How to Make a Passport Photo Online: Sizes, Rules and Steps
Quick answer
To make a passport photo online, take a well-lit, front-facing photo against a plain light background, then crop it to your country's required size, such as 2 x 2 inches (600 x 600 px digitally) for a US passport or 35 x 45 mm in many other countries. Rules on head size, background and expression differ by country, so always check your government's official photo requirements before submitting.
Key takeaways
- US passport photos are 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm); digital uploads are commonly 600 x 600 px.
- Many countries, including the UK and most of the EU, use 35 x 45 mm.
- Use a plain white or off-white background, even lighting and a neutral expression.
- At 300 DPI, 2 x 2 in is 600 x 600 px and 35 x 45 mm is about 413 x 531 px.
- Official rules vary and change; verify your country's requirements before you apply.
What size is a passport photo?
Passport photo sizes depend on the country: the US uses 2 x 2 inches, while the UK, most of the EU and many other countries use 35 x 45 mm.
The table below lists common sizes, but always confirm the current rules on your government's official passport or visa website, because requirements are updated from time to time.
| Country or area | Print size | Pixels at 300 DPI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) | 600 x 600 | Head 1 to 1 3/8 in from chin to top of head; digital 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px |
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45 mm | About 413 x 531 | Online applications use a digital photo with their own pixel rules |
| Schengen / most EU countries | 35 x 45 mm | About 413 x 531 | Face typically 70-80% of photo height |
| Canada | 50 x 70 mm | About 591 x 827 | Head 31-36 mm from chin to crown |
| China (visa) | 33 x 48 mm | About 390 x 567 | Check embassy instructions for digital uploads |
Passport photo rules most countries share
Although details differ, most passport authorities ask for the same basics.
- Taken recently, usually within the last 6 months.
- Plain white, off-white or light gray background with no patterns or shadows.
- Face centered, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
- Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.
- No glasses for US passports since 2016; other countries vary.
- No hats or head coverings except for religious or medical reasons.
- Sharp focus, true colors, and no filters, retouching or beauty modes.
How to take and make a passport photo at home
You can make a compliant passport photo with a phone and a free cropping tool by following these steps.
- Stand about 1-1.5 m (4 ft) in front of a plain light wall, facing a window or soft light.
- Have someone else take the photo at eye level, rather than taking a selfie, to avoid distortion.
- Capture the head and shoulders with space around them; turn off filters and portrait effects.
- Open imgloom's Passport Photo Maker and crop the photo to the fixed size you need.
- Check head size and position against your country's official template.
- Download the photo for online submission, or print it at the exact size on photo paper.
Digital vs printed passport photos
Many countries now accept or require a digital photo for online applications, while paper applications need a printed photo at the exact physical size.
For digital submissions, follow the pixel dimensions and file-size limits on the application site; you can use Compress to Size if the form sets a KB limit. For prints, make sure your print settings use actual size (100%), not fit to page, so a 2 x 2 in photo prints at exactly 2 x 2 in.
Common reasons passport photos are rejected
Most rejections come from shadows, wrong head size, busy backgrounds or edited images.
Shadows behind the head, glare on glasses, a head that is too small or cropped, tilted poses and smiling with an open mouth are frequent problems. Do not use background removal or beauty filters to fake a compliant photo; many authorities reject altered images, so retake the photo against a plain wall instead.
Frequently asked questions
- How many pixels is a 2x2 passport photo?
- At 300 DPI, 2 x 2 inches is 600 x 600 pixels. The US Department of State accepts digital photos from 600 x 600 up to 1200 x 1200 pixels.
- What is 35x45 mm in pixels?
- At 300 DPI, 35 x 45 mm is about 413 x 531 pixels. Some online application systems ask for different pixel dimensions, so check the form.
- Can I take my own passport photo with a phone?
- Yes, most countries accept home-made photos if they meet all the rules. Ask someone else to take it at eye level against a plain background in even light.
- Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?
- Not for US passports, which have banned glasses in photos since 2016 except for documented medical reasons. Other countries have their own rules, so check official guidance.
- Is my photo uploaded when I use imgloom's Passport Photo Maker?
- No. The tool crops your photo inside your browser, so the image never leaves your device.