7 Best Passport Photo Apps in 2026 (Tested & Compared)

Taking your own passport photo used to mean a trip to CVS or Walgreens. Now, a handful of apps let you take a compliant photo from your phone in under a minute — but not all of them are reliable.

We tested 7 passport photo apps on what actually matters: whether the photos pass State Department requirements, how fast you get results, and what it really costs.

What to Look for in a Passport Photo App

Before comparing apps, here are the features that separate good passport photo apps from ones that waste your time:

• Compliance checking — Does the app verify your photo meets official requirements (size, background, head position)?
• Background removal — Can it automatically replace your background with white?
• Government database coverage — Does it handle just US passports, or also visas, green cards, and international documents?
• Print-ready output — Does it generate a 4x6 tile with multiple photos ready for printing?
• No AI alteration — Critical in 2026 after the AI editing ban. Apps that "beautify" your photo will get your application rejected.

The 7 Best Passport Photo Apps

1. Snap2Pass — Best Overall

Platform: iOS | Rating: 4.8 stars | Price: Free (AI validation $4.99)

Snap2Pass uses AI to validate your photo against government requirements without altering your appearance — a critical distinction in 2026. The app checks head size, background color, eye position, and expression, then flags specific issues before you submit.

What stands out:

• Covers 555+ document types across 166 countries (not just US passports)
• Generates a print-ready 4x6 tile with 4 photos — print at CVS for $0.38 or Walgreens for $0.39
• 99.8% acceptance rate across 500,000+ users
• 14-day free resubmission if your photo is rejected
• No beauty filters or AI alterations — validates only
• Supports specialized documents: baby passport photos, green card, USCIS, visa photos

Best for: Anyone who wants a guaranteed-compliant photo without leaving home.

2. Passport Photo Online

Platform: iOS, Android | Price: Free (premium $4.99)

A web-based tool that uses AI background removal to create a white background. Upload a selfie and it produces a compliant photo in about 30 seconds.

Pros:

• Works on any device via browser
• Automatic background removal
• Multiple document formats

Cons:

• Limited compliance checking compared to dedicated apps
• No print tile generation in the free version
• Fewer document types than specialized apps

Best for: Quick one-off photos when you need a basic option.

3. Passport Photo Booth

Platform: iOS | Price: Free (in-app purchases)

An iOS-focused app that uses your phone camera with on-screen guides to help you position your face correctly.

Pros:

• Real-time face positioning guides
• Simple, clean interface
• Fast processing

Cons:

• iOS only
• Limited document type coverage
• Basic compliance checking

Best for: iPhone users who want simple guidance while taking the photo.

4. PhotoAiD

Platform: iOS, Android | Price: Free (digital photo from $5.95)

PhotoAiD combines AI background removal with compliance verification. The app checks your photo against government specs and provides a compliance report.

Pros:

• Detailed compliance report
• Covers international documents
• Background removal included

Cons:

• Higher price point for digital downloads
• Some features locked behind subscription
• Occasional issues with complex backgrounds

Best for: International travelers needing photos for multiple countries.

5. iVisa Photos

Platform: Web-based | Price: From $5.99

A web platform from the visa service company iVisa. Upload a photo, select your document type, and get a compliant image back.

Pros:

• Integrated with iVisa's visa application services
• Covers many international documents
• Professional processing

Cons:

• Web-only, no dedicated app
• Higher cost than alternatives
• Processing can be slower

Best for: Users already using iVisa for visa applications.

6. Passport Photo Maker

Platform: Android | Price: Free (ads, premium $3.99)

An Android-focused passport photo app with basic background removal and sizing tools.

Pros:

• Free with ads
• Simple Android interface
• Quick processing

Cons:

• Android only
• Limited compliance validation
• Ad-heavy free version
• Fewer document types

Best for: Android users on a budget.

7. Your Phone's Camera (DIY)

Platform: Any | Price: Free

You can skip apps entirely and use your phone's default camera with a white wall. This costs nothing but requires more effort to get right.

Pros:

• Completely free
• No app download needed
• Full control over the photo

Cons:

• No compliance checking — you won't know if your photo passes until the State Department reviews it
• No automatic background removal
• Must manually crop to 2x2 inches
• Easy to make mistakes (shadows, wrong head size, slight tilt)
• If rejected, your entire application is returned (2-4 week delay)

Best for: Experienced photographers who know the exact requirements.

Comparison Table

Digital Passport Photo vs. Printed: Which Do You Need?

For passport renewal by mail (Form DS-82): You need a printed 2x2 inch photo. Use your app to create the photo, then print it.

For online passport renewal: You need a digital JPEG file (600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, 54 KB–10 MB). Most apps can provide this.

For first-time applications (Form DS-11): You need a printed photo to bring to your in-person appointment.

How Much Does a Passport Photo Really Cost?

Here's the real cost comparison for getting a US passport photo:

Taking your own photo with an app and printing at a drugstore saves $11–$12 compared to full-service options.

Tips for Taking the Best Passport Photo at Home

Regardless of which app you use, follow these home photo tips:

1. Use natural daylight — stand facing a window around midday
2. Stand 4 feet from a white wall — this prevents shadows
3. Hold the camera at eye level — no selfie angles
4. Remove glasses — required since 2016
5. Wear a dark-colored top — it contrasts well with the white background
6. Take multiple shots — you only need one good one
7. Check before submitting — use your app's compliance checker

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free passport photo app?

Several apps offer free basic features, including Snap2Pass (free photo capture, $4.99 for AI validation). The completely free option is using your phone's camera directly, but you lose compliance checking.

Can I use an AI-generated passport photo?

No. As of January 2026, the State Department rejects any photo altered by AI tools. This includes beauty filters, AI backgrounds, and face-editing features. Apps like Snap2Pass validate without altering — an important difference.

Which passport photo app works best for babies?

Snap2Pass has a dedicated baby passport photo mode designed for infant photos, which are notoriously difficult due to the requirement for open eyes and neutral expression.

Can I print passport photos from an app at home?

Yes, if you have a photo printer. Most apps generate a 4x6 print tile with 4 passport photos. Print on glossy photo paper. However, drugstore prints (CVS, Walgreens) typically produce better quality for under $0.40.