U.S. Virgin Islands Passport, Visa and ID Photos
Get accurate photo sizes for U.S. passports and local Virgin Islands licenses using the tool above.
Covered Documents in the U.S. Virgin Islands
You need different photo sizes depending on the document you are requesting in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This page covers the U.S. passport photo, U.S. child passport photo, U.S. Virgin Islands driver’s license photo, U.S. Virgin Islands identification card photo, and U.S. Virgin Islands firearms license photo.
Knowing the exact rules for each document helps you avoid delays in your application process. Each agency has specific demands for how your image should look, how large the final print must be, and whether you need a digital upload or a physical print.
U.S. Passport Photo Requirements
For a U.S. passport or a U.S. child passport, your photo must measure 51 by 51 millimeters[1]. The head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head must be between 25 and 35 millimeters[1].
The U.S. Department of State sets these official measurements for passport applications[1]. You can submit these photos in both digital and printed formats[1].
Make sure your face points directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile. Glasses are not allowed in your passport photo unless you have a signed medical statement from a doctor.
Driver's License and ID Card Photos
For a U.S. Virgin Islands driver’s license or identification card, a common photo size is 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters[2]. The cited BMV source does not specify a head-height requirement.
The cited BMV source does not specify whether you must submit a printed or digital photo[2].
Firearms License Photos
Applying for a U.S. Virgin Islands firearms license also requires a specific photo size. Your printed photo must measure 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters[3].
The Virgin Islands Police Department uses this common size, though head height limits are not set by a single official rule[3]. Because these submissions require physical prints, you should check your print dimensions with a ruler before you head out to turn in your paperwork.
Background and Lighting Tips
Always stand in front of a plain white or off-white background when you take your photo. Good lighting helps your face show clearly without harsh shadows behind your ears or neck.
Face a bright window or use balanced indoor light to illuminate both sides of your face evenly. Keep the camera at eye level and about one to one and a half meters away from your face to prevent distortion. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie.
Formatting Your Photos
You can easily prepare your pictures at home before printing. Use the tool above to crop your image to the exact dimensions required for your specific document.
Print your cropped photo sheet on standard four by six inch photo paper at a local kiosk. Check your printed sheet with a ruler to confirm the dimensions match the official requirements before you submit your application. The tool above helps you fit multiple photos onto a single print so you waste less paper.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
A U.S. passport photo must measure 51 by 51 millimeters[1].
What size is a U.S. Virgin Islands driver's license photo?
A U.S. Virgin Islands driver's license photo measures 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters and must be submitted as a printed photo[2].
Does the local driver's license have a required head height?
No, the head height is not set by the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles for driver's licenses[2].
Can I submit digital photos for a U.S. passport?
Yes, you can submit U.S. passport photos in both digital and printed formats[1].