How to take a passport photo at home
A phone and a plain wall are enough. Follow these steps for a photo that is easy to turn into a passport photo.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Stays on your device
Drop your photo here
or paste an image. JPG, PNG and WebP work.
Choose photo
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Before you take the photo
- Face the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Use even light with no shadows on your face or behind you, and no glasses.
- Ask someone to take it from about arm's length with the camera at eye level. Selfies are often rejected.
- Print at 100% (actual size), without "fit to page".
Before you start
- Pick a plain, light wall, and stand a short distance in front of it to avoid shadows.
- Face a window or a lamp so the light falls evenly on your face. Avoid light from one side.
- Pull hair back from your face and remove anything that covers it. Follow your country's rule on glasses and head coverings.
Taking the photo
- Ask someone to take it from about arm's length, with the camera at eye level.
- Look straight into the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
- Keep your head and shoulders straight, and leave space above your head and below your shoulders.
- Take several photos and keep the sharpest one.
Turn it into a passport photo
Upload the best photo above, choose your country and download the sized photo and a 4×6 print sheet. Print at 100% actual size on photo paper, or take the file to a print shop.
Questions
Can I take a passport photo with a selfie?
Selfies are often rejected because a close camera distorts the face. Ask someone to take the photo from a short distance instead.
Do I need a special camera?
No. A recent phone camera is enough if the photo is sharp and evenly lit.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Your photo is processed on your device. The face detection model files are downloaded once when you first use the tool, but your photo is never sent to a server.
Will my photo be accepted?
The tool follows the published size and head-height rules, but the issuing authority makes the final decision. Check the estimates, compare against the official rules, and retake the photo if it is blurry, tilted or has shadows.
Which countries are supported?
The US and the UK for now. More countries will be added after checking each official specification.