Make US Passport Photo for Free

Original US Passport photos online with our easy-to-use service. Simply upload a photo from your smartphone, and we'll turn it into a perfectly-sized passport photo that meets all official requirements. 100% guarantee acceptance of your photos.

US passport photo
2inch 2inch 1.29inch 1.18inch
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Source: official website travel.state.gov

Get photo for: US Passport 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)

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US Passport Photo Maker

Integral to the application process is the requisite photograph, utilized by customs control for your identification. Armed with the correct steps, it's feasible to take this photo from the serenity of your living space using a smartphone or digital camera. Read ahead to decipher the procedure!

Steps to Make US Passport Photos Online

If you’d like to make your own photo for a US Passport, saving you the trouble of making an appointment with a professional photographer and turning up in person, there are a few important steps you’ll need to follow. We’ve broken them down for you below:

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  1. On PhotoGov.com, first choose what sort of document you are preparing a photograph for—i.e., a passport, visa, etc.
  2. Next, take your photograph and upload it to our US Passport photo maker. Make sure you follow the necessary guidelines for creating a biometric picture.
  3. Refine your picture using our platform. PhotoGov.com automatically optimizes your photograph to help ensure it meets the necessary criteria, such as even lighting and image centering.
  4. Download your image. You are now ready to use the digital file as you like.

Guidelines and size requiements for a US passport

For successful US passport applications, it's vital to follow US passport photo requirements. Key criteria include a recent photo (taken within the last month) sized 2x2inch, a light and plain background, a neutral expression, and an unobstructed, full-face view, background color - White. Refrain from wearing glasses, headgear, or casting shadows, except for religious reasons. Abiding by these US passport photo requirements helps ensure a smooth application process.

The table below shows the official basic and main technical requirements:

2inch
2inch
1.29inch
1.18 inch
Layout, size and scale by indentation for the US passport

*Data from government agencies

US Passport Photo — Size and Requirements

Here is a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of the general photo requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time applicant, understanding these requirements is crucial to take passport or visa photos that are accepted on the first try.

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Technical requirements if you are going to process the photo yourself through Photoshop or other services:

Size

In the , a photo for photo must be 2x2 inch in size. Photographs that deviate from these requirements will not be considered and will have to be retaken by the applicant.

Color

US Passport procedures require colored photos to facilitate accurate identification by officials. Moreover, these pictures should prominently feature a neutral, white, or near-white background.

Resolution and file size (in KB or MB)

It’s important that your US Passport photograph is high-quality and clear, as this will make it easier for border officials to make it out and compare it to you. To that end, you should ensure that you use a resolution of no less than 300 DPI (dots per inch). Ideally, you should use a resolution of at least DPI, but between 300 and should be fine. Just remember, the clearer and more satisfactory your picture, the less likely your application is to be rejected; aim for a file size of between 1 MB and 15 MB.

Attire, clothing, dress code

When you take a picture for a US Passport, there is a particular dress code you must adhere to. The main points of this dress code are that you must:

Wear normal, everyday clothes.

Avoid wearing uniforms or camouflage clothing.

Avoid head coverings or headgear.

Avoid eyeglasses, including both sunglasses and spectacles.

If you adhere to these simple instructions and ensure that your picture is well-lit and of a high quality, your photograph should be satisfactory.

Image definition parameters

It’s essential that the photo quality is satisfactory. Ensure your picture is clear and properly focused, free of blur or noise. You should also make sure that it isn’t visibly pixelated and that it has been printed onto either matte or glossy photographic paper, as opposed to plain printer paper.

Background, contrast, and shadows

An US Passport picture must have both sufficient detail and high contrast. So, to ensure that your photograph is suitable, be sure to take it against a plain, neutral background, either white or off-white in color. This is important, as it helps you stand out in the picture. Additionally, be careful that there is no shadow in the photo, particularly any obscuring the face.

