In this reference article, we will cover the various requirements to use Microsoft Word to print a passport size photo to the exact required dimensions.
Image sizes and requirements vary slightly from country to country, so if you are applying for an actual passport photo, you are best referring to the guidelines of your local passport authority otherwise the photo may be rejected.
However, these instructions may help you if you need to print a photo for other ID cards.
Printing Quality & Paper
When printing to photo quality, set your printer to the highest quality. 300 dpi (300 dots per inch) will usually be required. Some passport office require the photo to be at least 600 dpi.
Use photo paper such as glossy paper with a minimum weight of 120g.
Passport Photo Size Guide USA | UK | EU
USA: U.S. passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm – 35 mm) from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin. The photo must be taken against a plain white or off-white background and the person should be facing the camera directly with a neutral expression.
UK: The passport photo must be 45mm x 35mm, with the face between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown. The person should be looking straight ahead with a neutral expression.
EU: In the European Union, the passport photo size for the biometric passport is 35mm x 45mm. The passport photo should be taken within the last 6 months, it should be a frontal image, and the person should have a neutral expression and should be looking directly at the camera.
Use Word To Print Photo To Exact Size
To use Microsoft Word to print a passport size photo with the exact dimensions of 25mm x 35mm. :
Method 1:
Import the photo into your Word Document > Right-click on the photo and choose “Size & Position“. In the “Height” and “Width” fields, enter 25mm and 35mm respectively.
Method 2:
- Go to the “Format” tab and select “Size.”
- In the “Height” and “Width” fields, enter 25mm and 35mm respectively.
Important Considerations When Having A Passport Photo Printed
Although the guidlelines in this article explain how to print to an exact size, if the photo is to be used for actual passport or driving licence application, you may be better using a photo booth or passport photo service.
To prevent your passport photo from being rejected by the government agency issuing your passport, it’s important to follow their strict guidelines.
This typically includes requirements such as:
- The photo must be taken in colour, against a plain white or off-white background.
- The photo should be taken in person, not from a digital image or scanned photo.
- The photo should be a recent, clear, and unaltered image of your face, taken within the last six months.
- The photo should be the exact size in a passport photo format.
- You should have a neutral expression, with both eyes open and a closed mouth.
- No hats, sunglasses, or other items that cover or obscure your face are allowed.
- No shadows or reflections on the face or in the background.
- The photo should be taken in good lighting and have a resolution of 600 dpi or higher.
You may decide to get your photo taken by a professional photographer who is experienced in taking passport photos. Many local pharmacies offer this service. They will know the guidelines and will be able to take a photo that meets the requirements.
Here is the advice from the UK government about applying for and submitting a passport photo.
https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
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