How to crop a photo for a passport, visa or ID application

Many passport, visa and ID applications now accept digital photos. Getting the crop right at home can save a trip to a photo shop, but rules are strict and vary by country, so always read the official requirements first.

Know the requirements

A common format is 35 × 45 mm, but the US uses 2 × 2 inches (square), and others differ. Check the official website for: photo size or pixel dimensions, head size (often measured from chin to crown), background colour, file type and maximum file size.

Taking the photo

• Stand in front of a plain, light background with even lighting and no shadows.
• Face the camera straight on with a neutral expression and eyes open.
• Ask someone else to take it from about 1–1.5 metres away, at eye level.
• Remove glasses if the rules require it, and avoid hats unless worn for religious reasons, as allowed.

Cropping

1. Open Crop image and choose your photo.
2. Select "Passport photo 35×45 mm" (or Square for 2×2-inch photos).
3. Zoom and drag so your head is centred and sized as the rules specify, with space above your head.
4. Download as JPG.

Meeting file size limits

If the upload must be under a certain size, use Compress image afterwards and set the maximum width the application asks for. See how to reduce a photo to 100 KB.

Common rejection reasons

• Shadows on the face or background.
• Head too small or too large in the frame.
• Photo edited or filtered (beauty filters are not allowed).
• Blurry, or taken too close, which distorts the face.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a phone selfie?

Selfies taken at arm's length tend to distort faces and are often rejected. Ask someone to take the photo from a little further away.

Can I change the background?

Editing the background or your appearance is usually not allowed for official photos. Take the photo in front of a plain wall instead.