All new passports must include a recent picture. You can pay a passport photo service provider to do it for you, or you can take your own passport photo and save some money.
If you are attempting to DIY, there are specific rules you must follow. If you don’t follow the rules, however, your photo will be rejected, your passport application will be delayed, and you will likely end up paying someone else to do it right anyway. Below, we demystify how to take a passport photo that will be accepted.
Can I Take My Own Passport Photo?
Yes, you really can take a usable passport photo at home…if you follow the rules! You can even upload a digital copy if you're renewing your passport online, meaning no more worries about long waits, inconvenient appointment times, or mailing paper forms that you hope arrive where they are intended.
The passport photo rules are the same, whether you are submitting a digital passport photo or physical photos. Use our handy guide to be sure you are giving the passport agency exactly what they want.
Related: Always protect your identity and keep your passport safe using a passport cover with RFID/Theftblock ™ technology.
Passport Photo Rules & Requirements
If you don't set up your picture properly, it can be rejected for seemingly trivial reasons. Ensure that your photo meets these requirements:
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Use a white or off-white background
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Be sure there are no shadows on your face or the background
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The photo must be in color
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Do not use filters to change the color or details
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Have a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed
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Do not wear glasses or hats
What You'll Need
All you need is a well-lit space, a white background, and a good-quality camera. Most smartphones meet this last requirement.
Pro Tip: Once you have your passport, you can apply for Global Entry–a program that expedites the customs process for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States and provides TSA PreCheck benefits inside the U.S. When you're heading back into the US from an international trip, Global Entry can significantly speed up your processing time –learn more about the perks and what it takes to apply.
Step-by-Step: How to Take Your Passport Photo
Taking your passport picture is much easier with help from a friend or family member. Here are the steps you can follow to take a good passport photo that will be accepted and avoid common mistakes people make that get their photos rejected:
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Find an area that has good lighting. You may need to add lighting to ensure there aren’t any shadows on your face or in the background.
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Remove your glasses, if you wear them. Look straight at the camera, don't tilt your head, and try not to smile. Having a neutral facial expression is important for face recognition software; smiles tend to throw them off.
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Remember to have your head and shoulders also facing the camera in the image. Your head should be centered (with no hats or headcoverings) with at least part of your upper body showing. A good rule of thumb is to stand about 4 feet away from the camera without a zoom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people submit their pictures and then wonder why they're denied. When passport photos are rejected, it’s usually due to one of these common errors:
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Shadows are present
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Colors are off; low light is usually to blame
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Bad proportions with the head not centered or too close/too far away
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The file or photo size is not the required 2 inches by 2 inches
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The image or background is manipulated by filters, cropping, or other editing/retouching
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Anything that obscures or distorts the face, like big smiles or scowls, glasses, hats, or other head coverings
Passports are a must for international travel, and they take time to apply for and receive. But they are not the only thing you need to plan for well ahead of your trip. Whether this is your first voyage abroad or you are a regular jet setter, our tips for traveling abroad will help ensure that you are ready and well-prepared.
