Thanks to tools like RushMyPhoto, getting a compliant passport photo is now faster, easier, and more secure than ever. Here’s how to do it — and the mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Why Take Your Passport Photo at Home in 2026?

Taking your passport photo at home isn’t just about convenience — it’s about control. You can take your time, retake as many shots as you want, and make sure you actually like the picture that will live in your passport for the next 10 years.

With RushMyPhoto, you:

• Place an order for your photo. Take your photo from your smartphone.
• Get an instant 15-point compliance scan that checks everything from head size and background to facial expression and lighting.
• Receive a ready-to-use digital photo in minutes — without leaving the house and  have your photo shipped directly to you. 

Bonus: Unlike many photo services, RushMyPhoto doesn’t store your image after your order is processed, giving you an added layer of identity protection.

CVS, Walgreens, and Other Retail Photo Services in 2026

Retail photo centers are still an option, but they come with trade-offs:

• CVS Photo: Requires an in-person visit and in-store pickup.
• Walgreens Photo: Same process, though their Passport Photo Creator mobile app also uses compliance scanning and avoids photo storage.

These services work, but if you’re short on time or can’t easily get to a store, a home-based solution like RushMyPhoto is the clear winner.

How to Take a Perfect Passport Photo at Home

Follow these steps to make sure your photo is accepted the first time:

1. Choose the Right Background
   Use a plain white or off-white wall. No shadows, patterns, or textures.
2. Set Up Proper Lighting
   Face a window for natural light. Avoid overhead lights that create dark shadows under your eyes.
3. Wear the Right Clothes
   Stick to everyday attire — no uniforms or camouflage. Head coverings are only allowed for medical or religious reasons.
4. Maintain a Neutral Expression
   Relax your face, keep your mouth closed, and eyes open. Smiling with teeth will lead to rejection.
5. Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
   A modern smartphone works fine — just ensure your photo is sharp and your head measures between 1–1 3/8 inches.
6. Run It Through RushMyPhoto
   The system instantly flags issues so you can retake before submission.

Privacy & Security: Why Your Provider Matters

Your passport photo is tied to one of your most important identity documents. That’s why provider choice matters:

• No storage after order → lowers risk of misuse.
• Automated compliance scan → prevents rejections that delay travel.
• Hand-Carry Program compliance → if your provider (like Expedited Travel, parent of RushMyPhoto) is part of the State Department’s Hand-Carry Program, your data is handled under stricter federal security rules.

Common Mistakes That Still Get Passport Photos Rejected in 2026

Even today, these errors can derail your application:

• Background isn’t plain white.
• Head size is too large or small.
• Wearing glasses, hats, or earbuds.
• Poor lighting or blurry image.

Pro tip: Using a compliance-checking service means you can fix issues before they reach the State Department.

FAQ: Taking Passport Photos at Home in 2026

• Can I take a passport photo with my iPhone or Android?
  Yes. Smartphone cameras today meet the U.S. Department of State’s quality standards, as long as you follow lighting and background rules.
• Can I smile in a passport photo in 2026?
  No. A neutral expression is required. A slight closed-mouth smile is acceptable, but showing teeth will cause rejection.
• Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
  No. Glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses are not allowed. Only medically necessary eyewear with documentation is permitted.
• Is an online passport photo service safe?
  Yes — but only with providers that don’t store your image. RushMyPhoto deletes your photo after processing, reducing risk.
• How long is a passport photo valid?
  Your photo must reflect your current appearance and be taken within the last six months.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to waste time at a drugstore counter anymore. With online passport photo creator tool, you can:

• Snap your photo at home.
• Get instant compliance feedback.
• Protect your privacy with no image storage.

Whether you’re renewing your passport or applying for the first time, starting with a perfect photo helps your application move smoothly — and keeps your travel plans on track.

👉 Ready to get started? Visit RushMyPhoto.com and take your passport photo from home — approved the first time, every time.

