How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
Skip CVS. Take a compliant passport photo with your phone in 5 minutes. Here's exactly how to do it right.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Up Your Background
Find a plain white or off-white wall. Stand 2-3 feet in front of it to avoid shadows on the wall.
- No patterns, textures, or wallpaper
- Remove picture frames or objects behind you
- A white sheet or poster board works if you don't have a white wall
Tip: Don't worry if the wall isn't perfectly white—our tool removes and replaces the background automatically.
Position Your Lighting
Good lighting is the most important factor. Face your light source directly.
- Natural light: Face a window (best option)
- Indoor: Use a lamp placed in front of you, not above
- Avoid overhead lights—they create shadows under your eyes and nose
- Turn off other lights to prevent mixed color temperatures
Set Up Your Camera
Use your phone's rear camera for best quality. Position it at eye level.
- Have someone else hold the phone (easier than tripod)
- Distance: 4-5 feet away from you
- Height: exactly at your eye level
- Use portrait mode OFF—you need the background in focus too
- Clean your camera lens first
Position Yourself
Face the camera directly. Your head and shoulders should be straight.
- Look directly into the lens
- Keep your head straight—not tilted or turned
- Shoulders square to the camera
- Stand naturally, don't hunch or lean
Get Your Expression Right
Neutral expression with mouth closed. Eyes open and clearly visible.
- No smiling (even slight smiles can cause rejection)
- Mouth closed, relaxed
- Eyes open naturally—not wide open
- Remove glasses completely
- Hair away from face
Take Multiple Photos
Take 5-10 photos and pick the best one. Check each one for issues.
- Review for shadows on face or background
- Check that both eyes are clearly visible
- Make sure you're centered in the frame
- Verify the photo isn't blurry
Step 7: Upload to Our Tool
Once you have your photo, upload it to our tool. We'll automatically:
- Remove and replace the background
- Crop to exact 2×2 inch specifications
- Validate compliance with State Department rules
- Create a printable 4×6 sheet with 6 photos
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shadows on face
Face your light source directly. No overhead lights.
Wearing glasses
Glasses are not allowed in US passport photos since 2016. Learn more
Smiling or expression
Keep a neutral expression. Even slight smiles get rejected. Learn more
Camera too close
Keep 4-5 feet distance to avoid distortion.
Head tilted
Face must be straight and centered in the frame.
Using front camera
Rear camera has much better quality. Have someone take it.
For a complete list of rejection reasons, see our passport photo rejection guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a passport photo with my iPhone?
Yes! Any modern smartphone (iPhone or Android) can take compliant passport photos. Use the rear camera for best quality, hold it at eye level, and make sure you have good lighting.
What background do I need for a passport photo?
You need a plain white or off-white background with no patterns, shadows, or objects. A white wall works well. Our tool can also digitally remove any background and replace it with compliant white.
Can I smile in a passport photo?
No. US passport photos require a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A natural, relaxed face is fine—just no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No. As of 2016, the US State Department no longer allows glasses in passport photos, even prescription glasses. Remove them before taking your photo.
How should I do my hair for a passport photo?
Your full face must be visible from forehead to chin and both edges. Keep hair away from your face and eyes. Headbands and clips are fine if they don't cover any part of your face.
Can I take my own passport photo (selfie)?
Technically yes, but it's tricky. You need the camera 4-5 feet away at eye level. Using a tripod with a timer or having someone else take the photo gives much better results.
Ready? Upload Your Photo
Our AI handles the technical stuff—background removal, cropping, compliance validation. Just upload a decent photo and we'll make it passport-ready.
Create Your Photo — $1100% refund if your photo is rejected