Getting the Ideal Biometric Passport Photo

Submitting a biometric passport photo is among the most important criteria when seeking a passport. Used for biometric identity and security reasons, this kind of photo has to meet certain criteria. Even tiny errors could cause your passport application to be rejected or delayed.

    But don't be concerned! PhotoGov.net lets you quickly generate a compatible biometric passport photo using only your phone, no photo studio or professional photographer required.

    This post will guide you through the main criteria for biometric passport images and demonstrate how PhotoGov can assist you in achieving accuracy the first time.

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    • document-icon Full document requirements for photos
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Get photo for: Biometric passport photo

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The Importance of Your Biometric Passport Photo

A biometric passport photo is not just a regular picture. Your passport, which will be used for security and identification in systems like facial recognition at border control, includes this. This indicates the image has to satisfy rigorous criteria established by the authorities including size, head orientation, background color, and expression.

      Not satisfying these criteria could cause your passport application to be processed late or possibly denied. PhotoGov.net guarantees your photo will satisfy all required standards without any inconvenience.

How PhotoGov Enables You to Produce the Ideal Biometric Passport Photo

Your passport photo doesn't have to be difficult. PhotoGov makes it simple to produce a compliant biometric photo in only a few easy actions:

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  1. Use your phone to snap a well-lit, crisp selfie. Ensure your face is in the centre and your expression is neutral
  2. Send your selfie to PhotoGov.net
  3. Our system will automatically crop, resize, and modify your photo to fit the particular criteria for a biometric passport photo
  4. Your photo is ready for submission; download it once processing is finished

How to take your own Biometric passport photo photo

If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect passport photo yourself:

1. Take a picture of yourself

Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.

How to take selfies for a passport

Clean background. More light. Not a blurry photo.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)

2. Upload your photo to PhotoGov AI

Next, upload your image and process it through our site.

Upload your passport photo to PhotoGov Upload your passport photo to PhotoGov

3. Receive your Passport Photo

Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.

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Biometric Passport Picture Specifications

Here is a thorough chart of the technical specifications for a biometric passport photo:

45mm
35mm
78%
6%
Layout, size and scale by indentation for the ZZ passport
  • Dimensions (Width x Height) 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (35 mm x 45 mm)
  • Image Definition Picture Definition Clear, crisp picture with no glare or blurriness
  • Head Height (to top of hair) 32–36 mm (about 75% of photo height)
  • Background Color Light gray or plain white
  • DPI resolution At least 600 DPI
  • Print-ready Certainly
  • Appropriate for online submission Yes
  • Articulation Eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression
  • Time Recency Has to be done in the last six months
  • Format JPG or JPEG

Example photos:

Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos

Examples of photos, how to correctly make a passport photo ZZ

Typical Errors to Avoid

Although many people think taking a biometric passport photo is easy, typical errors could lead to problems with your application. Here are some things to avoid doing:

  • The background should be simple white or light gray, with no patterns, textures, or shadows

  • Your picture has to be precisely 35 mm x 45 mm

  • Avoid shadows or dark spots that hide your face or the surroundings under poor lighting

  • Facial expression: Your mouth should be closed and your eyes open, hence a neutral expression is essential

  • Glasses with glare: If you wear glasses, check for no glare or reflection obstructing your vision

    PhotoGov automatically corrects these errors for you, so guaranteeing that your photo is compliant each time

Main Features of PhotoGov

PhotoGov is the greatest tool for producing your biometric passport photo for the following reasons:

Crop

Crops the image to the proper size (35x45 mm) automatically

Resize

Resizes the picture to fit the official size criteria for biometric passport pictures

Background removal

Removes any distracting background and replaces it with a neutral, conforming hue

Auto-adjustment

Automatically changes contrast, sharpness, and illumination to provide a clear, high-quality image

Advantages of Using PhotoGov.net Quick and Easy

  • Just send us your selfie; we'll handle everything else.
  • Affordable: Achieve professional-quality outcomes without the steep cost of photo studios.
  • Our method ensures your photo will satisfy all the official biometric passport photo criteria every time.

    We offer both versions, so you are prepared for any submission technique

  • How to take Biometric passport photo photos for babies and kids

    When taking pictures of babies and children for passport, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.

    • If you are photographing a newborn:
    • Spread a white sheet out over the floor.
    • Place the baby down on the sheet and take their photograph against it.

    For slightly older babies:

    • Prop them up in a child’s chair against a white sheet.
    • If they are still unable to hold up their head, prop it up for them using a hand behind the sheet. Ensure no one else is visible in the shot.
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    FAQ

    • Certainly, provided it satisfies the official criteria. Our algorithm guarantees appropriate cropping and resizing of your selfie.
    • Dress in basic, neutral-colored clothing. Steer clear of vivid hues or patterns that could draw attention away from your face.
    • No, your lips should be closed and your look should be neutral.
    • Your photo has to be from within the last six months.
    • You may select either printed or digital versions since we offer both.
    • Certainly, our system automatically changes the background and lighting to fit the required criteria.
    • Should your photo fall short of the criteria, we will assist you in correcting it and submitting it at no cost!