  • Passport Photo Basics
  • Print Size and Quality
  • Pose and Expression
  • Attire, Hats, Glasses, and Hair
• Final Thoughts

How To Take Your Own Passport Photo

Whether you’re looking to apply for a new U.S. passport or renew your current U.S. passport by mail, it’s good to know that you can take your own passport photo quickly and easily.

Step 1: Take Your Passport Photo

• Stand in front of a white background. You can’t digitally alter the background to make it white. If you don’t have any white walls, you can get a large sheet of white paper or poster board to tape up on the wall (make sure the edges of your paper and any tape you used are not visible in your photo).
• Stand near a window on a sunny day for the best light. Don’t stand in direct sunlight because you can’t have any shadows in the photo. In any light, using a flash is a great way to avoid shadows behind your head.
• Have a friend or family member take a close-up photo of your head — selfies aren’t acceptable.
• Make sure your photo meets all of the requirements in regards to your expression, pose, hair, etc. (details below).

Step 2: Upload and Resize To Fit Requirements

Next, you’ll need to upload your photo and ensure it’s the correct size. You can upload your photo to many sites that will help format it to the correct size of 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).

• 123PassportPhoto.com
• ePassportPhoto.com
• idPhotoforyou.com
• MyPassportPhotos.com
• Oddprints.com
• Target passport photos
• Walmart passport photos

Whichever site you choose to use, follow their instructions to upload, size, and order your photos.

Step 3: Complete the Process

If you’re renewing your passport by mail, you’ll need to attach your photo to your application correctly. This is done with 4 staples vertically placed in the corners as close to the edge as possible. Your application will show marks exactly where the staples should go.

If you’re applying for a new passport in person, you can take this photo and your application to an acceptance facility. Expedited service may also be available if needed.

Hot Tip: Want to keep your passport looking stylish? Take a look at these passport holders and covers.

Passport Photo Requirements With Photo Examples

Passport Photo Basics

All passport photos must adhere to a very specific set of standards.

Your photo must be submitted in color and should be no more than 6 months old. The background should be white or off-white, and you can’t use any filters. You’ll also need someone else to take the photo as selfies are not acceptable for your passport.

Print Size and Quality

• The photo must be high resolution and not pixelated, grainy, or blurry
• The photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size must be 1-1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head
• The photo must be printed on photo quality paper, either matte or glossy
• No digital changes are allowed (including changing your background to white or removing red-eye)
• The photo can’t be damaged with holes, creases, or smudges
• There shouldn’t be any shadows

Both of these photos are examples of approved passport photos.

These 3 photos are examples of passport photos that are NOT acceptable.

Pose and Expression

• Both eyes must be open
• Your expression can be either neutral or with a natural smile
• The photo must be a full-face view (side angles are not accepted)
• Young children don’t need to make eye contact with the camera
• Babies can be lying on their backs on a white blanket (for more tips, check out our step-by-step guide to getting a passport photo for your baby)

Both of these photos show examples of acceptable passport photo expressions.

The following 3 photos are examples of passport photo expressions and poses that are NOT acceptable.

Attire, Hats, Glasses, and Hair

• Glasses should not be worn. If you can’t remove your glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
• Clothing should be your everyday attire. Uniforms, anything that looks like a uniform, and camouflage can not be worn.
• Hair should not be covering your face.
• No hats or head coverings should be worn. Exceptions include religious and medical reasons.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious reasons, you’ll need to include a signed statement with your application that verifies your hat or head covering is worn continuously in public as part of your religion.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical reasons, you’ll need to include a signed statement from your doctor verifying that your hat or head covering is worn daily for medical purposes.
  • If you have a religious or medical exception, your hat or head covering must not obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face. Your full face must be visible.
• No headphones or wireless hands-free devices can be worn.
• Jewelry and facial piercings can be worn if they don’t cover your face.
• Facial tattoos are acceptable.

Here is an acceptable way to wear a head covering in a passport photo.

The 3 photos below are examples of passport photos with head coverings, accessories, and hair that are NOT acceptable.

Final Thoughts

Being able to take your own passport photo saves you time, and that means you can get your passport application or renewal underway as quickly as possible. Plus, it’s nice to know that you can renew your passport without leaving home — a matter of convenience that’s hard to beat.

How do I print a passport size photo?

How do I print passport size photos on my HP printer?

How can I make passport size photos at home?