Can you take a passport photo at home?
Yes. Most US passport book photos are taken at home with a smartphone or digital camera, then formatted to 2×2 inches on a plain white or off-white background. You do not need a studio — you need even light, a clear face, and correct framing.
Official rules live on travel.state.gov. Our requirements guide summarizes size, background, and expression in plain language.
What you need
- A phone or camera that shoots sharp, well-lit photos
- A plain white or off-white wall, or a sheet taped to the wall
- A helper or tripod so the camera is at eye level
- Space to stand 3–6 feet in front of the background to reduce shadows
Step-by-step setup
1. Choose the background
Hang a smooth white or off-white sheet if your wall has texture or color. Remove clutter from the frame — no furniture, other people, or busy patterns.
2. Set the lighting
Face a window with indirect daylight, or use two soft lamps in front of you (left and right). Turn off a single overhead bulb if it casts shadows under your eyes. See how to avoid shadows for detail.
3. Position the camera
Hold the phone at eye level, arm’s length or slightly farther. Use a timer or ask someone else to shoot so you are not looking down at the lens. Portrait mode is fine if edges look natural — avoid fake blur halos around your hair.
4. Pose and expression
- Face the camera directly
- Eyes open, looking at the lens
- Neutral expression or a natural smile (no exaggerated grin)
- Everyday clothes — see what to wear
- No hats unless required religious headwear with full face visible
5. Take several shots
Capture 10–20 frames with small adjustments to light and distance. Pick the sharpest image with the least shadow and the most centered face.
Babies and children at home
Infants can be photographed lying on a white sheet. Parents must not appear in frame; hands and props should not show. Official guidance allows some flexibility for babies (for example, eyes not fully open). For baby-specific tips, see how to take a baby passport photo and baby requirements.
After you shoot
- Choose the best original file (not a cropped social post).
- Check head size and background against requirements.
- Export a 2×2 image and, if you print at a drugstore, a 4×6 sheet with multiple copies — printing guide.
Passport Photo Rescue checks common issues and builds print-ready output. Final acceptance is determined by the issuing authority.
iPhone users
If you shoot on iPhone, read our iPhone-specific tips for camera settings and HEIC files.
Next step
Upload your photo on our US passport photo tool to verify common issues and download formatted files.