CNET How to: Take your own passport photos

cnet.com/how-to
Save some cash by taking your own passport photos with your own camera or smartphone and a few basic guidelines.

[@GorgieClarissa]

this video is from 2012 people. things have changed. you can't smile anymore and you also can't wear prescription glasses. do your own due diligence and make sure you are following the current rules. also look at the date of the upload video.... it's from 2012. things have changed.

[@Vivi_aba]

Changes by Nov 2016!!!!! NO eyeglasses allowed, and both ears must be shown. I believe you can't smile either.

[@stan6252]

A natural smile is allowed, according to the government website. No glasses, though.

[@inspiringuniverse591]

Too much restrictions😂😂

[@diannehouseholder6816]

you can do a "natural" smile but show no teeth..

[@KComedyCritiques]

How do you not list the gov website in the description0?

[@Miss_Giggy]

She mentioned the government website.

[@kingedward001]

in my country.. they will say you need to have a new pic taken by them so they will have some income.

[@jonnystanciu856]

It's important to note that you can't print with standard printing paper. It needs to be photo paper. So this probably makes it not worth doing if you are a regular person. I know I don't have photo paper at home, and I so I would have to buy some.

[@Zeddd7]

Jonny Stanciu you can get it printed at Fed Ex, Kinkos, etc. and put multiple copies on a single page for cheap!

[@JohnPaoloMendoza]

2:39 Her city is Candyland 😂😂😂

[@sprybug]

Says in the video to do a neutral expression. Selects the one with a big smile. XD

[@CharliePlesums]

Nice video but the government photo sizing tool doesn't work - perhaps because I upgraded to the 64 bit browser and 64 bit flash but the Choose photo button doesn't let you choose.

[@johncas1]

In the uk you can upload any photo taken no need to print out

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Can’t be just ‘any’ photo. It has to comply to a looooong list of requirements, which you can find on the passport office website.

[@zouby1986]

According to the state dept, passport photos must be with neutral expression

[@GorgieClarissa]

this video is 10 years old. you used to be able to smile. my first passport photo was smiling

[@muhiburrahman9313]

Taking the picture part is easy, but how do you print it? If you take it to the drug store the passport picture option is only for them to print. A new video showing how you printed the picture would be great.

[@John-gi3es]

Online

[@netstreamer]

some USCIS applications don't need printing, they just need a digital photo submitted to the portal.

[@LopsidedCircle]

you can't smile in your passport photo anymore

[@RedRider2001]

Incorrect. You can smile as long as it is a "natural smile," i.e. not exaggerated.

[@Ilovepineapple]

RedRider2001 your lips must be touching

[@aruk5968]

You can smile as long as your teeth are not visible.

[@JacklesSpeedy]

People in the comments having so much of an issue with her smile and not showing the ears... In the US, a netural expression also means you can use a natural smile (okay to show teeth), and you don't have to show both of your ears completely, your hair and objects just can't be covering parts of your face. The only issues they have with smiles is if you're doing some super cheesy (clearly unnatural) grin.

[@GorgieClarissa]

people also forget the video is 10 years old. you used to be able to smile in your photos

[@golfhajime]

"On December 31, 2020, Adobe will end support for Flash. This change will affect the functionality of our U.S. passport and visa photo-cropping tool and this photo assistant will be temporarily unavailable after December 31. "

[@SA-xt1gd]

Im taking my own because i have the flexibility to to take my own photos and edit my dark eye circles

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

In many countries they don’t like any photo-editing at all. They want an untampered jpeg straight from your camera.

[@YouLaToya]

Lol... The toothy grin in my recent passport book says you're dead wrong...

[@ramikafa]

Unless you have the photo printed out yourself, this is useless because copy centers don't print passport-size photos unless the photo is taken in the center... And I speak from personal experience!!!

[@fsan5382]

False. Walmart prints out passport sized photos.

[@-Muhammad_Ali-]

you cannot put that beautiful smile there can you?

