Can I use my phone to take a passport photo?

Yes — in 2025, taking your passport photo with a smartphone is not only allowed, it’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get a compliant photo. The key is making sure it meets official U.S. passport requirements.

Requirements for a Passport Photo

2×2 inches in size (51×51 mm)
Head size between 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm)
Plain white or off-white background
Neutral expression, eyes open, facing the camera
No shadows, glare, or digital filters
High resolution (minimum 300 DPI)

Tips for Taking a Good Photo with Your Phone

Use the rear camera for better quality
Stand 3–4 feet from a plain white wall
Have someone else take the picture — avoid selfies
Ensure even lighting on both sides of your face
Keep shoulders straight and face centered

Why Use an Online Generator After Taking Your Photo

Even if your phone photo looks good, it still needs to be cropped and checked for compliance. An online passport photo generator will:

Automatically crop to the correct size
Check head size, eye position, and background color
Create a printable 4×6 layout with four 2×2 images

Printing Your Photo

Once you have your compliant layout, print it at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or a home printer. A single 4×6 print costs under $0.50 and gives you multiple passport photos.

Tip: Keep a digital copy of your compliant layout — you can reprint anytime without retaking the photo.

Get a Phone Photo Checked for Compliance Now