How to Take a US Passport Photo at Home and Print It Free (2026)

Skip the $15 studio fee. With your phone, a white wall, and a free tool, you can make a compliant 2×2 in photo and print six copies at home in about five minutes.

US passport photo requirements at a glance

Source: U.S. Department of State photo requirements. Always confirm the latest rules on travel.state.gov before submitting.

Step by step: take the photo

1. Find a plain white wall with even, natural light. Avoid shadows behind your head — stand about half a meter away from the wall.
2. Face a window so soft daylight hits your face evenly. No harsh overhead lights (they cast shadows under the eyes).
3. Have someone take the shot from about 1.2 m (4 ft) away at eye level, holding the phone vertically. Selfies distort your face — avoid them if you can.
4. Neutral face, eyes open, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera. No smiling.
5. Take a few and pick the sharpest, most evenly lit one.

Step by step: crop and print

1. Open the Passport Photo Maker and choose “United States — Passport/Visa (2×2 in).”
2. Upload your photo and drag/zoom so your head sits between the two guide lines (this matches the official head-height rule).
3. Download the single photo if a kiosk will print it, or the 4×6″ sheet to print six copies on one standard print.
4. Print on 4×6 glossy photo paper — at home, or upload the 4×6 file to any pharmacy/kiosk photo service. Then cut out the individual 2×2 photos.

Common reasons US passport photos get rejected

• Shadows on the face or the background — the #1 rejection cause. Fix with even, front lighting.
• Wrong head size — too close or too far. The tool's guide lines prevent this.
• Non-neutral background — patterned walls, doors, or shadows. Use plain white.
• Glasses — no longer allowed for US passports.
• Old photo — must be from the last 6 months.

FAQ

Can I use my phone for a US passport photo?
Yes. Any modern phone camera has more than enough resolution. Lighting and background matter far more than the camera.

Is it legal to make my own passport photo?
Yes. The US State Department accepts self-made photos as long as they meet the requirements above.

Do I need to remove the background?
No editing needed if you shoot against a plain white wall. The tool does not alter your background, so start with a clean one.

How many photos do I need?
A US passport application needs one. The 4×6 sheet gives you six, useful for visas and future applications.