If you are thinking of printing your passport photo at home, you can do so. By printing your passport photo at home, you can save time and money.
This article offers helpful tips and guidance to assist you in successfully printing your passport photo from the comfort of your own home.
Where Can I Print Passport Photos?
You can print your passport photo at several locations. You can print passport photos at:
- Local Print Shops. You can visit your local print shop or photo center. They usually offer these services and have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure that your photo meets the required conditions.
- Retail Stores. Many retail stores, such as Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, or Target, will be able to print your passport photo for you. However, if you are not in the United States or Canada, you can check to see if your local retail store has a dedicated photo center which can have your passport photo printed for you.
- Post Offices. If you will be visiting a post office in order to have your photo taken, you can see if they also provide this service.
- At home. You can also print your passport photo at home. If you have a printer available, you can use it to print your photo.
Do I Need Special Paper to Print Passport Photos?
Yes. When printing your passport photo, you must use matte or glossy photo-quality paper. You must ensure to print your passport photos to a professional standard. Otherwise, you risk your photo not being accepted.
Both matte and glossy photo paper options are commonly used.
What Is the Size of a Passport Photo?
Passport photo sizes can vary depending on the country and the specific requirements set by the issuing authority. There is no universal standard size for passport photos. Different countries have different standards. For example:
| Country | Passport photo requirements |
| United States | 51 (width) x 51 (height) mm (2×2 inches) |
| United Kingdom | 45 (height) x 35 (width) mm |
| Canada | 50 (width) x 70 (height) mm |
| European Union | 35 (width) x 45 (height) mm |
| Australia | 35 (width) x 45 (height) mm |
| India | 50 (width) x 50 (height) mm (2×2 inches) |
| China | 33 (width) x 48 (height) mm |
However, it’s important to note that these sizes are not universally applicable. Some countries may have different size requirements or aspect ratios for passport photos. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the specific guidelines provided by the consulate or embassy of the country where you are applying for a passport or visa.
Additionally, the guidelines may also specify other requirements, such as background color, head size, and positioning within the frame. It is recommended to follow these guidelines accurately to ensure your passport photo meets the necessary standards and avoids any issues during the application process.
Can I Print Passport Photos at Home?
Yes, you can. You can print passport photos yourself in several different ways:
Third-party apps
A quick and easy process to print a passport photo at home is through a third-party application. This can be any application of your choice. Most of these applications typically provide the same options and tools.
- Upload the photo. After you have taken the photo, upload it to your computer. Once you have the photo on your computer, open the photography program you have chosen to work with.
- Crop the photo. Refer to the photo guidelines or requirements of the country you are applying for a visa. Some programs offer the option of cropping photos automatically.
- Print your photo. Once you are certain that your photo looks good, click the ‘Print’ tab. You can choose any appropriate paper size. If you need several copies of your photo, simply select A4 or Letter format.
Windows 10
You can print your passport photo at home using Windows 10. Windows 10 has a built-in printing wizard for photos, which makes it easy to crop, edit and print photos.
- Upload the photo. Transfer the photo from your camera, smartphone, or tablet to your computer. Then, select the photo in Windows 10.
- Print the photo. Right-click on the photo and a pop-up window will appear. Click on ‘Print’. Choose the desired number of copies, size, and quality of the photo.
Note: You must add glossy or matte paper to your printer. Plain paper is not accepted. Matte paper is usually used and accepted by most countries in the world. You can also use glossy paper, as it adds a shiny finish to your photo, which allows the colors to stand out better.
Can I Print Passport Photos From My Smartphone?
Yes, you can. It is possible to print passport photos from your smartphone in several ways. For example:
- Wireless Printing. If you have one available, wireless printing can be helpful. You can connect your smartphone to the printer and print directly from your device. You must make sure that both your phone and the printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Use the printer’s dedicated mobile printing app or follow the instructions from the printer manufacturer.
- Transfer to a Computer. You can transfer your passport photo from your smartphone to a computer which is connected to a printer. Connect your smartphone to the computer using a USB cable or transfer the photo wirelessly.
There are several smartphone printers available, but you need to make sure that the quality is good. You must also keep in mind that your photo must not be a cut-down version of a larger picture. It must be of good quality, and your face should be seen clearly. Only print passport photos from your smartphone if you have the necessary equipment and resources.
Should I Print Passport Photos in Color or Black and White?
Passport photo requirements specify that your passport photo should be printed in color. As the key requirement is that the photograph clearly identifies the applicant, most authorities require a passport photo to be printed in color. It is generally recommended that all applicants follow these guidelines unless stated otherwise by the issuing authority.
Therefore, unless you are explicitly instructed otherwise by the country you are applying for a visa, you should print your passport photos in color.
Can I Resize and Print a Regular Photo to Use as a Passport Photo?
Yes, you can. It is generally acceptable to use a regular photo as a passport photo. As long as the photo that you wish to use complies entirely with the requirements, you are good to go. Make sure that the size, background color, head size, and positioning are all according to the photo guidelines.
Although, in order to avoid any issues during the application process, it is best to take a new photo specifically for passport and visa applications. Authorities usually have very specific requirements, and you must make sure that your photo meets these specifications. This will minimize the risk of rejection or delays.