You normally have to send them a 2x2 inch (51x51 mm or 5x5 cm) photo when you apply for official documents like visas, ID cards, or permits. For your photo to not be rejected or delayed, it is very important that it meets all of the conditions. At PhotoGov, we make it easy for you to snap a 2x2 inch picture that follows all the laws. You can send us a selfie or a high-quality picture, and we'll resize, crop, and fix it so that it can be sent digitally or printed off.
Your photo will be instantly downsized to the official 2x2 inch size (51x51 mm or 5x5 cm)
Makes the background white or light-colored and takes away any shadows or patterns
Changes the brightness, contrast, and sharpness of the photo to make it look more professional
Meets all the official requirements for 2x2 inch pictures that are needed for a variety of documents
Your 2x2 inch photo (51x51 mm or 5x5 cm) must meet both technical and visual standards to be accepted.
Dimensions | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm, 5 × 5 cm) |
Minimum resolution | 300 DPI |
Image Format | JPEG or PNG |
File Size | Usually less than 1 MB |
Background | White or light-colored with no patterns, textures, or shadows |
Can be printed | Yes, you can turn in your application in person at consulates and other government offices |
Submitting | Digitally Accepted for online application |
*Data from government agencies
Neutral: no smile or frown, mouth closed
Eyes wide open, clearly visible
Centered in the frame and gazing forward, the head is in the right place
Should be 70% to 80% of the height of the photo
Wear solid colors instead than white tops that blend in with the background
Not allowed unless there is a medical cause
Allowed for religious or medical reasons, but should not hide facial features
There shouldn't be any shadows or reflections on the face or background; the light should be even
Pick the kind of document
Choose "2x2 inch Photo (51x51 mm, 5x5 cm)" from the list of document types on PhotoGov.net
Get a Picture
A smartphone or a digital camera with a good resolution will work. Get 1.5 to 2 meters away from a wall that is white or light-colored. Check that the light is even and there are no dark areas
Send the photo
Send your photo to PhotoGov. Make sure your face is clearly visible and that you don't look angry or sad.
Resize and Improve Without any help
The backdrop will be cleaned up, the lighting and clarity will be increased, and your photo will be automatically cropped to the exact 2x2 inch size (51x51 mm or 5x5 cm)
Get it and send it
You can either download the photo file and send it online or print it off
Lighting: Use natural daylight or soft artificial light to avoid harsh shadows or too much light.
Background: Stand with your back to a wall that is white or light-colored. Check that the background doesn't have any patterns or other items that could be distracting
Positioning: Look straight ahead, keep your head in the middle, and face the camera. Your face should be 70 to 80 percent of the picture's height
To stand out against the pale background, wear black garments that are all the same hue. Don't wear tops that are white
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect photo photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
Using the wrong size, like a passport size instead of 2x2 inches
Putting on glasses or other things that hide your face
Using photographs that are blurry or low-res
A background with patterns, shadows, or things in it
Smiling or shifting your head
PhotoGov automatically discovers and addresses these issues while it is processing photos
When taking pictures of babies and children for photo, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.
For slightly older babies:
No Retouching: Don't use digital filters or apps that affect how your face looks
Sharpness: The picture should be clear and not have any pixelation or blurring
Face Coverage: The height of the photograph should be 70–80% of the height of your face
File Type and Size: JPEG or PNG, and the file should be smaller than 1 MB for digital submission
To submit in person: Make sure you print your picture on photo paper that is exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm, 5x5 cm) and has a high quality matte or glossy finish
To send in your file digitally, upload it to the correct gateway and make sure it meets the size and resolution requirements
What size should my photo be that is 2x2 inches?
Is it okay to use my phone to snap the picture?
Is it okay to wear glasses in the picture?
How old does the picture need to be?
What will happen if my picture is not accepted?
Can I use my 2x2 inch picture for other things?
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