How to Print Your Photos in 4x6 Format

Overview

One of the cheapest and fastest ways to get a passport photo is to take one at home and print it on glossy 10x15 cm (4x6 inch) photo paper. Home-made photos can be used not only for passport renewal but also for foreign visas, identity cards, driving licenses, transport cards, social and medical cards, tax and residence cards, alien cards, licenses and permits, and other essential documents.

Take a compliant passport photo at home

Modern smartphones can produce high-quality pictures suitable for official documents. When creating a passport photo yourself you benefit from not having to leave home, retaking shots until satisfied, and printing multiple copies to save money.

Camera and resolution

Use a smartphone or camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels or higher to ensure sufficient image quality for official document photos.

Lighting and background

Make sure the face is evenly lit with no strong shadows or glares. Bright daylight without direct sunlight is recommended. A neutral plain background is implied by the need to have even lighting and contrast between clothing and background.

Clothing and expression

Choose darker clothes for better contrast with the background. Maintain a neutral facial expression — no smiling or frowning — with mouth closed and eyes fully visible.

Framing and distance

Ask someone at home to take the photo from about 1.5–2 meters away so the picture includes your face and the upper part of the torso. If you are taking the photo yourself, use a tripod or selfie stick to keep shoulders straight. Look directly into the camera and take several pictures to choose the best one.

Edit and format the photo for documents

Use specialized online tools (such as Visafoto) to convert your selfie into a passport photo. These tools will crop to the exact requirements, adjust the background, and improve image quality. When using Visafoto, select the country and the specific document type so the resulting photo meets that document’s requirements and is ready for online submission or printing on 4x6 (10x15 cm) paper.

File format provided for printing

Visafoto supplies a print-ready file that contains 4 individual passport photos arranged on a single 10x15 cm (4x6 inch) image. This file is sized so you do not need to resize the pictures before printing.

Printing at home — required materials

To print at home you will need color printing capability and glossy photo paper sized 10x15 cm (4x6 inches) — the standard postcard format.

Step-by-step: printing at home

  • Locate the print-ready image file you received (it contains 4 individual photos).
  • Right-click the image file and select Print.
  • In the print dialog, select the correct printer model.
  • Choose the paper size (10x15 cm or A6) and set the paper type to photo/glossy.
  • Indicate how many copies you want to make.
  • Confirm the settings and start the print job.

Because the file is already sized correctly by Visafoto, no manual resizing is necessary.

If you don’t have a printer

If you don’t own a printer, find a local printing service and order a 10x15 cm (4x6 inch) print. Print shops and photo kiosks typically charge small fees (rarely exceeding $0.50 per print). Many services let you upload and pay online, then pick up the prints at a nearby location.

Example: using Walgreens online photo service

  • Open Walgreens online photo service.
  • Choose 4x6 prints.
  • Upload the image file you got from Visafoto (the file with 4 individual passport photos).
  • Pay (example price listed: $0.35 per 4x6 print).
  • Choose the nearest store and pick up your prints — typically the same day and often within 1 hour.

Popular U.S. printing services and prices (examples)

  • Walgreens: $0.35 for one 4x6 print.
  • CVS: $0.35 for one 4x6 print.
  • Costco: $0.17 for one 4x6 print (Costco membership required).
  • Snapfish: About $0.33 per 4x6 print, depending on delivery; pickup possible at Walgreens or CVS.
  • Shutterfly: $0.15 per 4x6 print plus delivery fee ($0.33–$1.79).

Validate your photo for U.S. passport/visa

If you are preparing a photo for a U.S. passport, visa, or diversity visa lottery, use the dedicated U.S. passport, visa and diversity visa lottery photo check tool to validate compliance.

Support, fixes and refunds

Visafoto provides 24/7 support to help validate photos via official tools. If a photo purchased through Visafoto does not qualify, they will fix or replace the photo for free until it is accepted, or refund the money.

Practical tips and common mistakes to avoid

  • Avoid strong shadows and glare on the face; use diffuse daylight.
  • Do not smile or frown; keep a neutral expression with mouth closed.
  • Ensure eyes are fully visible (no hair or glasses glare covering eyes).
  • Use dark clothing for better contrast with a light background.
  • Keep shoulders straight and include the upper torso in the frame.
  • Take several shots and choose the best before editing and printing.

Compliance reminder and last update

Follow the country- and document-specific requirements when selecting the format in your editing tool so printed photos meet official standards. Information here is based on the referenced source (last update: May 2023).