Have you decided whether to get your digital passport photo checked? It could make the difference between your passport application getting rejected or approved. Make sure you submit a compliant passport photo, that meets all the requirements. You might face delays otherwise. Keep reading this article to learn exactly how to use a passport photo checker. Let’s get started!
Last update:4/30/2024
Why You Need a Passport Photo Checker Before Submitting Your Passport Application?
You might be thinking you can easily DIY your digital passport photo for your application. It’s certainly possible, but sometimes it’s best to get a pre-approval check to make sure your photo is acceptable.
Let’s take a look at the main reasons why you need a passport photo examiner before submitting your passport application.
- Requirement Check: Easily check every requirement for your photo using a passport photo examiner Including photo size, format, exposure, saturation, posture and background etc.
- Accelerate Your Application: Once you’ve got your photo checked, you won’t have to worry about your passport application being delayed. You’ll know that your photo is fully acceptable to the government.
- Save Your Time & Money: Not only will you save time by using a passport photo validator, but for a small upfront cost, you can save yourself the costs of having to retake your photo if it gets rejected.
The rules for digital passport photos
- Size: Must be 2×2 inches (51mm x 51mm) with a head size between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25mm and 35mm).
- Resolution: Minimum of 600 x 600 pixels.
- Color: Must be in color (24-bit per pixel) in sRGB color space.
- Format: Must be saved as a JPEG file, with a file size between 54kb and 10mb.
- Compression ratio: Less than or equal to 20:1.
- Appearance:
- Clear and focused image of your face.
- Neutral facial expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
- Full view of your head and top of your shoulders, facing the camera directly.
- Plain white or off-white background without shadows, patterns, or lines.
- No hats, headphones, or other facial coverings unless for religious reasons (with prior approval).
- No glasses with tinted lenses or sunglasses.
Additional Tips
- Take the photo recently (within the last 6 months).
- Stand against a plain wall and use natural light or even lighting if indoors.
- Avoid using filters or editing the photo.
- Have someone else take the photo for better positioning.
- Get your photo reviewed by a professional or use an online tool to ensure it meets all requirements.
How to Check Your US Digital Passport Photo?
It’s quite easy to check your US digital passport photo using a passport photo examiner online. Make sure you use a certified provider, to make sure your photo is compatible with the passport requirements. Check out the options below for getting your US passport photo verified.
1. Before submitting your application
- Department of State Photo Tool: Use the DoS photo tool to check whether your photo is compliant or not.
- When you use the tool, you can see examples of what your photo should look like. However, there isn’t a photo-checking feature, so you need to compare your photo to see if it’s acceptable.
- Smartphone iD: Use the all-in-one app to get your photo formatted, sized and the background removed. Our two-step verification (artificial intelligence, biometric experts) method provides you with a secure service with full customer support. Refund guarantee.
- At a low cost, you can get your photo pre-approved for your application in minutes!
Currently, there isn’t a way to directly view and confirm your specific US digital passport photo within any government system. However, depending on your situation, there are a few ways you can assess its validity and appropriateness:
1. Before submitting your application:
- Compare your photo to the official requirements: Review the detailed guidelines on the U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/online-renewal-photo.html Make sure your photo meets all specifications regarding size, resolution, format, background, facial expression, and other details.
- Use the free Photo Tool provided by the Department of State: This online tool helps you check your photo’s size, cropping, and basic requirements. It will tell you if the photo needs adjustment or is outright rejected. However, it doesn’t guarantee final acceptance, as an actual human reviewer still verifies passport photos at the final stage.
- Print your photo and compare it to official passport photo examples: The State Department website offers official examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Print your photo and compare it side-by-side to ensure it aligns with the approved examples.
2. After submitting your application (limited options)
- Track your application status online: Once you submit your passport application, you can track its status (if eligible) via the online portal: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html. There are specific stages like “In Process” and “Printed,” but currently, no stage explicitly highlights whether your photo passed or failed verification.
- Contact the National Passport Center: If you have concerns about your photo after submitting the application, you can contact the National Passport Center. They might be able to offer limited information about your photo’s status, though they usually prioritize processing over inquiries
Which digital Passport Photo tool to Choose?
Not sure what digital passport photo tool to choose? Take a look at why you’ll want to choose Smartphone iD below!
- Smartphone iD: We check every passport photo thoroughly and use AI software to ensure that your photo meets all requirements!
- Use the app to get your photo checked in real time. Our team of experts will verify your photo in minutes!
- You can have peace of mind with our government approval guarantee as well as a money-back guarantee.
- Our convenient, all-in-one app can provide passport photos for any type of international passport.
- It’s cheap and fast to get your passport photo pre-approved, anywhere, any time.
Take Your Digital Passport Photo With Smartphone iD Valid & Approved
Don’t spend your precious time getting photo appointments or traveling to get your passport photo. You can easily get your passport photo taken at home, with just your smartphone. Check out the steps below to get started today!
- Make sure to remove your glasses or any accessories covering your face.
- Ensure that there are no shadows covering your face (even lighting across your face).
- Keep a neutral expression whilst keeping the camera at eye level.
- Take your photo then follow the instructions in the Smartphone iD app.
Summary
There are so many ways to get your passport photo these days. You can even do it yourself! However, it can be quicker and cheaper overall to get your passport photo checked & approved.
Use Smartphone iD. We provide our customers with pre-approved passport photos, so they don’t have to worry about their passport application. All you need to do is download Smartphone iD, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Have you tried out Smartphone iD yet?
FAQ
What are the size and resolution requirements for a US digital passport photo?
- The photo must be 2×2 inches (51mm x 51mm) in size.
- The head size must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25mm and 35mm).
- The resolution must be at least 600 x 600 pixels.
How recently should my US digital passport photo be taken?
- The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Where can I get my US digital passport photo taken?
- You can get your photo taken at many pharmacies, photo studios, or even some grocery stores.
- You can also take your own photo, but make sure it meets all the requirements.
Can I use the same photo for my passport and visa application?
- In most cases, yes, you can use the same photo for your passport and visa application. However, it’s always best to check with the specific visa requirements of the country you are visiting.
What happens if my US digital passport photo is rejected?
- If your photo is rejected, you will be notified by the Department of State and you will need to submit a new photo.
Bonus Tip!
You can utilize the Smartphone iD passport photo checker, which is equipped with an advanced AI system for real-time photo analysis. After submitting your photo, it undergoes a thorough examination with the assistance of a biometric expert, ensuring its final acceptance with a guarantee.
