File checks
Format, dimensions, ratio, orientation and file size are compared with the selected official preset.
Private passport photo pre-check
Passport Photo Checker
Inspect a finished passport photo before submitting or printing it. Check its file properties, image quality, background, metadata and estimated face position in your browser.
Technical checksQuality estimatesLocal face guidesNo photo upload
What this passport photo checker examines
The tool first reads properties that can be measured directly: the actual file signature, pixel width and height, aspect ratio, byte size, orientation, transparency, attached metadata and DPI metadata. It then samples decoded pixels to estimate sharpness, exposure, contrast and whether the outer background area appears light and uniform.
Print estimate
DPI metadata is used to estimate inches and millimetres. If DPI is absent, the display uses 300 DPI as a clearly labelled estimate.
Quality estimates
Pixel statistics flag possible blur, extreme exposure, low contrast and uneven background edges for manual review.
Privacy checks
Transparency and readable EXIF fields are reported without changing or uploading the source file.
Face assistance
A local landmark model checks for one face and estimates its centre, eye line and chin position.
Manual review
Movable guides and a checklist cover details that software cannot confirm reliably.
Passport photo requirements differ by country and application
A passport photo is not governed by one universal pixel size. Printed and digital applications can use different formats, dimensions and submission methods. Select the preset that matches the authority and application route you will actually use.
United States printed passport photo
The U.S. Department of State specifies a 2 by 2 inch photo. Head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head must be 1 to 1 3/8 inches, which is 50% to 69% of the photo height. The official guidance also requires a high resolution colour photo that is clear and not pixelated. Review the current U.S. passport photo requirements.
United Kingdom digital passport photo
The UK online service states that a digital photo must be in colour, unaltered, at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, and between 50 KB and 10 MB. It should include the head, shoulders and upper body because the service performs its own crop. See the UK digital passport photo rules.
Canada digital passport renewal photo
Canada requires a JPEG with a 3:2 portrait ratio, from 1,200 by 1,800 to 3,000 by 4,500 pixels, and from 200 KB to 5 MB. Chin-to-crown height must occupy 45% to 50% of the image height. The photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer and must not be altered. Check the official Canadian passport photo page.
How image quality estimates work
Sharpness uses local edge variation, exposure uses average brightness and clipped shadows or highlights, and contrast uses pixel brightness variation. The background estimate samples the outer edges of the image. These measurements are useful warnings, but hair, shoulders, clothing and deliberate lighting can affect the numbers.
Treat every quality result as a prompt to inspect the photograph at full size. A technically sharp image can still have glare on glasses, red eye, an unsuitable expression or shadows across the face.
Face detection and manual guides
The existing local landmark model estimates face count, horizontal centre, eye level and chin position. It does not identify the person. Hair and the true top of the head cannot be measured reliably from facial landmarks, so the top guide always needs human confirmation.
If you need to create a new crop rather than inspect a finished image, use the passport photo maker. For a U.S. Diversity Visa entry, use the separate DV Lottery photo checker.
Metadata, transparency and privacy
Camera and editing software may attach dates, device details, software names, colour information or GPS coordinates. This checker reports whether readable metadata exists. Use the EXIF metadata remover when removal is allowed, or inspect every field with the image information viewer.
Transparent pixels are unsuitable for ordinary passport photographs and can produce an unexpected background when another system converts the image. The checker tests decoded alpha values rather than assuming every PNG is transparent.
Do not automatically replace the background
Several authorities require an unaltered photograph. Canada explicitly lists background replacement and technical enhancements as alterations. Take a new photo against the required plain background unless the exact application rules permit editing.
Related passport and image tools
ID Photo Maker
Create portraits for badges and non-passport IDs
Photo and Signature Resizer
Prepare both application uploads with separate settings
Passport Photo Maker
Create and crop a passport photo for supported presets
DV Lottery Photo Checker
Check and prepare a 600 by 600 DV entry photo
Image Information
Inspect detailed EXIF, GPS and file properties
Frequently asked questions
Can this checker guarantee that my passport photo will be accepted?
No. It can inspect technical properties, estimate image quality, detect a face and help you place composition guides. Only the passport authority can decide whether a photo is acceptable.
Does the checker upload my passport photo?
No. File reading, pixel analysis and face landmark detection run in your browser. The face model downloads when needed, but the selected photograph is not uploaded by this tool.
What is the difference between a warning and a failed requirement?
Format, dimensions, aspect ratio and file size can be compared directly with a selected preset. Sharpness, exposure, contrast and background results are estimates that identify areas for human review.
Why does DPI not change the number of pixels?
DPI metadata describes an intended print density. It does not add detail. Digital application rules usually rely on pixel dimensions and file size, while physical photo rules use millimetres or inches.
Can I check a photo without face detection?
Yes. If the local face assistant is unavailable, technical analysis still works and you can place the top, eye and chin guides manually.
Does the tool remove metadata?
The checker reports whether readable metadata remains attached. It does not alter the original file. Use the metadata removal tool when removal is appropriate for your application.
Should I use the background remover on a passport photo?
Usually no. Passport authorities commonly require an unaltered photograph and may reject replaced backgrounds. Retake the photo against the correct plain background unless the specific authority explicitly permits editing.
Check a finished passport photo
Choose the original finished file and review both the technical results and the manual checklist.