How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall in even light, have someone else take the photo straight on at your eye level, then crop it to 2x2 inches with the free tool.
What the photo must show
These are the published US passport photo rules that matter most when you take the photo yourself.
- Plain white or off-white background, with no pattern, texture or shadows.
- No shadows on the face or in the background.
- Photo should be evenly lit, neither too dark nor overexposed. (Passport911 recommendation (not an official rule))
- Face the camera directly, with the head not tilted or turned.
- Look straight at the camera.
- No eyeglasses. A signed doctor's note is required if glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons.
- Photo must not be digitally altered, filtered, or retouched.
- Color photo, taken within the last 6 months.
Step by step
- Find a plain white or off-white wall, with no pictures, patterns or furniture behind you.
- Face a window or other soft light so your face is evenly lit. A single lamp off to one side tends to leave shadows. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Stand a step or two away from the wall so your body does not cast a shadow on it. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Ask someone else to take the photo. Arm's-length selfies are often tilted or off-center. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Have them hold the phone straight in front of you at your eye level, far enough back to include your head and shoulders. The tool crops it to size later. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Take off your glasses, face the camera directly and look straight at it, with a neutral expression or natural smile and both eyes open.
- Take several shots and keep the sharpest one. Turn off beauty modes and filters. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
Make it with the free tool
Upload your photo to the free maker, fit the head to the guide, and download a 2x2 inch JPG or a 4x6 inch print sheet. Editing and measuring happen in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
What background should I use at home?
A plain white or off-white wall, with no pattern, texture or shadows.
Should someone else take the photo?
We recommend it. A helper can hold the phone straight at your eye level, which makes it easier to face the camera directly with your head not tilted or turned.
How do I get the photo to 2x2 inches?
Upload it to the free Passport911 maker, fit the head to 50% to 69% of the photo height, and download a 2x2 inch JPG or a 4x6 inch print sheet.
Does passing the checker mean my photo will be accepted?
No. Passport911 checks your photo against published requirements, but final acceptance is decided by the issuing agency.
Sources
Content last reviewed 2026-10-18. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the issuing agency.