US Passport & Visa Photo
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) · Passport & visa
For the best photo: a plain face, looking straight at the camera, even light with no shadows, and no glare on glasses. Stand in front of a plain light wall.
The official rules
From the government's own website, checked September 2026. Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. |
| Background | White or off-white, free of shadows, plain with no texture, objects or lines. |
| Expression | Passport: you can smile, but eyes open and mouth closed. Visa: neutral expression. |
| Glasses | Take glasses off. If you can't for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor. |
| Head coverings | Not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement. |
| How recent | Taken in the last 6 months. |
| Copies | 1 colour photo (passport). Immigrant visas (DS-260) need 2 identical photos. |
| Good to know | No glasses. Passport: a natural smile is fine, eyes open, mouth closed. Visa: neutral face. |
Applying online
- Visa application (DS-160): 600 × 600 px to 1200 × 1200 px, up to 240 KB, JPEG. Choose Use it for: Online above and the file is made to match.
- Diversity Visa entry: 600 × 600 px, up to 240 KB, JPEG. Choose Use it for: Online above and the file is made to match.
- Online passport renewal: no pixel size given, 54 KB to 10 MB, JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF. Follow the upload steps on the official site, which asks for the original photo rather than a cropped one.
Common questions
What size is a us passport & visa photo?
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). Head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
What background do I need?
White or off-white, free of shadows, plain with no texture, objects or lines.
Can I wear glasses?
Take glasses off. If you can't for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor.
Can I smile?
Passport: you can smile, but eyes open and mouth closed. Visa: neutral expression.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken in the last 6 months.
Will my photo be accepted?
We can't promise that. The final decision is always made by the passport or visa office. This page follows their published rules, which we last checked in September 2026, so check the official page before you apply.