Frequently asked questions
Will the U.S. government accept my photo?+
Yes. SnapPassport turns your home photo into a U.S. Department of State-ready passport, visa, or green-card photo at the exact dimensions, resolution, and quality required. We do not alter your face, which is the central requirement — only framing.
Why isn't this just an AI photo enhancer?+
The State Department explicitly prohibits photos altered by software, filters, or AI. Any tool that smooths your skin, brightens your teeth, or reshapes your face puts your application at risk. SnapPassport intentionally only crops, resizes, straightens, and (optionally) flattens the background.
Can I print my photo at CVS, Walgreens, or at home?+
Yes. Every purchase includes a 4×6 print sheet sized for any pharmacy photo kiosk or home printer, plus the digital file for online applications like the U.S. State Department's online passport renewal.
Why must I remove headphones and earbuds?+
Federal photo rules require an unobstructed view of your full face and ears. Earbuds — including wireless ones — are one of the most common reasons photos get rejected at the post office. Most free tools don't check for them. We do.
I wear glasses every day. Can I keep them on?+
No. Glasses have not been permitted in U.S. passport photos since 2016. Take them off — and don't rest them on top of your head either.
What about religious or medical head coverings?+
These are allowed if your full face is visible from forehead to chin, with no shadows on your face. We'll surface a warning so you know an attestation may be required.
Is my photo private?+
Yes. The compliance analysis runs entirely in your browser using on-device models. Your image is not uploaded to our servers for the check.
What document types do you support?+
U.S. passport, U.S. visa, U.S. green card (Form I-485), and the U.S. State Department's DV Lottery (which has a strict 240 KB file-size cap that we respect automatically).
What's the refund policy?+
If your photo is rejected by the government and you followed our guided instructions and compliance checks, we'll refund your purchase. Email us with your rejection notice.