How to make a passport photo
- Choose the country or document you are applying for.
- Select a well-lit photo of yourself facing the camera against a plain, light wall.
- Drag the photo and use the zoom slider until your head fills the dashed oval.
- Download a digital photo for online applications, or a 4×6" sheet to print.
Passport photo sizes by country
| Document | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| US passport | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) | 25–35 mm | Plain white or off-white |
| UK passport | 35 × 45 mm | 29–34 mm | Plain cream or light grey |
| Canadian passport | 50 × 70 mm | 31–36 mm | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Australian passport | 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high | 32–36 mm | Plain white or light grey |
| Schengen visa | 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Light, plain and uniform (often white or light grey) |
Requirements change from time to time — each country page links to its official source.
Save money on passport photos
Photo studios and pharmacies often charge $10–$17 for two passport photos. A standard 4×6" print costs a fraction of that, and the sheet from this tool fits two to six photos depending on the size. You also get to retake the picture as many times as you like until you are happy with it.
Tips for a photo that gets accepted
- Use daylight from a window in front of you; avoid overhead lights that cast shadows under the eyes.
- Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones (religious head coverings are usually allowed).
- Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or the edges of your face.
- Do not use beauty filters or edit the photo.
Uploading online and the form has a file size limit? Use Compress to 50 KB or Compress to 100 KB.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are supported?
Currently: US passport, UK passport, Canadian passport, Australian passport, Schengen visa. Many other countries use the same 35 × 45 mm format as the UK and Schengen options.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on downloads.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser. Your photo is never sent to a server.
How do I print the photos?
Download the 4×6" sheet and order a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) photo print at a pharmacy, supermarket kiosk or online print service. Cut along the grey lines.
Can the tool remove or change my background?
Not yet. Take the photo in front of a plain, light wall — that gives better results than automatic background removal anyway.