How to Get a New Passport

• If you already have a passport, you may be eligible to renew your current passport. You can learn more here: How To Renew Your Passport
• If you’re not eligible to renew by mail, follow these instructions to apply for a new passport: How to Apply for a New Passport
• Applying for a passport for a child? There are some additional application requirements. Learn more here:  How to Get a Child Passport

Passport Processing Times

Expedited passport services are now available at a FedEx Office location near you! We’ve been receiving great feedback from travelers all across the country as they head to their local FedEx Office to secure their expedited passport services. Media outlets like Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure have been quick to share the exciting news that passport renewal services are now easier and more convenient than ever before.

Expedited Passport Services Now Available at FedEx Office

RushMyPassport and FedEx Office have teamed up to provide a one-stop shop for passport renewal services as well as other expedited passport services. With over 2000+ FedEx Office locations nationwide, travelers can now take advantage of local rush passport services.

If you need to renew your passport, visit your local FedEx Office and choose from a wide range of passport processing options. Travelers who need to get a passport fast can also visit their local FedEx Office for expedited passport services. Start with your compliant passport photo and determine if you need expedited passport services. Now you can use RushMyPassport services at your nearby FedEx Office for quick passport services in your area.

Standard Processing Times Now Slower

The U.S. Department of State recently increased the processing times for standard passport service. Processing times are now as slow as 6-8 weeks.

If your passport photo or documents have issues, it will take longer to process your passport. This means that it’s important to make sure your photo and documents meet the requirements. If not, you may experience delays in getting your passport.

RushMyPassport and FedEx Office provide fast services for various passport needs. These include passport renewals, new adult and child passports, replacement passports, and name changes. With our team of passport specialists, RushMyPassport is ready to help you with all of your concerns to help you get your passport fast. Use overnight shipping for fast passport applications, track your passport approval, and get free help from passport experts 24/7.

Where Is My Nearest FedEx Office for Passport Services?

If you need your passport within the next 3-5 business days, consider using our expedited service. You can still apply for your expedited passport services through our website or by visiting fedex.com/passport. However, since you’ll likely need a passport photo, you should start by visiting any of the 2000+ FedEx Office locations nationwide.

Finding local passport services has never been easier. Enter your zip code here to find a FedEx Office for passport services near you.

Prepare Before You Go

Applying for a passport renewal? Make sure your passport qualifies prior to submitting your application. Your passport should be in good condition (light wear is okay but there should not be any significant damage to the cover or pages).

Your passport must be a ten-year validity passport issued when you were 16 or older. Your passport should be less than 5 years expired. Here is what you should bring to your local FedEx Office if you plan to renew your passport:

• Expired or soon-to-be expired passport
• Name change documents if relevant (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order documentation)
• Blank check to be written out to the U.S. Department of State
  *The amount may vary based on the processing speed. Our instructions will guide you on the options.

The FedEx Office location can provide passport photo services. You will create your passport renewal application at your local FedEx Office. We also provide a document checklist once you order our service. When your documents are ready, you can ship them overnight to our processing center using a FedEx shipping label provided at your local FedEx Office.

HEADS UP!! @FedEx and @rushmypassport are teaming up to offer travelers quicker ways to get their U.S. passports nationwide. https://t.co/5laI2CI25D

— FOX 46 Charlotte (@FOX46News) July 9, 2019

Join us in celebrating this great news for the passport industry! FedEx Office and RushMyPassport.com just launched expedited services in over 2000+ locations. Come down to your local FedEx Office for your passport photo and expedited passport services.

Find more about RushMyPassport and FedEx Office in the news:

• The Points Guy
• USA Today
• Fox Business
• Travel Market Report
  

How to Get a Passport Photo During Closures & Stay-Home Orders

The passport photo is required for passport renewals, new passports, child passports, and replacing a lost or stolen passport. Passport photos are the number one reason for passport application rejections, suspensions, and delays. Here are some options to get your passport without running all over town looking for a passport photo service that’s open and available.

