Read the paper requirement before buying supplies

There is no single paper choice for every passport. US guidance allows matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Australia specifies dye-sublimation color prints on glossy paper of at least 200 gsm and excludes inkjet prints. A home setup that suits one application may therefore be unsuitable for another.

Check both the photo instructions and the submission checklist. If the authority specifies a photographer or printing process, a correctly sized home print does not replace that requirement. Decide whether home printing is appropriate before spending time adjusting the layout.

Ordinary office paper is a poor substitute

Photo paper is designed for a different result from a sheet used for letters or forms. On ordinary paper, ink can spread and fine facial detail may become less clear. Choosing a high-quality setting does not change the surface you are printing onto.

Match the paper to the printer’s supported media and load it on the correct side. Check the packaging and printer instructions rather than guessing from which side feels smoother. A trial print of the prepared sheet can expose a loading or media-setting problem before you use a larger batch.

Inspect the printer before blaming the image

Fine stripes, missing colors or repeated marks may come from the printer. If they appear across the background as well as the face, check the printer’s maintenance instructions. Do not blur or recolor the portrait to hide a hardware problem.

Use the print size and scale specified for your sheet. Borderless modes can expand an image beyond the paper edge, while fit-to-page settings may shrink it. The right paper and a clean print are only part of the check; the physical size still needs to be measured.

Judge one finished copy before printing more

Allow the print to dry or settle as directed by the paper and printer manufacturer. Examine it in neutral light for color, sharpness and surface damage. Handle it by the edges and avoid stacking anything abrasive over the face.

If you cannot produce a clean, accurately sized print with the required materials, use a suitable professional service. Take the correct digital file or print sheet and the authority’s requirements with you. That is more useful than trying to rescue a series of poor home prints through increasingly strong image adjustments.

Sources and further reading

US Department of State · Passport photo requirements ↗Australian Passport Office · Passport photos ↗

Requirements can change. Check the official instructions for your application before submitting.

Merodim is an independent photo-preparation service, not a government agency. Find your document →