How to Take a Passport Photo

Taking a passport photo only seems like an exercise in frustration. With our straightforward guide on How to Take a Passport Photo, you'll be circulating the globe with a two-by-two inch picture that not only looks like you but looks pretty good, too.

Introduction
- What's most important in a photo for your passport is that it looks like you. If you are unrecognizable in your photo, you will have considerable trouble navigating through customs amidst your travels. As long as you follow the rules, you will create a passport photo that is acceptable to the State Department and will stay with you for the next decade. And if you are able to take your own passport photo using your digital camera, you could even end up with a flattering photo, one you'll happily show customs agents worldwide.
Step 1: Decide Who Will Take Your Photo
- Taking your own passport photos is certainly possible (and will allow you to select the best of the lot), but you might want to pay an expert to do it instead.
1. Questions to ask yourself if you are considering taking your own passport photos:
  1. Do you have a good digital camera?
  2. Do you have or are you willing to buy the proper photo printing paper?
  3. Do you have or are you willing to buy a photo printer?
2. You may want a friend to help you set up your shot and take it, or you can use a tripod. Just prepare for some trial and error if you're taking a self-portrait.
Digital Photos
- If you've decided to take your own digital photos, follow these steps.
1. Use the State Department's guide for professional photographers, as your pictures will need to follow the same rules.
2. Use a tripod if you are setting up a self-portrait, or at least a stable surface.
3. Set up your photo properly: make sure light sources don't cast shadows on your subject's face; place camera four feet from subject and at eye level.
4. Center your subject and follow the State Department's guidelines for exact measurements. Be sure to capture the full face.
5. Ensure the quality of your photo meets specifications. Consider color, brightness, exposure, print quality, and resolution.
6. Print on thin photo-quality paper.
7. To review whether you've taken a successful shot, review these frequent questions about taking passport photos.
8. If you have questions about any photography terms, see the State Dept.'s glossary of terms.
Professional Passport Photographers
- If you've decided it's easier to have a professional take your passport photos, you'll simply need to locate the best passport photographer near you.
1. Find a passport photographer near you. Many independent photo shops offer passport photo services, but you can also try your nearest FedEx/Kinko's or CVS. Just call ahead to make sure the particular location offers passport photo services.
Step 2: Meet the Requirements
- Make sure your photos meet the specifications outlined by the State Department.
1. The State Department mandates that passport photos meet the following requirements, no matter who's taking them:
  1. Two by two inches in size
  2. In color
  3. Taken in the last six months and reflecting current appearance
  4. In street attire
  5. Between one inch and one and three-eighths inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  6. No hats, scarves or headgear that will obscure the hairline
  7. No tinted lenses (unless medically required)
  8. No uniforms (unless religious and worn daily)
  9. If you normally wear eyeglasses, a wig, or a hearing aid, do wear those for your photo.
2. Your photo must be printed on a digital printer.
3. Also make sure your passport photos can withstand high temperatures.
Step 3: Take Two
- You'll need a pair of passport photos for your application.
1. Whether you are taking the photo yourself (or with help from a friend) or having it done by a passport photographer, make sure you have two images for your application.
2. The pair of images must be identical.
3. While you're at it, you might want to print out an additional passport photo or two, as many countries require additional photos (of the same size) for visa applications.
Resources for How to Take a Passport Photo
- U.S. Department of State: Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S. Travel Documents
- U.S. Department of State: Digitized Passport Photos
- United States Postal Service: Passport Application Information
- U.S. Department of State: Passport Photo Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. Department of State: Setup and Production Guidelines
- U.S. Department of State: Composition Checklist
- U.S. Department of State: Photo Quality
- U.S. Department of State: Digital Photography and Printing
- U.S. Department of State: Photographer's Glossary of Terms
- U.S. Department of State: Passports
- eHow: How to Take a Passport Photo
- LifeHacker: How to Make Your Own Passport Photo
- San Francisco Chronicle: Passport Photos' Odd Twist (May 15, 2006)
- CVS: Passport Photos
- FedEx/Kinko's: Fast and Easy Passport Photos
- The Consumerist: Make Your Own Passport Photos