Passport photo, made at home — free

Your DS-82 needs one printed 2x2" photo stapledto it — that's why we don't (and can't) print your face onto the form itself; a digitally embedded photo gets applications rejected. Make the photo here instead: align, download the 4x6 sheet, print it at any pharmacy kiosk for about 50 cents.

Choose a photoFace the camera straight on, neutral expression, no glasses, plain light background, even lighting. Taken within the last 6 months.Your photo never leaves this device — everything happens in your browser.

The official rules, short version

Taken in the last 6 months, in color, plain white/off-white background
Neutral expression, both eyes open, facing the camera
No glasses, no hat, no uniform-looking clothing
Head between the guide lines (1"–1 3/8" in the frame) — the overlay enforces this
Printed on photo-quality paper (kiosk 4x6 print counts), not plain paper

Full spec: travel.state.gov photo requirements