FedEx Office

Your local FedEx Office may be a great option for your passport photo needs. Call ahead to see if they are offering passport photo services. FedEx Office can also print and ship so you may find this a great way to get your passport underway.

Passport Photo App

Use the platform RushMyPhoto or download the free Passport Photo Creator mobile app (available on iOS). Using biometric facial compliance checks, the Passport Photo Creator will help you take the perfect passport photo. Take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied and it meets the strict government requirements. Once you have the perfect passport photo, you can print to your local Walgreens. You only pay when you pick up your photo at Walgreens. This is a great option as you can get in and out of the store without spending unnecessary time in public.

Online Options

Take your own passport photo! You should have a friend or family member take the photo approximately 3 feet away back. Make sure you have a white or off-white background. You should also follow all the other passport photo requirements. Once you have a photo that meets the requirements, you can use a free website like Online Passport Photo*. It will help you template your photo for a 4×6 print. You can download the 4×6 print and send it to your local Walmart or anywhere you can get a one hour print.

*We do not own or operate that website so please make sure you review their terms before using.

Passport Services COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates

Passport services may be limited, but travel restrictions will be lifted. There will be a major surge in all travel industries and passports will be no exception. Many expect significant delays in passport processing, so it’s smart to apply now for your passport renewal. And if you need a new passport, check ahead with your local acceptance agent to see if appointments are available.

Where to get a passport photo

There are several different places you can go to get passport photos made, or you can do it yourself. The important thing is to make sure your passport photo meets all of the strictly-controlled federal requirements. The U.S. Department of State can reject your photo for many reasons.

Can you take your own passport photos?

You can take your own passport photos with a smartphone and the right app. You’ll need to make sure you have a white background. Also, it’s usually best to have another person take the photo for you. We recommend RushMyPhoto or the Passport Photo Creator app. The photo creator app is free and easy to use and allows you to take a compliant passport photo from your iPhone or Android device. The app uses a clever template and smart software that is calibrated to the complex requirements set by the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency. The benefit is that you can take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the way you look. Once you like your passport photo and it meets the requirements, you can choose to print at any Walgreens location near you. There is no additional fee to use this app so you only pay the normal passport photo price when you pick it up at Walgreens. We like this app because you have full control over the final product- your perfect passport photo.

Pros: You can do as many re-takes as you like. This is an especially good option for infants and children because you can take as many pictures as you want for free, instead of crossing your fingers, hoping and praying that your little darling doesn’t decide to yawn, cry, or start sucking his thumb in the middle of a drugstore photo shoot.

Cons: Even if you read the US Passport Agency’s guidelines for passport photos carefully, there is no guarantee any photo will be accepted. It’s ultimately up to the agent that is processing your application. However, this app will give you the best chance of having a compliant photo.

Can I get a passport photo online?

You can get a passport photo online but make sure you do your research. Find a reputable company as your application will be rejected if the resolution is too low or the print paper is not high enough quality. Printing a passport photo online is convenient. What’s not convenient? The State Department rejecting your passport application because your online print doesn’t meet their specifications.

Walgreen’s, CVS, Rite-Aid and most other drug store chains offer passport photo services.  The cost is usually around $15 for two photos. There is no guarantee your photo will meet the compliance guidelines and you may not like the way your photo looks. Still, most people use this option.

Pros: Ideally, the photographer has been trained and is aware of all the special requirements for passport photos.  Plus, drug stores provide instant gratification, since your photos are ready in just a few minutes.

Cons: This option is more expensive than doing it yourself, retakes cost extra and the quality of the pictures can vary.  Babies and toddlers can require multiple retakes to get pictures that comply with US Passport Agency regulations, and the charges can add up.

Post Office

Many post offices across the country are also passport acceptance facilities and some of them offer photo services.

Pros: Post office employees should be familiar with acceptance requirements for passport photos. Also, you can get your photo taken and turn in your application at the same time, so you’ll save a trip.

Cons: You may be required to make an appointment and they may not have passport photo options available.

Professional Photographers

Some professional photography studios offer passport photo services.

