How to Pose for a Passport

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Every country's passport contains a photo. It is important to understand that not every photo is considered valid for including on a passport. Many countries have specific rules for passport pictures and there is an international standard in place to ensure consistency across passports.

Steps

1
Learn the rules regarding your country's passport photos. These regulations can often be found online, or call your local passport issuing office.
2
Look straight towards the camera with face straight on.

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3
A close-up of the head and top of shoulders (80%+ of the photo)
4
Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears
5
No personal portrait style or looking over one shoulder
6
Photos must be taken against a plain white to 18% grey background without shadows. An 18% grey background is recommended for persons having white hair and/or wearing white clothing.
7
Maintain a neutral expression. Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.
8
Wear normal clothes. Anything costume-like, face-obstructing will normally not be acceptable. Ask in advance about religious attire.
9
Head should not be tilted or rotated
10
Ensure that the photograph has a good brightness, contrast, and colour balance that shows skin tones naturally with a uniform lighting/sharp focus and no red-eye effect.
11
Ensure there are two to four identical copies of your photo. The amount depends on your country's rules and usually the back will need to be signed by a witness attesting to the photo being you.
12
The prints quality must be of professional standard on high quality paper and colour image. Ink or marks on the image should not be present.
13
No shadows or glare on the image or background

Community Q&A

Question

How do I create a passport for India?

Community Answer

Don't smile - this is the most important thing. Look confident and firm at the camera. The shot should be framed shoulder-up and must be straight (use a 3x3 grid to help you).
Question

Why can't you smile for a passport picture?

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Community Answer

The photo in the passport must be readable for the facial recognition software and let the computer recognize faces with neutral expressions faster and easier.