You Can Print Your Own Passport Photo (in the US)

June 26, 2012 at 2:00 am Chad Upton 5 comments

By Chad Upton | Editor

If you’ve ever had a really embarrassing driver’s license photo, you have to live with it. But, Americans have the luxury of shooting and printing their own passport photo.

Drugstores charge about $10 for passport photos while professionals charge as much as $50. There is some skill involved since there are strict rules around the shadows, head size, facial expression, dimensions, etc. But, if you get all that right then you can have a great photo that costs as little as 19 cents to print.

I recently took my daughter’s passport photo (following the strict guidelines). Then I used an online tool provided by the State Department to get the dimensions right. From there I had two options, print it myself or put it in a standard 4×6 or 5×7 layout and have it printed cheaply at the local photo finishing joint. I did it at Walgreens and asked the guy to use his special cutting tool to trim the photo to the perfect size — he was happy to do so.

Thanks to Janine for this tip.

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Source: Department of State

Entry filed under: Be Frugal, Travel. Tags: department of state, passport, photo, selfshot, usa.

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5 Comments Add your own

1. Oliver | June 26, 2012 at 5:57 am

This is actually also true for other countries. I have done this both in Germany and in the Netherlands. Both governments publish really strict – but clear – instructions on how the photo has to look. But with a digital camera and a bit of skill in your favorite graphics software you can easily create whole sheets full of passport / driving license / personal ID card / etc. pictures.

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2. Kristin | June 26, 2012 at 11:36 pm

Another option is ePassportPhoto.com — they make this process super easy and they review your photos to let you know if they’ll pass the requirements. And you can print it at home for free!

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3. David | July 9, 2012 at 7:27 am

You can also print your own Passport Photos in the UK. The size is slightly different – 35mmx45mm overall size. You will also need to alter the head dimensions too. However you can produce a pretty good passport photo that you like.

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4. Jamie Jefferson | July 9, 2012 at 5:56 pm

ePassportPhoto is a great tip. Just checked it out and it makes things super easy. Thanks Kristin!

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5. makes | July 11, 2012 at 6:47 am

makes

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