Passport Photo Tool: Make ID Photos at the Right Size

Passport and visa photos are rejected for surprisingly small reasons: the head is slightly too large, the background is off-white, or the image is the wrong number of millimetres. The Passport Photo Tool resizes a photo to standard document sizes so the dimensions are correct before you print or upload.

#Common photo sizes

• 35 × 45 mm — the standard for many EU countries and other passports.
• 51 × 51 mm — US passport photos.
• 40 × 50 mm — US visa photos.

Always check the specific requirement for the document and country you are applying for. Requirements change, and some authorities have their own rules for head size and background.

#Background and lighting

Most authorities require:

• a plain, light background with no pattern,
• even lighting with no shadows on the face or wall,
• no harsh flash that flattens the features or creates a shine,
• a neutral expression with eyes open and visible.

A photo against a white or light grey wall in daylight is usually better than one taken with a phone flash at night.

#Framing the face

The head should fill most of the frame, with a small margin above the hair and the shoulders visible at the bottom. Do not crop too tightly or leave too much empty space. Avoid hats, heavy glasses glare and hair that covers the face unless the rules for your document explicitly allow them.

#How to use the tool

1. Open the Passport Photo Tool.
2. Upload a clear, recent photo.
3. Select the required size.
4. Generate and download the correctly sized photo.

#Printing and file size

For a printed photo, ask the lab for the exact size rather than a standard print that you then cut by hand. For an online application, check the required pixel dimensions and file size. If the portal rejects the image for being too large, run it through the Compress Image to Exact KB tool.

#Frequently asked questions

What size is a passport photo? It depends on the country. 35×45 mm and 51×51 mm are common; check your authority's rules.

Can I take the photo with my phone? Yes, if the lighting is even, the background is plain and the image is sharp.

Do I need a white background? Most authorities require a plain light background. Check the exact shade for your document.

Which formats are supported? Upload a clear JPG, PNG or WebP photo.

Can I use it for a visa? Yes, select the size your visa application requires.