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.

Common passport photo sizes (verify with official sources)
Country or areaPrint sizePixels at 300 DPINotes
United States2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)600 x 600Head 1 to 1 3/8 in from chin to top of head; digital 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px
United Kingdom35 x 45 mmAbout 413 x 531Online applications use a digital photo with their own pixel rules
Schengen / most EU countries35 x 45 mmAbout 413 x 531Face typically 70-80% of photo height
Canada50 x 70 mmAbout 591 x 827Head 31-36 mm from chin to crown
China (visa)33 x 48 mmAbout 390 x 567Check 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.

  1. Stand about 1-1.5 m (4 ft) in front of a plain light wall, facing a window or soft light.
  2. Have someone else take the photo at eye level, rather than taking a selfie, to avoid distortion.
  3. Capture the head and shoulders with space around them; turn off filters and portrait effects.
  4. Open imgloom's Passport Photo Maker and crop the photo to the fixed size you need.
  5. Check head size and position against your country's official template.
  6. 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.

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