Can You Take Passport Pictures At Home?

You are allowed to submit a passport photo taken from home, but there are strict guidelines governing photo layout. If you do not follow these guidelines, the State Department might reject your photo -- and your passport application.

Background

The background should be white or off-white. A white wall in your home will work.

Face Forward

Take a passport photo with the subject facing forward. His eyes should be open and there should be no major shadows or glare on his face.

Photo Dimensions

Make the photo 2 inches by 2 inches. The subject's face should be centered in the picture, and his eyes cannot be more than 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.

Expression

Photograph the subject with a natural facial expression. Funny faces will not be accepted.

Alternative

If you would rather have a passport photo taken for you, you can have this done at most U.S. post offices and some drugstores. The post office is the safest of all options.

References

• U.S. State Department