Official Passport Photo Guidelines & Printing Guide

Whether you are preparing a document for the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union, standard criteria dictate acceptance rates. Learn the essential biometric rules and how to print your generated sheets for pennies.

Essential Biometric Rules

To prevent delays or outright rejection at passport control offices, ensure your photo conforms to the following guidelines:

• No Eyeglasses: Almost all countries, including the United States, prohibit eyeglasses of any kind unless for strict medical exceptions with signed documentation.
• Neutral Expression: Look directly at the camera with eyes open, mouth fully closed, and keep your facial muscles completely relaxed. Do not smile.
• Lighting & Contrast: The lighting must be balanced and fall evenly across both sides of your face. Avoid overhead spotlights which cast harsh shadows under the nose or chin.
• Plain Attire: Avoid white or highly reflective shirts that blend seamlessly into standard white or grey backgrounds.

Cheap Printing at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart

Rather than paying $15–$20 for in-store passport printing services, use our print sheet templates to save money:

1. Download your compiled 4x6 grid sheet (containing 6 identical photos) from our editor workspace.
2. Upload this JPEG directly to the online photo centers of CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.
3. Order a standard 4x6 inch photographic print. This typically costs less than $0.40.
4. Once printed, carefully cut along the thin grey guideline boundaries with a ruler and paper cutter.

📍 CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are US chains, so the stores and prices above apply to the United States only. If you're elsewhere, any local pharmacy, supermarket, or photo/copy shop can print the same downloaded sheet for a similarly small cost — just ask for a standard photo print at "actual size" or "100%".