[@DimitrisBoump]

another great vid by sharon!

[@parthsalat]

Gone are the days of SD card...now is the age of Cloud!

[@jakenguyen9417]

is that shadow on your right side acceptable?

[@anthonydesouza4821]

I could listen to this cutie pie all day..she made this 3 minute vid seem like 1

[@NeoMinerva]

The dress makes her neck look too long but it's not. She looks great naked.

[@armonytrucking7920]

im not able to find that website

[@cliffford]

The website cited in this video is no longer functional.

[@lcmojo]

Yep, unfortunately, you now have to have the Adobe Flash Player version 10 to use the Photo Tool's features. So, I decided to come up with my own tutorial video using a different website which helps meet all the passport photo requirements.

[@AHA-bo8zm]

Thank you very much for the great tips!

[@AKAten4]

real good job there, your photo was declined

[@goodra999]

In Canada I was told my prescription glasses aren’t ok

[@ShantesTravelThings]

in the u.s. too.

[@missylou82]

Why is that? Prescription glasses, not ok? Since people who wears prescription glasses all the time.

[@ComputerLearning0]

I have to renew my Concealed Weapon license and this time I'm gonna take the photo myself and get the image *"I WANT"* rather than the one you always have to settle for at the drug store. This is all very helpful information and there's no reason anyone with a digital camera or a current smart-phone and a printer can't do this themselves. However, it would have been helpful if they posted the link shown in the video at 1:52 in the description so you could just click on the link instead of having to type it out.

[@muhammadsyafiq1004]

you guys get passport photo from a drugstore?

[@jennylee4702]

I used green card photo checker ... does it fullfill all the requirement ??

[@genesismyers9732]

What if I wear costumes daily?

[@1000photogirl]

In Canada , your are not allowed to smile and the photo needs to be take by a commercial photographer!

[@ShantesTravelThings]

in the us you can't smile either. i don't what what their talking about.

[@Weerzer]

Did she really just smile in a passport photo? ROFL! 'MURICA

[@MikeFLHT]

Application says it's OK to use a natural smile.

[@mikeinsall8854]

No it's not!!

[@ms310]

I wish I saw this cropping tool before I got my picture. But I still only paid $5 at Sams Club. So if you are short on time that is an option compared to rip off drug stores and the post office at $15.

[@jerseydevil1995]

Finally something we can actually use! This is better than that Cipriani shit CNet posts.

[@joliearanda5363]

Can you use your phone camera

[@mohammeddrar2339]

U can

[@bupbup777]

Thank you!

[@travisgulley2652]

This can save you money

[@amusingworld2029]

thank you

[@abugidalyrics724]

guys , u have to try this website called visafoto, its simply great for passport photo related issues

[@MrSomaChannel]

USE YOUR CAMERA VERTICALLY !

[@juliestolar4712]

I would not accept that photo b/c of shadows on right side of your face. You aren’t supposed to show teeth. Also didn’t staple according to instructions. (The government is very particular about how many staples and where they’re placed.) Glasses are not allowed.

[@polarstar]

Wrong CNET. From the State Departments website about your photo: "Attire. You cannot wear glasses. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application."

[@tomlinzombie]

polarstar This video was uploaded in 2012, obviously things are going to change.

[@tunnsie]

Link provided is invalid.

[@ilanet5]

sharon i love your vids , all your vids are so usefull and easy :D

[@bluelemonade6200]

Looks like this photo will get rejected, ears not shown, too much smile, dark and low resolution pic

[@lovelynepal]

Both the ears must be visible!

[@ThenativeIraqi]

No its not a must !

[@dingoprairie]

+GEX What if you have rabbit ears?

[@goodra999]

LovelyNepal what if your hair is so curly?

[@khezransalik9963]

This is matix einter soldier wuantam of solace

[@joshuatate2075]

Need to download my ID for Google play

[@joyous8248]

2024 .. ty for this !!!