Example photos:

Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos

Examples of photos, how to correctly make a passport photo US

How to Take Your Own US Passport Photo

If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect passport photo yourself:

  • 1. Take a picture of yourself

    Open up the PhotoGov.com photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.

    How to take selfies for a passport

    Clean background. More light. Not a blurry photo.
    Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)

  • 2. Upload your photo to PhotoGov AI

    Next, upload your image and process it through our site.

    Upload your passport photo to PhotoGov
  • 3. Receive your Passport Photo

    Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.

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US Passport Photo-Making Tips

Body-camera distance

For optimal clarity in a passport photo, the individual's upper body, along with their head and hair, should be fully discernible for quick identification. Your camera should ideally be positioned 5-7 feet (1.5-2 meters) away. Consider capturing a few photos from different points to determine the perfect one.

Posture

A passport photo is essentially a facial capture, but the posture you assume has its bearing on the final shot. It's crucial to stand upright yet not come across as rigid. Keep your gaze focused straight into the camera, ensuring your face is visibly clear.

Lighting

For the best results, your snapshot should be under uniform lighting and should avoid shadowed areas. It's vital for the clear visibility of your facial traits. It's ideal to have balanced lighting both laterally and from the fore and aft perspectives.

Can I Take My passport Picture at Home?

Should you be keen to put in the necessary work, crafting a professional-grade passport photo at home is well within your grasp. Follow this straightforward guide:

  • Dress in line with the accepted standards.
  • Ascertain optimal lighting in your chosen spot.
  • Stand against a neutral-toned backdrop to ensure clarity.

How to Take a US Passport Photo Using a Phone

If your smartphone's camera delivers clear, high-quality photos, it's fit for your passport image needs. However, avoid the temptation of selfies. Instead, abide by these steps:

  • Entrust someone to capture the shot for you.
  • They should maintain a gap of 5-7 feet, ensuring only the top half of your body is in the frame.
  • You can also utilize a tripod, positioning it 5-7 feet away and making necessary adjustments for the optimal photo.

How to Take US Passport Photos for Babies and Kids

Getting passport photos of children and babies might seem tricky, but they're bound by most of the usual guidelines. They should be dressed appropriately, and their photos should shine in clarity and lighting. However, the State Department often relaxes the rules a bit around the neutral expression criterion for them.

If you are photographing a newborn:

Spread a white sheet out over the floor.

Place the baby down on the sheet and take their photograph against it.

For slightly older babies:

Prop them up in a child’s chair against a white sheet.

If they are still unable to hold up their head, prop it up for them using a hand behind the sheet. Ensure no one else is visible in the shot.

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Tools based on artificial intelligence

PhotoGov Features

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Crop

Our in-built cropping feature allows you to trim new passport photos and ensure that they don’t have uneven edges. This allows you to neaten up your picture and ensure it’s the proper size for your passport.

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Resize

You can also resize your picture as needed through PhotoGov, meaning that the end result will be a perfectly proportioned image that will fit just right into your passport. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about stretching or squishing the image and ruining the quality.

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Background removal

If you can’t find a neutral background against which you can take a satisfactory picture, don’t worry; we have a background removal tool that can help you achieve the same results.

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Auto-adjustment

With the click of a button, you can have our auto-adjustment tool immediately optimize your image to meet brightness, color, and contrast standards.

How Can I Convert My Photo to passport Size?

There are myriad ways to modify image sizes, but for the best results, consider our passport photo software - PhotoGov. With it, you can trust that you'll receive a crisp, correctly proportioned final photo, sans any visual degradation from stretching or compressing.

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Why Choose Us?

User-friendly interface

Sorting out your passport application is complicated and stressful enough without having to contend with confusing software. PhotoGov’s simple layout and user-friendly design will help streamline the process for you.

Wide editing functionality

With cropping, resizing, auto-adjustment, and background removal functions, PhotoGov makes getting a passport picture as easy as possible. Using our platform, you can ensure that your photograph meets all the necessary requirements with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Large selection of documents

As well as offering photographs for passports, we can also take care of ID, visa, citizenship, license, and work permit photos.

