If you want to take a digital passport photo from the comfort of your own home (while still meeting all of the government’s requirements), instead of waiting in long lines and wasting precious time, then this article is for you.
last update: 2/28/2024
Requirements for US Digital Passport Photo?
There are a number of rules for taking your own digital passport photo from home, including that you may not smile and must maintain a neutral facial expression. By familiarizing yourself with the guidelines you will successfully be able to take your own picture using just a smartphone.
The rules for digital passport photos
- No smiling
- Shadows on the face are not allowed
- No spectacles
- Cannot be shirtless
- No uniform (including camouflage attire)
- Must have a plain white or off-white background
- No hats or head coverings (there are some exceptions for religious or medical reasons)
- Earbuds or headphones are not allowed
- Jewelry in the way of the face is not allowed
- No clothing that matches the background
Technical Specifications
| File size | The photograph should be a minimum of 54 kilobytes and no larger than 10 megabytes. |
| Dimensions | Dimensions – a minimum of 600 by 600 pixels and no more than 1200 by 1200 pixels |
| File format | Your photograph should be in JPEG file format. |
| Resolution & Quality | The photograph must be in full color at 24 bits per pixel. It must be in sRGB color space (common output for digital cameras). |
How Does the Government’s Photo Tool Work?
If you are sure that your photo is in line with the ICAO standards (no shadows on the face, correct background, and lighting, etc), you can use the official government tool to crop your photo yourself. After you have uploaded your photo, which you can only do if it is the right format, the official government photo tool will:
- Crop and Size using the tool
- Click “Accept and Proceed”
- Click “Download Image to Device”
Also, there is no human or even automated software to verify the photograph with this tool, meaning that it could get rejected later on in the process. Basically, If the tool rejects your photo for whichever reason, a message with an explanation will appear.
How to Upload a Digital Passport Photo?
Basically, everyone applying for (or renewing) a passport online, can upload a digital photograph as part of their application. Use the following steps to upload your photograph successfully:
- Have your passport picture taken.
- You can use a passport photo tool to take a government-compliant photo from home or you can ask someone to take a picture for you.
- It’s very important to have your photograph checked by an expert before submitting it.
- Follow the requirements for digital passport photos listed above.
- Never take photos of other photos that have already been printed and do not scan printed photos either.
How to Take a digital passport photo at home?
Thanks to modern technology, taking a digital passport at home has never been easier, use the following simple steps to achieve success by taking a passport photo from the comfort of your own home.
- Choose a place to position your smartphone that will ensure good lighting on your face.
- Open the Smartphone iD app that can assist you in taking a compliant photograph.
- Take a picture using the handy head and shoulders guidelines.
- Choose the right template for the USA.
- The photo is sent to be validated by an expert who will ensure that the picture complies with government requirements
Where can you get a digital passport photo?
These days the internet presents people with an infinite array of options, making it hard to know which apps or software to choose. Fortunately, we have put together a list of the best places where you can get a digital passport photo.
1. Smartphone iD (iOS and android)
Photo validation by experts and delivery in digital and printed format for the lowest price on the market.
2. Makepassportphoto.com (windows and mac)
After uploading your photo, you can edit it by changin,g brightness and contrast, however, there is no compliance check included.
3. Passport Photo Maker (windows)
Capable of detecting biometric features and creating passport, visa, and ID photos.
4. Passport Photo ID (android)
Generally helps users to take photos for passports, drivers licence, visas and IDs. Also, you will need your own white background.
5. Passport Photo – ID Photo (iOS)
Templates for more than 100 countries, the app helps you to format, save and print photos that can be used for official documents.
6. Passport Picture (Mac)
Assists in editing and printing photos for official documents such as passport, visa, ID, drivers license, and student card.
Thanks to modern technology it’s quick and easy to take a digital passport photo from home, all you need to do is download a passport photo app and use it to get the right template for your country. One of the best apps on the market in 2022 is Smartphone iD, which provides photo validation by a team of trained experts. This means that your photo is guaranteed to be compliant, reducing the chances of your application being rejected.
FAQS
Does CVS have digital copy of passport photo?
Yes, especially photographs that are printed at CVS from a camera using film come with a free CD that has a digital copy of the photograph.
Does Walgreens do digital passport photos?
No. Walgreens doesn’t provide digital copies of passport photos.
Can you get a digital copy of your passport photo?
Yes certainly. You can use a passport photo tool application such as Smartphone iD to successfully take a government-compliant digital passport photo. You are not allowed to use a scanned passport photo according to the ICAO rules.
Does the post office do digital passport photos?
No. The post office only offers hardcopy passport photos.
How to convert digital passport photo?
Generally, you can use the Windows Photos app to resize any image, passport photos included. If you are sure that your picture is compliant with government guidelines then use the below steps to convert your image to passport size:
- Open your passport photo that you intend to resize.
- Click “Resize”
- Select “Define Custom Dimensions”
- Enter the dimension in pixels (600 x 600)
How to take a digital passport photo with iPhone?
Follow these simple steps to achieve success by taking a passport photo with your iPhone.
- Choose a place to position your smartphone that will ensure good lighting on your face.
- Open the Smartphone iD app that can assist you in taking a compliant photograph.
- Take a picture using the handy head and shoulders guidelines.
- Choose the right template for the USA.
- The photo is sent to be validated by an expert who will ensure that the picture complies with government requirements
Where can you print a digital passport photo?
Generally, photography stores and photography studios will print your digital passport photo, as will big retail stores including Costco, Walmart, and Target. You can also print photos at post or passport offices near you.
Additionally, you could choose to print your photos at Pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and Duane Reade. There are also delivery companies to choose from including UPS, FedEx, and USPS. The best place to print digital passport photos is with Smartphone iD – and the pictures will be delivered to your doorstep.
Can you take a digital passport photo on your phone?
Yes, you can. basically, There are a number of apps (including Smartphone iD) designed to assist in this process, complete with templates for countries all over the world.
