1. US Passport Photo: Complete Online Guide for 2025
Looking to apply for a US passport? Whether you’re renewing or applying for the first time, a compliant passport photo is a must. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about US passport photo requirements, how to take a photo at home, and how to create your passport photo online instantly.
2. US Passport Photo Requirements
U.S. passport photos can be either digital or printed, depending on how you apply. The image below outlines the key requirements for each type, including size, quality, and usage differences. Official US passport photo requirements
Learn more in our in-depth guide: 🔗US Passport Photo Size Guide
3. How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
Pro Tip: I saw on the U.S. State Department website that I shouldn’t use apps or software to edit my passport photo. Can I still use your online tool?
Yes, absolutely. You can see that photos created with our tool consistently pass the U.S. State Department’s official photo validation checks.
The official guideline warns against editing photos in a way that changes your appearance (like using beauty filters or applying enhancements), or using methods that compress and reduce image quality.
Our tool strictly follows U.S. passport photo standards by:
- Cropping your photo to the correct size;
- Setting a plain white background;
- Ensuring proper head size and placement;
- Delivering a high-resolution, uncompressed JPEG image.
Follow these simple steps to generate a compliant passport photo using our tool. We’ve also included a screenshot showing how our photo successfully passes the U.S. State Department’s official validator.
Step 1
Get your photo from phone
Step 2
Waiting for processing
Step 3
Download photo for free
Step 4
Check photo availability
- Find a plain white wall with good lighting. Using your iPhone to take a photo of yourself.
- Upload the photo you have taken.
- Wait for the tool to process and save your digital U.S. passport photo for free.
- Check photo availability.
U.S. visa photos and U.S. passport photos have the same requirements. Here, the official U.S. visa photo verification tool is used to check the photo quality.
Want more details? Check out 🔗How to Take a US Passport Photo at Home
Prefer Local Services?
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You can still visit retail locations like CVS, Walgreens, or USPS for passport photos. But be aware of higher costs and longer waiting times.
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If you need a digital passport photo, you can create one for free using our online tool—quick and compliant with official standards.
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If you need a printed passport photo, we also offer a print-ready digital version that you can take to local photo labs or self-print at lower cost. It’s a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality.
Compare your options here: 🔗Where to Get a US Passport Photo Near Me
Background and Lighting Tips
The background must be solid white or off-white, with no patterns or shadows. Uneven lighting is a top cause of rejection.
Not sure what background is acceptable? Read our full breakdown: 🔗US Passport Photo Background Rules
Passport Photos for Babies and Infants
Taking a compliant photo for a baby can be tricky—but it’s doable!
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Lay the baby on a white sheet and take the photo from above
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Make sure the baby’s eyes are open and facing the camera
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No toys, hands, or pacifiers visible
Read our complete tips and examples: 🔗US Baby Passport Photo Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
Yes.But you’d better not. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.
Can I wear a hijab or religious headwear?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t obscure your facial features.
Can I wear glasses?
Only for documented medical reasons.
Do I need a physical or digital photo?
First-time applications require a physical copy. Renewals by mail can use digital submission in some cases.
Do I have to use a square photo for a U.S. passport?
It depends on how you’re submitting the photo:
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For printed passport photos, yes — the U.S. Department of State requires a square size of 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). This is mandatory for in-person or mail-in applications.
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For digital (online) submissions, the photo does not have to be square. Instead, it must meet specific pixel dimensions (at least 600 x 600).
