Passport Photo Size & DIY Guide
Sizes for every country, plus everything you need to take a compliant passport photo at home.
Passport Photo Sizes by Country
| Country | Size (mm) | Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 in |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Canada | 40 × 60 mm | 1.57 × 2.36 in |
| India | 35 × 35 mm | 1.38 × 1.38 in |
| China | 33 × 48 mm | 1.30 × 1.89 in |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Schengen / EU | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
Need a country not listed? We cover 100+ countries.
Quick Tips: How to Take a Good Passport Photo at Home
No glasses. US passports no longer allow glasses. Most other countries also prohibit them.
Wear dark or colored clothing. Avoid white — it blends into the background and reduces contrast.
Include full shoulders. Frame at least 12 inches below the chin — don't crop in the phone before uploading.
Neutral expression. Eyes open, mouth closed, no visible teeth. This significantly reduces rejection risk.
Shoot indoors. Natural indoor light is far more consistent than outdoor light or flash.
Camera at eye level, 3+ feet away. Hold the phone horizontally — vertical orientation often misframes.
Good natural light. Position yourself facing a window. Avoid overhead or side lighting that casts shadows.
Avoid selfies if possible. Ask someone to take your photo, or use a tripod — camera-to-face distance matters.
Watch: How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
Photo Composition
Imagine the frame divided into a 3×3 grid (9 equal squares). Your face should fit comfortably within one of those center squares. Keep roughly 4 feet between you and the camera. Include your full shoulders and chest.
Official US Passport Photo Requirements
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
- Head height: 1 inch to 1⅜ inches from chin to crown
- Recency: Taken within the past 6 months
- Color photo required
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Hats/headgear: Not permitted (except for religious attire worn daily)
- Attire: Normal street clothes; no uniforms
Camera & Lighting Tips
Avoiding shadows with or without flash
- Natural light first. Face a window with diffuse daylight. Avoid late evening — skin tones suffer under artificial overhead light.
- Stand 4 feet from the wall to prevent shadows behind your head.
- If you must use flash, hold the camera horizontally to minimize forehead shadows, and tie hair back so shadow doesn't mix with hair.
- On a camera with manual controls: ISO 400–800, aperture f/3.5–f/5.6.
- If wearing glasses (for non-US photos where they're allowed): do not use flash — it creates glare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51mm). The head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches tall in the final photo.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Yes — and most people do. Take a natural photo with good light, a plain background, and neutral expression. Upload it to us and we handle the rest.
Should I crop or edit my photo before uploading?
No. Upload the original, uncropped photo from your phone or camera. We will professionally size, crop, and correct it. Cropping yourself often causes rejection.
What background color should I use?
Plain white or light gray is ideal. We can digitally remove the background if yours isn't perfect — though a dark background with dark hair is harder to clean up cleanly.
