How to take a passport photo with your phone
- Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall with light coming from the front (a window works great). Avoid shadows behind you.
- Ask someone to take the photo at eye level, about 4 feet (1.2 m) away, without zoom.
- Choose the size you need, upload the photo and move it until your face fits inside the oval.
- Download the single photo (for online applications) or the 4×6 sheet with several copies to print.
Print 6 passport photos for less than a dollar
A 4×6 inch sheet is a standard photo print. Pharmacies and photo centers print it for a few cents, and the sheet holds six 2×2 photos. Ask for a 4×6 print with no cropping or "fit to page" adjustments, then cut along the lines.
Common photo sizes
| Document | Size | Pixels (300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|
| US passport and US visa | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 600 × 600 |
| UK, EU and many other passports | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 |
| Latin American ID cards | 3 × 4 cm | 354 × 472 |
US passport and visa photo requirements
- 2 × 2 inches, with the head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Plain white or off-white background, no shadows.
- Facing the camera, neutral expression or a natural smile, both eyes open.
- No glasses. The State Department stopped accepting them in 2016.
- Taken within the last 6 months.
- For the online visa form (DS-160), the file is usually limited to 240 KB. If yours is larger, use compress image.
Requirements can change. Before submitting, check the official State Department page or the agency asking for the photo.
Frequently asked questions
Will this photo be accepted for a US passport or visa?
The tool produces the correct size (2x2 inches, 600 × 600 px). Acceptance also depends on lighting, background and expression, so follow the requirements listed on this page and the official State Department guidance.
Can it remove the background?
No, this tool frames and crops your photo. That is why it is best to take the photo in front of a plain white wall.
Where can I print the 4×6 sheet?
At any pharmacy or photo center that prints regular photos. Ask for a 4×6 print with no cropping or resizing, then cut out the photos.
Is this an official government service?
No. okitool is an independent website, not affiliated with any government agency. The photo is processed on your device and never uploaded.