United States passport, visa, and ID photo requirements
This page covers five U.S. photo types: the U.S. passport photo, U.S. visa photo (DS-160), Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) entry photo, USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) photo, and U.S. passport photo for a child. Most are 2×2 inches, but the digital rules, expression, and glasses rules differ.
Choose the photo for your application
The U.S. passport photo and U.S. passport photo for a child are for printed applications. The passport photo is 2×2 inches (50.8×50.8 mm); the child photo is listed as 51×51 mm. Both allow a neutral expression or a natural smile. The State Department says to submit one color photo taken in the last six months for a passport application.[1][2]
The U.S. visa photo (DS-160) is also 2×2 inches. The Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) entry photo uses the same printed dimensions, but is submitted digitally. The USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) photo is 2×2 inches and has its own rules, including no glasses. Check the instructions for your exact application before using a photo.[3][4][5][6]
The tool above can crop a photo and make a printable 4×6-inch sheet. The photo stays in your browser on your device. Check that the application accepts a printed photo or a digital file before you prepare it.
Frame your face and set the background
For the U.S. passport photo, the head must measure 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head. Use a plain white or off-white background, face the camera straight on, and keep your full head visible and centered. Shadows, objects, or texture in the background can make the photo unacceptable.[1]
The U.S. visa photo (DS-160) and Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) entry photo also require a 25.4–34.9 mm head height; the eyes must sit 28.6–34.9 mm above the bottom of the photo. Their digital images must be 600×600 pixels and no larger than 240 KB.[3][7][4][5]
The USCIS EAD photo uses a 25.4–34.9 mm head height, with eyes 28.6–34.9 mm from the bottom. Its listed rules do not set an exact pixel size or file-size limit. The child passport photo has the same head-height range as an adult passport photo; the listed rules do not set an eye-height or digital-file limit.[6][2]
Expression, glasses, and head coverings
For a U.S. passport photo, face the camera directly with eyes open and mouth closed. A natural smile is allowed. Remove glasses; if you cannot for medical reasons, the State Department says to include a signed note from your doctor. A head covering is allowed for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible; follow the State Department’s instructions for the required statement or documentation.[1]
For a U.S. visa photo (DS-160), use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Remove glasses unless there is a medical reason. The Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) entry photo requires a neutral expression, mouth closed, and no glasses. USCIS EAD photos also require a neutral expression, mouth closed, and no glasses.[3][4][5][6]
The U.S. passport photo for a child allows a neutral expression or natural smile, and requires no glasses. For a child’s photo, make sure no other person is visible.[1][2]
Take a clear photo and avoid common problems
Use even light and check that your face is sharp, correctly colored, and free of shadows. A practical way to get even light is to face a window; ask someone to take the picture, and place the camera at eye level about 1–1.5 m away. Keep your head straight and shoulders facing the camera. These are practical tips; follow the official framing measurements above for the application you are making.
For a printed passport photo, use photo-quality matte or glossy paper. A blurry, grainy, pixelated, damaged, or incorrectly sized print can be refused. Do not submit a scanned photo, a photocopy, or a photo with red eye.[1]
Do not add filters, change your face, or replace the background digitally for a passport photo. The State Department requires an original, unchanged photo and says not to use photo software, phone apps, or artificial intelligence to alter it. If the background or lighting is wrong, retake the photo.[1]
Check the file and submission method
For the U.S. visa photo (DS-160), use a square image that is 600–1200 pixels on each side and no larger than 240 KB. For a DV entry photo, use a 600×600-pixel image no larger than 240 KB. The DS-160 form asks you to upload a digital image; some consulates also require a printed photo at the interview. Follow the instructions for your application.[3][4][8][5]
For a DV entry, upload the digital photo with the online entry. It must meet the current DV photo requirements.[5]
For a passport application, submit a printed photo unless you are renewing online and the application asks for a digital upload. Online renewal has separate digital image rules. Check the official page for that process before preparing a file.[1][9]
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in a U.S. passport photo?
Usually no. Remove glasses; if you cannot for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor with the application.[1]
How big is a U.S. passport photo?
It is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The head must measure 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head.[1]
What is the U.S. visa photo size for DS-160?
The photo is 2×2 inches and the digital image must be 600×600 pixels, no more than 240 KB.[3][4]