US visa and passport photo requirements
A plain-English checklist of the State Department photo rules for US visas, passports and DV lottery entries, with the digital upload limits.
The US Department of State publishes one set of photo rules that applies to visa, passport and Diversity Visa (DV lottery) photos. USCIS uses the same passport-style standard where it still asks for photos. The rules below are collected from the State Department pages, last checked October 2026.
The photo itself
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Color photo | In color, not black-and-white. |
| Square, 2 x 2 inches | Printed 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm). Digital files are square, 600 to 1200 px per side. |
| Head size | Chin to top of head is 1 to 1 3/8 inches, which is 50% to 69% of the image height. |
| Plain white or off-white background | No patterns, objects or shadows behind you. |
| Full face, looking straight ahead | Directly facing the camera, face fully visible and centered. |
| Neutral expression, eyes open | Both eyes open and clearly visible. No tilted head. |
| No glasses | Glasses are not allowed, except rare cases with a signed medical statement. |
| No hats or head coverings | Unless worn daily for religious reasons. Your full face must show, with no shadows. |
| Everyday clothing | No uniforms (except daily religious clothing), headphones or wireless hands-free devices. |
| Taken in the last 6 months | It must show how you look today. |
| No editing of your appearance | No filters, retouching or digital changes to your face. For passports, submit the original, unedited photo: no background changes either. Low-quality vending-machine or phone photos are not accepted. |
Digital file requirements (online uploads)
| US visa, DS-160, DV lottery | US passport (online) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Square, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px | Square, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px |
| Format | JPEG | JPEG (PNG and HEIC also accepted) |
| File size | 240 KB or less | 54 KB to 10 MB |
| Color | 24-bit color, sRGB | 24-bit color, sRGB |
| Compression | 20:1 or less if needed for file size | 20:1 or less |
Head size, explained
Measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair), your head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches tall in a 2-inch photo. That is 50% to 69% of the image height. In a 600 x 600 px photo, your head should be between 300 and 414 pixels tall. VisaPhotoFit shows this percentage live as you adjust your photo.
Photos the State Department does not accept
- Photos with filters, retouching or any change to your appearance.
- Low-quality vending-machine or phone photos that are blurry, pixelated or poorly lit.
- Photos with shadows on the face or the background, glare on glasses, or a patterned background.
- Photos with a head covering that hides hair or hairline (unless worn daily for religious reasons), or with headphones or wireless devices.
Babies and children
Lay a baby on their back on a plain white or off-white sheet, or photograph them in a car seat covered with one. No other person (including a hand) should appear in the photo, and the child's eyes should be open and looking at the camera. Children under 16 who have only changed through normal aging generally do not need a new photo.
When you need a new photo
Your photo must show how you look now. Significant facial surgery or trauma, adding or removing large piercings or tattoos, and significant weight gain or loss can all require a new photo. Final acceptance is decided by the embassy, consulate or State Department staff reviewing your case.
Sources: U.S. Department of State: visa photos and passport photos. Always confirm on the official site before you submit.