Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?

Yes, but keep it natural and minimal. Avoid heavy makeup that significantly changes your appearance, as this could cause recognition issues at border control.

What if I wear glasses for medical reasons?

You can wear prescription glasses if you can't be without them, but they must be non-reflective and your eyes must be clearly visible. Avoid tinted or sunglasses completely.

Can I take passport photos at home?

Yes, home photos are acceptable if they meet all technical requirements. Many people get better results at home than at quick photo booths because they can control lighting and take multiple shots.

How do I know if my photo meets the size requirements?

Use the official photo tool on your government's passport website, or print a test copy and measure with a ruler. Your head should measure 1-1⅜ inches from chin to top of head in a 2x2 inch photo.

How to Take Passport Photos That Meet Requirements

Take your passport photo against a plain white background with even lighting, neutral expression, and eyes looking directly at the camera. Most countries require 2x2 inch photos with your head taking up 50-69% of the frame. Use a digital camera or smartphone, then print on photo paper or use a professional service.

Set up your background and lighting. Use a plain white wall or hang a white sheet. Position yourself 4 feet away from the background. Set up lighting in front of you - a large window with natural light works best, or use two lamps at 45-degree angles to avoid shadows on your face.
Position the camera correctly. Place the camera at eye level, 4-6 feet away from you. If using a smartphone, use the rear camera for better quality. Set the camera to take a photo that's at least 600x600 pixels for digital submission or printing.
Get your pose and expression right. Look directly into the camera with a neutral expression - no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Keep your mouth closed and eyes open. Face the camera straight on with both ears visible. Remove glasses unless medically necessary.
Frame the shot properly. Your head should take up 50-69% of the photo height. The top of your head should be 1-3mm from the top edge of the photo. Center yourself horizontally. Your shoulders should be visible and squared to the camera.
Take multiple shots and review. Take 10-15 photos to ensure you have options. Check for shadows behind your head, red-eye, blurriness, or incorrect framing. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair covering your eyes.
Print or submit your photo. For physical applications, print on matte or glossy photo paper at exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm). Use a photo printer or pharmacy service - inkjet home printers often don't meet quality standards. For online applications, save as JPEG and check the file size requirements.

Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?: Yes, but keep it natural and minimal. Avoid heavy makeup that significantly changes your appearance, as this could cause recognition issues at border control.
What if I wear glasses for medical reasons?: You can wear prescription glasses if you can't be without them, but they must be non-reflective and your eyes must be clearly visible. Avoid tinted or sunglasses completely.
Can I take passport photos at home?: Yes, home photos are acceptable if they meet all technical requirements. Many people get better results at home than at quick photo booths because they can control lighting and take multiple shots.
How do I know if my photo meets the size requirements?: Use the official photo tool on your government's passport website, or print a test copy and measure with a ruler. Your head should measure 1-1⅜ inches from chin to top of head in a 2x2 inch photo.