Snapassport

Photo setup guide

How to take a passport photo at home

Don't take a handheld selfie. Use Snapassport with an eye-level camera, centered face, plain background, and a steady 3-second auto-snap.

  1. Don't take a handheld selfie

    1

    Don't take a handheld selfie

    Handheld selfies twist your shoulders. Ask a friend to hold the phone vertically at eye level—or set it down securely and step back. The camera counts down and snaps once you’re aligned.

  2. Prep your look

    2. Prep your look

    Take off glasses and hats. Stand in front of a plain, blank wall.

  3. Keep it neutral

    3. Keep it neutral

    Look straight at the camera. Eyes open, mouth closed, no smile.

  4. Line up with the guide

    4. Line up with the guide

    Fit your head and shoulders inside the outline, then hold still.

How it works

We run the official checks

Your photo is checked against 30+ rules: face, background, lighting, size.

We run the official checksPhoto requirements →

Before you snap

  • Start with your best shot: remove glasses and non-religious headwear.
  • Keep permitted religious or medical head coverings clear of your face.
  • Use a relaxed, closed-mouth expression — it works for the widest range of documents.
  • Stand against a plain, light wall in soft, even light.
  • Do not take a handheld selfie. Ask a friend to hold the phone vertically at eye level, or set it down securely and step back.
  • Keep your hair, hands, and other objects away from your face.
  • Use the original camera photo — skip filters, screenshots, and heavy compression.
  • We’ll tailor the Premium Photo to your selected document’s exact size, background, and expression rules.

Common retake questions

Can I take the photo myself?

Yes—but don't take a handheld selfie. Ask a friend for a straighter, eye-level photo. If you are alone, set the phone securely at eye level, step back, and use the auto-snap.

Should I smile?

Use a neutral, relaxed expression and keep your mouth closed. Do not show teeth.

What background works best?

A plain, light wall in soft, even light gives you the best starting photo. We’ll tailor the Premium Photo to the background required by your selected document.

Ready to take the photo?

Start with the live camera guide, then we will validate the photo against the document rules.

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