Pros: You’ll probably get better, more attractive passport photos, since the person on the other end of the camera is a professional, full-time photographer. For infants and small children, professional photographers might get better results because they have extensive practice coaxing good pictures out of little kids.

Cons: Fees vary by studio, but expect it to cost a good deal more than the post office.

Get Your Passport Fast

Once you have your passport photos, it’s time to apply for a new passport.  RushMyPassport.com can help you get your passport quickly and easily, with processing times as low as 24 hours! If you need a passport in a hurry, come see why we are one of the top companies in the expediting industry, and expedite your passport with us today!

Prince shared his passport photo on Twitter…and the Internet exploded.  Writers called it “sheer perfection,” “game-changing” and even “so aggressively sexual it should be illegal.”

Mashable writer Jim Roberts tweeted “You’ll never have a passport photo like this. So give up.”

But do you have to give up? Are the rest of us mere mortals doomed to carry around humiliating passport photos for the next decade? We say “No more!”  After analyzing Prince’s Internet-famous passport pic to find out what makes it so special, and combing the web for advice from stylists and makeup artists, RushMyPassport presents: a 5 step plan to help you take a better passport photo.

Step 1: Choose The Right Clothes for a Great Passport Photo

In his photo, Prince sports a black brocade jacket over a dark t-shirt. Since passport photos must be taken against a plain white background, dark clothes work best. Choose a dark color that flatters your skintone and/or your eyes. A little bit of texture (like the brocade on Prince’s jacket) will make for a nice contrast.

For women, a sensibly high neckline is recommended. Turtlenecks are not.

Per State Department regulations, avoid wearing any sort of uniform for the photo. Religious clothing is acceptable if you wear it every day.

As of November 1st, 2016, you are no longer allowed to wear glasses in your passport photo.

Step 2: Choose the Right Hairstyle

In Prince’s photo, his Afro surrounds his head “like a halo,” as Voice of America put it. If your hair is your crowning glory, show it off! Just remember, hats and most other head coverings are against the rules per the Department of State. The only exception is for religious head coverings. Even headbands and bows are forbidden.

If you have long hair, let it hang down. Smooth flyaways with a little bit of gel, but don’t overdo it. Some passport photographers will insist you tuck it back behind your ears for the photo, but this isn’t actually required by the Department of State. Here’s what is required: your hair must not obscure any portion of your face, nor cast shadows on your face.

Step 3: Give Your Makeup The Hollywood Treatment

Obviously, Prince had his stylist handy for this photo shoot. Don’t have a stylist? Use these expert tips and tricks to get ready for your close-up!

First, splurge on some primer to go under your foundation, even if it’s not something you usually use. It will help even out your skin tone and keep everything else in place.

Next, a harsh flash can really highlight under-eye circles. You’ll notice that’s not a problem for Prince. However, it’s probably a problem for you. Correct it with concealer in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone.

When it comes to photos, shine is the enemy. Don’t skimp on the powder, and consider retouching right before you say cheese. Relatedly, shimmery cosmetics do not photograph well. So leave the glitter and the shiny lip gloss at home.

This article from Buzzfeed has more general tips that everyone can use:
Here’s How To Do Your Makeup So It Looks Incredible In Pictures

Attention, Gentlemen: Eyeliner and mascara not your thing? It’s okay. Not everyone can be Prince, and it’s probably best that you don’t try. But there’s no shame in borrowing your wife or girlfriend’s translucent face powder, either.  A shiny  t-zone is not a sign of manliness.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to wear your glasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them everyday. If you do wear them, make sure they’re tilted down just a little to ward off glare.

Step 4: Strike a Pose

@Prince3EG someone made this lol pic.twitter.com/uvInT69lr0

— fonkymutha (@XtRaLoVeAbLe) February 11, 2016

Did your last passport photo look like a mug shot? Your expression may have had something to do with it, especially if the photographer ordered you not to smile. Can you smile for a passport photo? Yes, as long as you keep it subtle. State Department guidelines say “a neutral expression is preferred;” but “a natural smile is acceptable.” So there’s no need to look like you just checked in to the local county jail.

