US Passport & Visa Photo Requirements

Photo size and dimensions

Parameter	Official USCIS / State Dept Requirement
Head height	1" to 1⅜" (25–35 mm)
Background	White or off-white
Photo age	Taken within last 6 months
Size	2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
Resolution	300 DPI minimum
Glasses	Not allowed (US)

Common photo errors — and how PixID fixes them

These mistakes cause instant rejection. Our AI detects and corrects them before you submit.

All US passport, visa, green card, and most immigration photos use the same format:

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
• Format: JPEG; some forms accept PNG. No embedded graphics or borders.

Driver's license and some state ID photos may allow a light grey background; passport and federal immigration require white or off-white.

Head height and position

Official measurements

US authorities specify the height of your head in the frame. This is one of the most common rejection reasons when done wrong.

• Head height: From the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair), must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) in the photo.
• Face position: Face the camera directly. Your face must be centered and fill roughly 50% of the frame. Both ears should be visible (or as much as the natural shape of your face allows).
• Eye level: Eyes open and clearly visible. No tilting your head up, down, or to the side.

Common mistakes

If your head is too small or too large in the frame, the photo will be rejected. Automated systems check this strictly. PixID checks head height automatically when you upload.

Glasses

US passport and visa photos: glasses are not allowed. You must remove glasses for the photo. The US Department of State and USCIS require no eyeglasses to avoid glare and ensure full visibility of the eyes. If you wear them for medical reasons, you may need to provide a signed statement from a doctor; in practice, most applicants remove glasses for the picture.

Contact lenses are allowed as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare.

Background

Background must be white or off-white, plain, with no patterns, shadows, or other people. No furniture or objects behind you. For driver's license, some states allow light grey; for federal documents stick to white or off-white.

Expression and appearance

• Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows.
• Eyes: Both eyes open and looking at the camera. No red-eye.
• Headwear: No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious reasons; even then, your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to forehead, and no shadows on the face.
• Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.

Documents that use 2×2 US photos

Same 2×2 requirements apply to: US Passport, US Visa (B1/B2, F, H, etc.), Green Card (I-485, renewal), Naturalization (N-400), DV Lottery, US Student Visa, US Work Permit, and most state ID/driver's license photos (check your state DMV for grey vs white background).

Common mistakes that cause rejection

Avoid these — PixID checks for them automatically when you create your photo.

• Head too small or too large (outside 1 in – 1⅜ in)
• Wearing glasses
• Smiling or non-neutral expression
• Shadows on face or background
• Colored or patterned background
• Old photo (older than 6 months)
• Low resolution or wrong dimensions

Official sources: travel.state.gov (passport), uscis.gov (green card, naturalization). Always confirm latest rules on the agency website.