US Passport Photo Editor
Skip the $15 drugstore photo. Get State Department compliant results in 30 seconds.
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"Took my own photo at home, fixed the background and sizing. Passport office accepted it first try. Saved $15 and a trip to CVS." @TravelReady2026
Built for Passport Applicants
The State Department rejects thousands of passport applications for photo issues. Wrong background color, incorrect head size, glasses still on, or shadows on face. EditThisPic fixes these common problems so your application goes through the first time.
Tools for Passport Photos
Replace Background
Change any background to compliant white or off-white
Remove Glasses
Required since 2016 - no glasses allowed in passport photos
Remove Shadows
Eliminate shadows that cause rejection
Whiten Background
Make off-white or cream backgrounds pure white
Step-by-Step Guide
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Take or upload your photo
Use a recent photo (within 6 months) with neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. Face the camera directly. Remove glasses before shooting if possible. Plain background preferred but not required - we'll fix it.
Background replacement: 20-25 seconds. Full compliance fix: 30-45 seconds.Natural daylight facing a window gives the most even, shadow-free lighting. -
Describe the compliance fixes needed
Type what needs fixing: 'replace background with pure white for US passport' or 'remove glasses and make background white for passport photo.' Be specific about all issues in one prompt.
Combine all fixes: 'white background, remove shadows from face, ensure even lighting for passport compliance' -
Check compliance requirements
Verify: background is pure white or off-white, no shadows on face or background, both eyes clearly visible, no glasses, neutral expression. Head should fill 50-69% of frame height (1-1.375 inches in 2x2 print).
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Download and print at 2x2 inches
Download your compliant photo. Print at exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm). Most photo printers and drugstore kiosks have passport size presets. Head must measure 1-1.375 inches from chin to top of head in final print.
Print two copies - applications require two identical photos. Check size with a ruler before submitting.
Copy-Paste Prompts for US Passport Photos
replace background with pure white for US passport photo, keep face and lighting unchanged
State Dept requires white or off-white - pure white is safest
remove glasses completely, show eyes clearly and naturally, maintain facial features
Medical exemptions exist but are rarely granted - easier to just remove glasses
remove all shadows from face, even out lighting, keep background white
Shadows cause rejections - faces must be evenly lit
replace background with pure white, remove glasses, eliminate all shadows, ensure even facial lighting for US passport compliance
Fix everything at once for fastest results
Show 4 more prompts
remove shadow behind head on background, make background uniformly white
Head shadows on background commonly cause rejections
correct yellow color cast from indoor lighting, make skin tones natural, keep background pure white
Indoor photos often have yellow/orange tint that looks unnatural
remove glare and reflections from glasses lenses, or remove glasses entirely
Glare hiding eyes causes rejection - removing glasses entirely is safer
replace background with pure white, remove toy/hand visible at edge, ensure child's face is centered for passport
Kids' passport photos often have hands or toys at frame edges
| Edit Type | Prompt | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background fix | replace background with pure white |
20s | Try This → |
| Remove glasses | remove glasses, show eyes clearly |
25s | Try This → |
| Shadow removal | remove all shadows from face and background |
20s | Try This → |
| Full compliance | white background, remove glasses, no shadows |
35s | Try This → |
Real Examples
Living room wall to passport compliant
Photo taken against beige living room wall. Background changed to pure white in seconds.
Glasses removed for compliance
Since 2016, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos. AI removes them while preserving natural eye appearance.
remove glasses completely, show eyes clearly and naturally, keep white background
Shadow removal from face and background
Strong shadows from single light source made this photo non-compliant. Even lighting restored.
remove all shadows from face and background, create even lighting for passport compliance
Complete compliance fix in one prompt
Kitchen background, glasses, and uneven lighting all fixed at once.
replace background with pure white, remove glasses, eliminate shadows, even out facial lighting for US passport
When Things Go Wrong
Background isn't pure white, has gray tint
Why: The AI may preserve some of the original background's color cast.
Specifying '#FFFFFF' tells the AI you want absolute white.
Eyes look unnatural after glasses removal
Why: AI reconstructed eye area may look artificial or mismatched.
Tap markers on the eyes, then: make eyes look natural and symmetrical, match skin tone around eyes
If results still look off, try a new photo without glasses instead.
Shadow removal changed skin tone
Why: Removing shadows can affect perceived skin color in shadow areas.
Work on shadows and skin tone separately for better control.
Hair edges look choppy against white background
Why: Fine hair strands are difficult to separate cleanly from backgrounds.
Photos with hair contrasting against original background work best.
AI changed the wrong area
Why: The AI couldn't determine exactly which area you meant from description alone.
Tap a marker on the specific area you want to change, then regenerate with the same prompt
Markers tell the AI 'I mean THIS one specifically.' Use them when description alone is ambiguous.
Face looks over-processed or artificial
Why: Multiple edits accumulated too many changes to facial features.
Passport photos should look natural - minimal face editing is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact US passport photo requirements?
Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm). Head size: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head. Background: white or off-white. Expression: neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed. No glasses (since November 2016). Photo must be taken within 6 months of application. Full face visible, no head coverings except religious. In color, not black and white.
Do I need to mark areas before describing what I want?
No. Just describe what you need: 'replace background with white' or 'remove glasses.' The AI understands these concepts. Only use markers when you need precision, like specifying exact shadow areas or refining hair edges after your first attempt.
Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?
No. Since November 1, 2016, the State Department does not allow glasses in passport photos except for documented medical necessity. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. EditThisPic can remove glasses from existing photos if you don't have a glasses-free photo available.
Is there a free passport photo tool that doesn't need an account?
Yes. EditThisPic is free to try with no signup required. You can replace backgrounds, remove glasses, and fix lighting without creating an account. No watermarks on downloaded photos.
How do I know if my photo will be accepted?
Check these requirements before printing: pure white or off-white background, no shadows on face or background, both eyes clearly visible, neutral expression with mouth closed, no glasses, face centered and filling 50-69% of frame height. Print at exactly 2x2 inches and verify head measures 1-1.375 inches chin to crown.
What's the best way to take a passport photo at home?
Stand against a plain white or light-colored wall. Face a window for even, natural lighting (no direct sunlight causing squinting). Have someone take the photo at eye level, not selfie angle. Ensure no shadows fall on your face or wall. Wear normal clothes, remove glasses, keep neutral expression with both eyes open.
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