A natural smile is easier for most of us to pull off, but if you have the lower lip for it, you could try to recreate Prince’s now famous “purple pout.”

Whatever you do, keep it subtle. “Exaggerated expressions” of any sort are a no-no and will delay your application. And remember, practice makes perfect!

Step 5: Lights, Camera, Action! Choosing Where to Get Your Passport Photo

So, you’re all dressed up…where will you go?  Drugstores, big box stores like Walmart and post offices generally offer passport photo services. It seems clear that Prince hired his own professional photographer for his passport photos, which is great if you have the money for it.

Another option is to have a friend take the picture for you, and use the State Department’s passport photo tool to make sure it’s the right size and cropped correctly. This allows you to do unlimited retakes for free and gets you out from under the usual harsh fluorescent lights.

The downside? Photographers (and even photography department clerks) are trained to take passport pictures that meet Department of State requirements. An amateur is more likely to make a mistake, and that means your application could be delayed. If you choose this route, make sure you read all of the State Department’s passport photo guidelines and have access to a photo quality printer before you proceed.

At RushMyPassport, we know our customers want to get their passports in hand as quickly as possible. So, we generally recommend using a drugstore, post office or a professional photographer. After all, as much as you want to look good in your passport photo, it’s more important that you get your passport on time.

Do you need your passport quickly? We can help you get your passport application processed in as little as 24 hours. Start our easy order process here!

Some of the most important rules for passport photos include:

• Full color only
• Final size 2” x 2” with head measuring between 1” and 1 ³/₈” from bottom of chin to top of head
• Use a recent photo taken within the last 6 months
• Use a white background
• Take facing directly ahead at the camera for full-face view
• Eyes open / neutral expression
• You may wear glasses if you normally wear them – but no dark or tinted lenses & no glare from glasses in photo
• No hats or head coverings
• No shadows on your face
• No uniforms
• As of November 1st, 2016, you are no longer allowed to wear glasses in your passport photo.

It is important to understand these regulations before submitting your passport photos. If your passport application is delayed because of unacceptable photos, it can take up to three weeks to receive notification by mail – and you may not have time to take and submit new photos before your scheduled trip.

Here are the top 6 reasons passport photos are rejected:

1. Incorrect Size – Photo must measure exactly 2”x2” without a white border.
2. Over-Exposure or Lightness – Glare in the photo or light reflecting on face, eyes.
3. Shadows and Dark Spots – All facial features must be fully seen and recognizable.
4. Blurred Focus – Standard distance for shooting is about 3 feet. Otherwise, facial features may be blurred.
5. Glasses and Hats – do not wear things that obscure the face in any way. Glasses are allowed only with a medical certificate, so most people will have to remove them. Even then, they may not shade your face.
6. Improper Profile / Camera Angle – Face the camera full on, looking directly into the camera. Even a subtle head tilt can result in your picture being rejected. Picture must include your entire profile from crown of head to tops of shoulders.

A valuable service of RushMyPassport.com is knowing right away if there is an issue with your passport photos.  If there is a problem, you’ll find out that same day so we can expedite the process.

Passport photos can be taken at a local Wal-Mart or a local drug store chain like CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid. Prices average about $7 to $8. Some local post offices also offer passport photo services priced at about $15. If you’re more concerned with having an attractive photo, you can also opt for a professional photographer to take the photos. Just remember that professional photos will cost a lot more than you would pay elsewhere – and make sure that the photographer is aware of all the regulations for passport photos.  If you decide to take the picture yourself, be sure to follow the government guidelines and make sure the final photos measure exactly 2 inches x 2 inches. You may print the photos on a photo-quality color printer using special photo paper.

A new photojournalism project by Suren Manvelyan and Biayna Mahari on the Behance Network showcases just how much of a difference a few years can make. The project compares old-but-still-valid passport photos with current photos of the same person. Here’s how the creators describe the goal of the project, which they’ve named “Passport and Reality:”

“This is a project about how different can look a person in real life and his own passport photo. People change every minute and the only thing that stays still is their passport photo. All the same person but such different looks.”

