United States
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 7 document types.
Passport
2 × 2 in
Visa
2 × 2 in
Green Card
2 × 2 in
DV Lottery
2 × 2 in
Student Visa
2 × 2 in
Driver's License
2 × 2 in
Baby Passport
2 × 2 in
Helpful pages for document photos in United States
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
US passport photo size
Understand the exact 2 × 2 inch format and head-size rules.
About photo requirements
When applying for a travel document, the U.S. Department of State enforces strict standards for your passport photo to ensure identity verification. These regulations are notable for their unique 2x2 inch square format, which differs from the standard international ISO sizes used elsewhere. Whether you are applying for a first-time passport or a renewal, adhering to these official guidelines is essential for a smooth application process.
Your passport photo must measure exactly 2x2 inches, with your head sized between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The background must be plain white or off-white, and you must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open. Glasses are strictly prohibited in all new passport photos, and head coverings are only permitted for documented religious or medical purposes. Using a tool like idpic.app can help ensure your composition meets these specific requirements.
See the full 51 × 51 mm §t:ea498871§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For online visa applications such as the DS-160, you must upload a digital file that meets specific technical criteria. The file must be in JPEG format, with a minimum resolution of 600x600 pixels and a maximum 240 KB for visa (DS-160) and up to 10 MB for passport applications. Always use the official U.S. Department of State online portal for submissions, ensuring the image is not digitally altered or compressed beyond recognition to avoid processing delays.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection include poor lighting that creates shadows on the face or background, and non-compliant head positioning. Many applicants fail because they wear glasses, which causes glare on the lenses, or they use a busy, non-white background. Additionally, submitting a photo older than six months or one that has been heavily retouched will almost certainly lead to an immediate rejection by the passport agency.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
You can obtain compliant photos at local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, though these services typically cost between 15 and 20 dollars. For a more cost-effective approach, you can take a high-resolution photo yourself against a white wall using natural light. Ensure you have someone else take the photo to avoid the distortion caused by selfies, then crop it to the 2x2 inch standard before printing on matte or glossy photo paper.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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