How to Print Passport Photos Correctly

You have a good photo, but a printing mistake can still get it rejected. Wrong size, stretched proportions or poor paper are common problems. Here is how to get a print that matches the requirements.

Know the size you need

Sizes vary by country. For example, a US passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), and a UK passport photo is 35 x 45 mm. The head also has to take up a certain proportion of the frame, so cropping matters as much as the overall size. Always check the current official requirement for the passport or visa you are applying for.

Prepare a print-ready file

Crop the photo to the exact proportions first. Many people place several copies on a standard 4 x 6 inch (10 x 15 cm) photo layout, which is cheap to print at most photo kiosks and online services. A tool like My Passport Photo Maker can help crop the photo to the right size and arrange it for printing.

Print at actual size

When printing at home, choose "actual size" or 100% scale in the print dialogue. Options like "fit to page" or "fill" resize the image and make the dimensions wrong. Measure the printed photo with a ruler before you cut it out.

Paper and finish

• Use proper photo paper, not plain office paper.
• Check what your authority accepts. Many accept matte or glossy, but the print must be free of streaks, smudges and visible ink dots.
• Let home-printed photos dry fully before handling to avoid smudging.

Print shop and kiosk tips

• Order the standard 4 x 6 inch size and turn off any automatic cropping or "enhance" features.
• Make sure the shop does not add borders, which can shrink the image.
• Ask for a single high-quality print rather than a cheap draft setting.

Quality checklist

• Correct dimensions, measured with a ruler.
• Sharp focus, with no pixelation.
• Natural colours and skin tones, with no colour cast.
• Plain background printed evenly, with no banding.
• Clean, straight edges when cut.

Handle with care

Do not bend, staple or write on the front of the photo. If your country requires anything written on the back, use a soft pen and check that it does not show through.

Some countries now prefer or require a digital photo for online applications instead of prints, so check before you print at all.