A passport is almost always a necessity for travelers. There is always a photograph required along with identity documents. A photo of the passport can be taken and printed at home.
For this, you must have a smartphone or a digital camera. Read all the instructions and requirements before taking a photograph. Your photo must comply with all official requirements of the passport.
Here in this article, you will get step-by-step instructions on tips to take your own passport photo at home:
Tips To Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home –
Step 1: Take Your Photo
- First of all, stand in front of a white background. If the white background isn’t available then get a large sheet of white paper or poster board and stick it with the wall. Also, make sure the edges of your paper are not visible in your photo.
- Click the photograph on a sunny day for the best light.
- Ask a friend or family member to take a close-up photo of your head and shoulders.
- Then make sure your photo meets all of the requirements explained on the official website.
Step 2: Resize Your Photo
- To upload the photograph you need to resize it as per the requirement.
- While applying for a first passport or renewing it, you’ll need to provide a printed passport photo in the required size format. The required size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- To resize you can upload your photo to many sites that will help you format it. Some of the websites are 123PassportPhoto.com, ePassportPhoto.com, idPhotoforyou.com, and MyPassportPhotos.com.
For Online Renewal process:
When renewing your passport online, submit a digital photo rather than a printed version. But don’t forget to follow all the guidelines while uploading your photo. Photo tool is a well-known website by the U.S. Department of State website that helps you upload your photo. You must follow the guidelines:
- The photo size requirement is 600 x 600 pixels.
- It must be a color photo in RGB color space.
- Upload the photo in JPEG format.
- The size of the photo file must be larger than 54KB, and must not exceed 10MB.
- The photo compression rate needs to be less than 20:1.
Then your photo will be reviewed by a Department of State employee to decide whether it is accepted or not.
Step 3: Complete the Process
In case you are applying for your passport by mail, you’ll need to attach your photo to your application form in the right format. This is done with 4 staples vertically positioned in the corners as close to the edge as possible. Your application will display marks exactly where the staples should go.
Passport Photo Requirements
All passport photos must follow the mentioned size required to make your application selected. Your photo should be latest in the window of at least 6 months. The background of the photograph should be white or off-white.
Print Size and Quality
- Your photo must be high resolution with a clear and well-defined image
- The photo size must be 2 x 2 inches.
- Head size must be 1-1 3/8 inches; if measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
- Your photo must be printed on photo-quality paper, it can be either matte or glossy
- No digital changes are allowed
- Your photo must not have any kind of shadow or glare on the face.
- A photo with holes, creases, or damaged ones is not allowed.
Pose and Expression
- Both eyes of the subject need to be open with a neutral facial expression
- Your photo must have a full-face view, not a side or half-face.
- Your clothing should not blend with the background
- Glasses must be removed from the face of the subject unless any medical issue.
- Young children’s photos don’t require making eye contact with the camera
Attire, Hats, and Hair
- Glasses should not be worn by the subject. If not so then include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
- Clothing should be your casual attire. Uniforms are not allowed to wear.
- Your face should not be covered by your hair.
- No hats or head coverings are allowed to wear in photographs exceptions are only for religious and medical reasons.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices are allowed.
- Jewelry and facial piercings are allowed to be worn unless they cover your face.
- Facial tattoos are acceptable.
Conclusion:
It is now easy to take a United States passport photo at home. All you have to do is double-check the rules before clicking your picture. Also, review the quality and lighting of the image. It will take quite some time for passport applications to be processed. So, make sure you take a good click so it doesn’t get rejected.
Some FAQ:
What kind of background is needed for a Passport photo?
It is essential to use a white or off-white wall or a white paper backdrop for a passport photo.
What is the size requirement of a Passport photo?
The required dimensions of a United States passport photo are 2 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Also, the subject’s head should occupy a size that is 1 to 1.4 inches when printed.
Can I take my own passport photo by myself?
No, it gets difficult to click a picture as selfies are not allowed for passport ID. So to meet every other requirement of a passport photo you need the help of another person to take your picture.