No Expensive Equipment

With our online passport photo service, you don't need any expensive photography equipment to get high-quality passport photos. All you need is a smartphone or digital camera and an internet connection, and you can upload your photo to our platform and have it processed in seconds.

No Need to Go to a Photo Studio

Our online service eliminates the need to visit a photo studio or photo booth to get your passport photos taken. This can save you time and money on travel, and means you can get your photos taken from the comfort of your own home or office.

No Specialized Skills Required

You don't need any specialized skills or knowledge to use our online passport photo service. Our platform uses advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to process your photo and ensure that it meets all official requirements. This means you don't need any experience with photo editing software or photo composition to get high-quality passport photos.

Where to Get a passport Photo

Pharmacies and drug stores

Major drugstore chains such as Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid grant prompt passport image capture services on their premises. Though not on the house, they commonly set prices near the $15 range.

Shipping centers

Prominent logistics services such as UPS, FedEx, and other closeby shipping locales feature passport photography offerings comparable to pharmacy-based ones. With a usual rate of about $15, it's a handy option if you're looking to outsource your passport photo needs.

Post offices and other passport acceptance agents

Handling passport applications naturally leads post offices and like-minded bodies to also cater to photography needs. Consistent with the pricing trend we've highlighted, these services often come at a cost of approximately $15.

Retail stores

It's not uncommon to find dedicated passport photo booths in a variety of retail locations, ensuring you get images up to the mark. The pricing model can differ among these establishments, yet most offer competitive rates.

More about US passport

FAQ

How many photos are required for a US Passport 2x2 inch application?

You only need to submit one photo with your US Passport 2x2 inch application, though you should make sure it is of good quality and that it meets all their specifications. Different documents may require you to provide a greater number of photographs, so you should always make sure to double-check exactly how many you need before filing an application.

Please note that you will still need to submit a photograph when applying for a passport renewal, even if your appearance has not changed much.

What are the usual passport photo prices?

If you want to get your photo taken at a pharmacy, shipping center, retailer, or other establishment with a photography booth, you can expect to be charged around $15. However, if you’re thinking about hiring a photographer to take your picture for you, prices will vary and will likely be considerably more expensive.

Is money a little tight these days? Remember that PhotoGov provides free professional photography services for passports and other documents. When you use our platform, you can also avoid the hassle of having to get your picture taken in person.

How do I make sure my passport picture meets official requirements?

The best way to ensure your picture is up to standard is to review the requirements laid out by the State Department carefully. If you like, you can also review a passport photo template to ensure that your head is correctly positioned and is a good distance from the camera.

Some of the most important requirements are as follows:

  • Wear a neutral expression.
  • Adhere to the dress code.
  • Ensure your picture is of high quality.
  • Do not edit your photo.

What is the recommended method for capturing a digital passport photo?

To obtain a fitting digital snapshot for an American passport, focus on balanced light conditions, dodge any shadows, settle for a basic white or near-white setting, and aim for a high-quality capture with an impassive countenance. You can rely on online resources to optimize and format the photo in line with requirements.

How recent must my photo be?

To ensure your application sails through smoothly, make certain your photo mirrors your present appearance and is not older than six months. Using antiquated images can throw a wrench in the application's progress or lead to its denial.

Can a mobile app help create a correct photo ?

Absolutely, there exist mobile apps crafted with Passport and Visa photo specifications in mind.

How do I get a ready photo for my document using PhotoGov?

If you're looking to obtain a compliant photo for your document, PhotoGov has laid out clear steps on their platform. Post completion, the service payment can be made via your bank card. Almost instantly, a superior quality electronic image will be emailed to you. PhotoGov offers assurance on your photo's alignment with document standards. For documents that come with no-cost photo adjustments, you won't be billed. Simply input your email details, and in less than a minute, your processed photo will be mailed to you.

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