Looking at the pictures is like looking back through time: gangly young boys grow into sturdy men, shy girls grow into hip, stylish, adults. I wonder whether the subjects preferred their old passport photos or the new shots?

Despite these changes, most if not all of the people featured for this project are still recognizable in the old passport photos, which is obviously a good thing. However, the Department of State’s requirements for passport photos do state that “Your passport may not be accepted at the border if your appearance has changed significantly or if you cannot be identified from the photo in your current passport.”

So, if you don’t recognize yourself in the photo, you might want to go ahead and apply for a US passport renewal a little bit early. Sure, it’s a hassle and you’ll have to pay for it, but that sure beats having problems trying to get in and out of the country.

For detailed instructions on replacing your current US passport, see Can I Renew My Passport By Mail?

If you need to replace your US passport, RushMyPassport can make the process quick and easy. We’ll go over the process for you to make sure you understand the paperwork and passport photo requirements. Then, we’ll take your paperwork and passport photos directly to the Department of State for processing is as little as 24 hours.

Let us help you replace your US passport today!

If you think the picture on your passport looks like a mug shot, you’re not alone.  Nor is this a new problem-people have been complaining about how much they hate their passport photos ever since passport photos became mandatory. The Oxford University press blog notes:

This “distortion” was the product of the clashing of two particular traditions of photographing people: the portrait and the “scientific” image (generally used in criminal identification photographs).  Most passport applicants associated representational truth with the specific articulation of realism in photographic portraits.  This association gave rise to complaints that a standardized passport photograph was unflattering, and in fact did not look like the bearer.  From the inception of passport photographs, people experienced “a pang of horrid surprise, almost disbelief, upon first looking at the photograph which [was] to identify them in a foreign country;” at least according to a New York Times editorial from 1930…

It already takes at least 6 weeks to get your passport if you apply with normal processing. Even if you apply with expedited processing, it could still take up to 3 weeks.  However, if your passport photo isn’t up to snuff, you could be looking at an even longer processing time.  To keep your application from being delayed, see Passport Photos: How to Get Them Right the First Time.

If 3 weeks is too long to wait for your passport, RushMyPassport can help. We’ll walk you through  the application process and deliver your application directly to the Department of State for lightning-fast processing.

Submit your passport application today!

Terence and Marilyn Walker apparently sent off their passport renewal applications at the same time. His was processed correctly, but hers came back with the wrong passport photo.  Instead of her passport photo, the passport agency had placed a photo of her husband.

Mrs. Walker told the Manchester Evening News,  “I was flabbergasted. I thought I had picked up my husband’s passport by accident and then I saw it. I couldn’t believe they would make such a simple mistake.”

She has been asked to redo her passport application and provide new passport pictures.

Although this happened across the pond, the US Department of State occasionally makes mistakes and printing errors as well.

To fix a printing error on a US passport, complete passport form DS-5504. Send it in with evidence of the mistake (a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate or perhaps a court order, depending on what needs to be corrected.)

The US Department of State corrects printing errors free of charge. You can use this form to correct an error at any time while the passport is valid, although if it is due to expire in the next year you may wish to go ahead and apply for a passport renewal.

The US Department of State does not charge for correcting printing errors, and passports that need to be corrected are given priority, so processing times are about the same for correcting errors as they are for the government’s expedited service. You can expect to wait about 3 weeks to get your new passport back in the mail.

If you need your passport corrected more quickly, you have two options: Make an appointment at a US passport agency office, or use  a private passport expediting company. For many people, the extra fee paid to the expediting company is worth it because it they don’t have to take time off work or travel to a Regional Passport Agency office, which could easily be quite expensive if you don’t have one nearby.

RushMyPassport will hand-deliver your paperwork to the Department of State, cutting processing times to as little as 24 hours.

Apply for your new passport today!