US Photo Requirements Checklist
Every point below matches the published US Department of State photo standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Square, with no borders. |
| Head size | 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind you. |
| Lighting | Even, front-facing light. No shadows on the face and no red-eye. |
| Expression | Neutral expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open and the full face visible. |
| Glasses | Not allowed — remove prescription glasses and sunglasses before the photo. |
| Attire | Normal everyday clothing. No uniforms, and avoid white shirts that blend into the background. |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months, in color, with no filters or heavy retouching. |
| Digital upload | For online forms such as DS-160: square JPEG, 600–1200 px per side, no more than 240 KB. |
Digital or Printed: Which One Do You Need?
US passports and visas use the same 2x2 inch photo, but the submission format is different.
| Where you submit | Format | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| Passport application (DS-11, or DS-82 by mail) | Printed | 2 × 2 in on photo-quality paper, no borders, do not staple or tape the photo. |
| Online visa form (DS-160) | Digital JPEG | Square, 600–1200 px per side, 240 KB or smaller. |
| Visa interview | Printed | Bring one 2 × 2 in print even if you already uploaded a digital photo. |
| Printing at home | 4 × 6 in sheet | Four 2 × 2 in photos fit on one sheet. Print at 100% scale and cut along the guides. |
Take It at Home With Your Android Phone
No studio, no appointment, no printer required for online applications.
Snap a photo
Face a window or stand in even daylight, about 3 feet (1 m) from a plain wall. Look straight into the camera and keep your head level.
Open Proper
Select “US Passport (2x2 in)”. The app detects your face, removes the background to plain white, and aligns your head to the official size guide.
Export & print
Save the high-resolution photo for an online upload, or export a 4×6 inch print sheet for a local photo lab.
Why US Photos Get Rejected
These six problems cause most passport and visa photo rejections, and all of them are visible before you submit.
| Common problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Shadow behind the head | Stand about 3 feet (1 m) from the wall and face a window or lamp so the light falls evenly on your face. |
| Head too small or too large | Chin to crown must measure 25–35 mm. Crop so the head fills roughly 50–69% of the 2 inch height. |
| Glasses | Remove them. US rules do not allow prescription glasses or sunglasses in the photo. |
| Photo older than 6 months | Retake it. Passport and visa photos must reflect your current appearance. |
| Filters or heavy retouching | Turn off beauty filters and HDR. Skin texture and facial features must stay natural. |
| Wide smile on a visa photo | Passport photos allow a natural smile, but the DS-160 requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed. |
US Passport & Visa Photo Questions
What size is a US passport photo?
A US passport and visa photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US passport or visa photos, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Remove them before taking the photo.
What background color do US passport photos need?
Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, textures, or objects behind you. Proper removes the original background automatically so the result is uniform.
Can I take a US passport photo with my phone at home?
Yes. Stand about 3 feet from a plain wall in even daylight, keep a neutral expression or a natural smile with both eyes open, and use Proper to remove the background and crop to the exact 2×2 inch size.
What are the digital photo requirements for a US visa application?
DS-160 and most online US visa forms accept a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB. Proper's export options keep the file within these limits.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
For a US passport, a neutral expression or a natural smile is accepted as long as both eyes are open. For a visa (DS-160), keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed — a wide smile can be rejected.
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
Only for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must be visible, and the covering must not cast a shadow on your face. Everyday hats and caps are not allowed.
How old can my US passport photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months so it reflects your current appearance. Reusing a photo from an older passport is a common reason for rejection.
Can I take a US passport photo with a selfie?
Avoid a selfie taken at arm's length — the wide lens distorts the face and the head size is hard to control. Phone photos taken by another person, or with a tripod and timer, are perfectly acceptable.
Official US Sources
Requirements change without notice. These are the pages we check before each update of this guide.
Other Official Photo Sizes
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