[@myl7myl7]

dam she's cute

[@jayeroom5943]

No glasses

[@Z5Z5Z5]

I took like 500 of them all look like a crackhead

[@sisophous]

This was helpful but as LopsidedCircle commented, you are supposed to have a neutral facial expression, smiling is not recommended.

[@jenniferhunter6601]

no where on the government website guidelines does it say you can't smile... I've seen multiple friends' passports where they were smiling.

[@sisophous]

You like to twist words I see. The government websites say to use a "neutral expression". A neutral expression is "not" a smile, nor is it a frown. I never said the government said you CAN"T SMILE. Here is a link to the requirements. travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/photos.html

[@ShantesTravelThings]

you can't smile in them

[@bowditchtimothy]

Updated site? URL doesn't work

[@saop1946]

Merci!

[@oliveb6318]

Correct the smile. You are not allowed to smile in a passport

[@skatekido06]

I love you

[@KristinaGausden]

When getting a passport in Britain, you can't wear any kind of glasses in your photo

[@JoeRosenkranz]

sunglasses?

[@ShantesTravelThings]

u.s. too. i wasn't allowed too when i got mine done. she is wrong.

[@sunnyboy288]

she's cute

[@RichardsWorld]

Looks like you guys didn't even use photo paper.. LOL

[@merurattehalli8632]

US passport photos and most visa photos want a white background, need to see your ears and ask that you have a neutral smile (unlike hers). This would get rejected.

[@inspiringuniverse591]

They took my photo by themselves. At psk and I m looking horrible in passport

[@rexiiforsure9558]

I just go to mr McNett,

[@lpplau]

No jewelry

[@ofbyforpeople1384]

she missed that obvious one

[@grackle7987]

but i looove my jewlery.

[@douglasflores1462]

Can you take your pic with any background and then remove it (put a white one) with some photo editor software?

[@RutvikPatel2706]

Yeah obviously with Photoshop

[@oyemendigo7344]

The government website says the photo can not be digitally altered

[@anupkrk]

You should keep your ear visible .,, I don't where are u from

[@owendacres5651]

Your ears must be shown

[@Licona1219]

why waste a perfectly good cookie?

[@haroof]

Holy shit seems like too much work. Just walk into a U.S. Postal office and have them do it.

[@princewins88bw]

Haroof oh ok problem solved

[@fsan5382]

I'd rather do it myself than pay $15 and not end up liking the picture they take

[@Hellboy8675]

u guys have to apply for passports LOL

[@bknarens6897]

If you not capable for pay for your passport size photo don't go for this sort of tings go sleep😁

[@MCFrijolito21]

want a cookie?

[@grackle7987]

dont listen to the haters. u did an excellent job sharon. and the fact that you're beautiful is the LEASt interesting thing about you. bless up

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

No one “hating” on Sharon. This is a 12 year old vid and most comments are just providing info on updated requirements. And, ffs, what’s wrong with being beautiful?

[@borleyboo5613]

In England you must have a neutral expression. Not a big smile.

[@electrology]

Val Val van

[@2010pspgo]

in canada you cant even smile and your ears must be showing :/

[@lpplau]

No smile

[@Darksagan]

She's a cutie.

[@gman922]

Pretty much USELESS

[@ImpactByEclipse]

You are not allowed to smile for passport photos.

[@good2333]

Sharon i love ur videos all the videos are useless;)

[@William14094]

Just go to Walgreens and spend the $13.99. It's easy, cheap, and they know how to shoot the photo to meet the standards.

[@sixroldan6742]

Where the hell is the link?

[@electrology]

Vak Vak Vak

[@kaptainsparrow8056]

hello Mia Khalifa

[@lambov12anddb9]

1st viewer

[@FactsMattersUSA]

Too much work, just got to walgreens or CVS, BAM, your done

[@lpplau]

No make-up

[@torreyance2468]

I would love to travel the world with her :😍 shes beautiful. good thing she has her passport ready.

[@lukas1707]

Cringe