Frequently Asked Questions of Digital Passport Photo

Can I take my own digital passport photo at home?

Yes, you are able to capture your own image with a smartphone or digital camera. However, it must be in accordance with some strict official consular instructions on light, background and the way it is framed to be accepted by the government agencies.

What is a Digital Passport Photo Code?

A digital photo code (or ID code) is a unique number that professional photographers or certain photo booths provide. When you apply for your passport online, you input this code and your pre-verified photo is instantly added to your application.

What are the technical requirements for a digital passport photo file?

Although requirements are different in each country, the typical digital specifications are:

• Format: JPEG or JPG.
• File Size: Between 50KB and 10MB.
• Resolution: Minimum 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels high.
• Quality: The image must be in focus, with no "image noise" or pixelation.

Can I use a selfie for my passport photo?

Whilst it is not recommended to use selfies because of the distortion caused by the front camera, PhotoGov will process and enhance your selfie so that it complies with the technical specifications for a digital passport photo. The platform adjusts the framing, alignment, and quality automatically and you end up with a photo that meets the required standard for submission.

Can I smile in my digital passport photo?

No. You want to have a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Do not squint or frown so that the software can capture your full facial features for accurate mapping.

What should I wear for my passport photo?

Wear your clothes for the day in such a way that they contrast with the background. Do not wear white clothing (it fades into the background) or uniforms. Religious hearing is permitted but it must not cover any part of the face.

Can I wear glasses in a digital passport photo?

It is best to take off your glasses. If you need to wear them for medical reasons, make sure there is no glare on your lenses, and the frames aren’t blocking any part of your eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.

How do I set up the perfect lighting at home?

Use natural light if you have it. Stand daytime facing a window to let the light hit your face evenly. Avoid overhead lights or side light as they create harsh shadows under your eyes or onto the background.

What is the best way to set up the background?

Stand in front of a simple light background (off-white, cream, or light grey). Make sure there are no patterns, objects or shadows on display. Stand 0.5 to 1 meter from the wall to reduce shadows caused by your body.

How should I frame the shot?

The camera needs to be at eye level and 1.5 to 2 meters away from you. Make sure your head, shoulders, and upper chest are visible with enough "dead space" around the borders. Government systems will automatically crop the photo to the right size.

How do I check if my photo is acceptable before submitting?

Use an official online "Passport Photo Checker" service. Many government websites have a tool that will check your photo for shadows, glare or if it is properly framed before you submit your application.

Why was my digital passport photo rejected?

The most typical causes for rejection are low resolution, wrong file format, incorrect cropping or problems with the metadata. The photo must be technically compliant to pass the automated checks. Using tools like PhotoGov can help ensure that your photo meets the requirements.

What should I do if my digital passport photo gets rejected?

If your photo is rejected, review the technical requirements (file format, resolution, DPI, cropping). Using PhotoGov will also automatically correct resolution and cropping issues and convert to the correct file format, making for a smooth resubmission.

How can I make sure my digital passport photo meets all requirements?

Use a digital photo service such as PhotoGov to have your photo automatically corrected according to all requirements with respect to resolution, file format and alignment. This helps you to avoid typical errors and it guarantees that your photo will be accepted. You can find detailed instructions in our guide.

What is the recommended DPI for a digital passport photo?

DPI value recommended for digital passport photos is 300 DPI. This will make sure the photo is crisp and fulfills the clarity requirements of online submission.

How do I crop my digital passport photo to the correct size?

The correct dimensions are normally 2 × 2 inches (or the corresponding pixels). You can also use tools such as PhotoGov that crop and size your photo automatically for digital submission.

What are the common mistakes when taking a digital passport photo?

Common crops are being too dark or bright, having too much or too little headroom, wrong background, bad quality, wrong size, etc. Using a service such as PhotoGov prevents these mistakes and will take care of adjusting your photo. You can find clear examples of correct and incorrect digital passport photos here.

What is the required format for a digital passport photo?

The common format for passport photos online is JPEG. Other formats such as HEIC will not be accepted for the passport application.

Where can I get a digital passport photo taken?

Get a digital passport photo at professional photo studios, photobooths, or digital services such as PhotoGov, where you take your photo remotely and edit it.