DIYPassPhoto Guides

Passport & visa photo guides

Everything you need to take a compliant photo at home — rules, tips, and the mistakes that get photos rejected.

US · Policy · 2026

Why AI passport photo tools are now non-compliant for US applications

The State Department now rejects photos that were AI-edited, background-swapped, or "enhanced." Most popular apps do exactly that. Here's what changed and how to get a photo that actually passes.

Updated June 2026 · 6 min read Read guide →

US Passport · 2026

How to take a US passport photo at home that won't get rejected

The no-AI rule, the 50–69% head-size band, the right lighting setup, and the mistakes that cost people a second trip to the post office.

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read Read guide →

DV Lottery · 2026

DV Lottery photo requirements 2026: the full checklist

600–1200 px, square, JPEG, under 240 KB, white background — and the rejection reasons the official upload tool never warns you about.

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read Read guide →

Background · Lighting

Why your white wall photographs grey — and how to fix it

White balance, exposure, and how to get a clean white background with no editing — keeping you compliant with the 2026 no-alteration rule.

Updated June 2026 · 3 min read Read guide →

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