How to Convert a Passport Photo to JPG
Digital passport photo submissions almost always require JPEG format. This guide covers file format requirements, resolution, DPI, and how to export your photo without losing quality.
Why JPEG Is Required
JPEG files use lossy compression that keeps file sizes small while maintaining sufficient quality for facial recognition. At quality settings of 90–95%, the visual difference from uncompressed formats is negligible for passport purposes.
Resolution Requirements by Country
- United States (passport & visa): 600×600 px minimum, 1200×1200 px maximum, JPEG, max 240 KB for DV Lottery
- United Kingdom: 600×750 px, JPEG, max 10 MB
- Australia: 900×1200 px recommended, JPEG
- India (Passport Seva): 200×200 px minimum, JPEG, max 1 MB
- EU / Schengen: 900×1200 px recommended, JPEG, printed at 600 DPI for physical submission
How to Convert to JPG
Open your photo in an image editor
Use any image editor — Preview (Mac), Photos (Windows), GIMP, or Adobe Photoshop. Or use idpic.app which automatically exports as JPEG.
Export or Save As JPEG
Choose File → Export As → JPEG (or Save As → .jpg). Set quality to 90–95%. Higher quality = larger file, which may exceed portal limits.
Check file size and dimensions
Right-click the file → Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac) to confirm the pixel dimensions and file size meet your country's requirements.
DPI for Print vs. Digital
DPI (dots per inch) matters for printing — not for digital submissions. For a 35×45 mm print at 600 DPI, you need approximately 827×1063 px. For a 2×2 inch US print at 600 DPI, you need 1200×1200 px. For digital submissions, only the pixel dimensions and file size matter.
Frequently asked questions
What file format does a passport photo need to be?
Most countries require JPEG (JPG) format for digital passport photo submissions. PNG, BMP, TIFF, and other formats are usually not accepted. Check your country's official portal for the exact requirement.
What resolution should a digital passport photo be?
Requirements vary by country. Common requirements: US State Department requires 600×600 px minimum; UK passport uses 600×750 px; India requires 200×200 px minimum. Use 600 DPI for print-ready files.
What file size should a passport photo be?
Typical file size limits are 50 KB to 10 MB, depending on the country. The US DV Lottery requires a maximum of 240 KB. UK online passport applications accept up to 10 MB. Always check your specific portal's requirements.
Can I convert a PNG passport photo to JPG?
Yes. Open the PNG in any image editor, export or Save As JPEG. Set quality to 90–95% to maintain sharpness. idpic.app automatically exports your photo as a high-quality JPEG.
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