OnlinePassportSizePhoto

How to take a passport photo at home

With a plain wall, daylight and someone to hold your phone, you can take a passport photo at home in five minutes, then crop it to the exact size here.

You need three things: a plain light wall, light coming from in front of you, and someone to hold the camera. A phone is fine. Most phones today take photos far sharper than a passport needs.

Home setup from above: plain wall, person about 50 cm in front of it, camera 1.2 m away at eye level, window or lamp facing the person Plain wall You ≈ 50 cm Phone at eye level ≈ 1.2 m (4 ft) Window or lamp
The setup from above. The gap between you and the wall is what keeps shadows off the background.

Step by step

  1. Choose the wall

    White, off-white or light grey, with no pattern, door frame or picture in the shot. A closed white door works if the wall is busy.

  2. Stand away from it

    About half a metre (2 ft) in front of the wall. Standing right against it creates a dark outline around your head.

  3. Get the light in front

    Face a window during the day. If you must use a lamp, put it in front of you at head height, slightly to one side, and turn off overhead lights.

  4. Hold the camera at eye level

    The person taking the photo stands about 1.2 m (4 ft) away and holds the phone level with your eyes. Use the normal 1× lens, not portrait mode.

  5. Frame loosely

    Include your whole head, some space above it and the top of your shoulders. The tool crops it tighter later.

  6. Take several

    Look straight at the lens with a neutral face and your mouth closed. Take five or six photos and pick the sharpest one with your eyes fully open.

Then crop it

Add the photo to the passport photo maker, choose your document, and check that your chin and the top of your head line up with the red guides. If the wall isn't perfectly even, use “Replace background”.

Some countries don't accept home photos. Canada requires a commercial photographer, and Germany now takes passport photos at the office or from certified studios. Check your document's page first.

Updated November 2026.

Questions people ask

Can I take my own passport photo with a phone?

Yes, for most countries. Ask someone else to take it rather than a selfie, then crop it to size. Canada is a major exception: it requires a commercial photographer.

What is the best distance for a passport photo?

About 1.2 m (4 ft) between the camera and your face, with you about half a metre in front of the wall.