How to Take a Passport Photo at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

You don't need a photo studio to get a passport photo. With a phone, a window and a few minutes, you can take a photo that meets official rules.

What you need

• A smartphone camera
• A plain wall or any background (our tool can replace it with white)
• Daylight from a window, or two soft lamps
• Someone to hold the camera, or a timer and a stable surface

Step 1: Get the lighting right

Face a window so light falls evenly on your face. Avoid shadows on your face or behind you, and never use direct overhead light.

Step 2: Position the camera

Hold the camera at eye level, about 1 to 1.5 m (4 ft) away. Don't take a close-up selfie at arm's length: it distorts your face.

Step 3: Pose correctly

Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. Keep your head straight, remove glasses (required for US passports), and keep hair away from your eyes.

Step 4: Create the photo

Upload it to our free passport photo maker. Choose your country, and the tool removes the background, crops to the official size and centers your head.

Step 5: Print or submit

Download the digital file for online applications, or the 4x6" sheet to print at a pharmacy or photo store.

Common mistakes

Shadows behind the head, smiling with teeth, tilted head, and photos older than 6 months.