The U.S. Department of State Photo Guidelines: 2026 Expert Updated
The US Department of State is the key US authority that sets guidelines for ID photos. That includes pictures for all document types — US visas, US passports, citizenship, DV visa lottery applications, and green cards. This Guide explains all official requirements for all key document types in detail. The information provided here is up to date and verified by our expert in March 2026.
About the U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is the federal executive department that oversees the United States’ foreign policy and international relations. It functions as the United States’ foreign ministry and is headed by the Secretary of State, the President’s principal adviser on foreign affairs.
For travelers and migrants, the Department of State serves as the primary authority: it establishes the rules and procedures for U.S. visas and passports, oversees the systems that support international travel, and helps ensure that cross‑border movement remains secure and orderly.
Travel.State.Gov: the Only Website You Need
Travel.State.Gov is the US Department of State’s official website for travel and immigration services. It brings together information and online tools on nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, U.S. passports, and country‑specific travel advisories and safety guidance.
Visas and DV Lottery Photo Guidelines
The U.S. Visas section on Travel.State.Gov covers temporary (nonimmigrant) visas for travel, study, and work, as well as immigrant visas that can lead to permanent residence (green cards) and citizenship (passports).
The Department of State runs the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery), publishing official instructions, eligibility rules, and photo specifications that applicants must follow when submitting their electronic entries.
U.S. Passports and Citizenship Photo Guidelines
The U.S. Passports section is focused on documents for U.S. citizens and nationals. It explains how to apply for or renew a passport, and which technical requirements apply to printed and digital passport photos that must be provided with passport applications.
All the Answers You Need: Travel.State.Gov's FAQ Section
The FAQ Section on the Travel.State.Gov comprehensively covers all questions relevant to visa photo applications. For example, if you have undergone a significant change in appearance, such as major facial surgery or removal of a large facial tattoo, you will need to submit a new photo. Study it carefully before submitting your documents.
The U.S. Department of State’s General Visa Photo Rules
| Aspect | Requirement (All Visa Types) |
| Color | Color photo, not black-and-white |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head size | Head height 1–1 3/8 in (22–35 mm) or 50–69% of image height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting current appearance |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background, with no patterns, objects, or strong shadows |
| Pose | Full-face view, looking into the camera directly, with both eyes open |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, eyes open, mouth closed |
| Clothing | Everyday clothing; no uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily |
| Head coverings | A head covering is allowed only when worn daily for religious purposes; the full face and hairline must remain visible. Hair should not obscure the face, and the hairline must remain visible in accordance with the US Department of State photo guidelines |
| Devices | No headphones, wireless devices, or similar items; hearing devices may remain if worn daily |
| Eye glasses | Not allowed |
| Source quality | Photos must not be scans or copies of documents; snapshots, magazine photos, vending-machine, or low-quality phone photos. Full-length photos are not acceptable. |
| References | Applicants are advised to review the Official Photo Sample for clear examples of acceptable and unacceptable images |
Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements
This page of the U.S. Department of State website sets out the photo requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those completing Form DS‑160 (tourism, study, temporary employment visas) and Form DS‑1648 (A, G, and NATO visas for employees, officials, and their family members). All key photograph specifications are provided there.
New Photos for Nonimmigrant Visas (DS‑160 / DS‑1648)
All pictures for nonimmigrant visas are uploaded online, together with an application form, In rare cases (for example, when the digital upload fails and your confirmation page shows an “X” instead of your photo), you may be instructed to bring a printed 2 x 2 inch photo together with your DS‑160/DS‑1648 confirmation page to the embassy or consulate, in line with that post’s specific instructions.
Besides the general specifications, applicants using Forms DS‑160 and DS‑1648 must follow the additional rules:
| Aspect | Requirement (Nonimmigrant Visas) |
| Form | Applicants complete an online Form DS‑160 or DS‑1648 |
| Digital upload | A digital photo must be uploaded as part of the online visa application |
| Dimensions | Square image (1:1); minimum 600 x 600 pixels, maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Color space | Color image, 24 bits per pixel, sRGB color space |
| File size | Less than or equal to 240 kB |
| Scanned photo | If scanning an existing 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photo, the resolution must be 300-600 DPI |
| Printed photo | Additionally, embassies or consulates may require one printed 2 x 2-inch photo on photo‑quality paper. But always check for the exact requirement with your authority |
| Children’s photos | When submitting a visa photo for a child, especially infants or toddlers, make sure the background is plain, and there are no visible objects in the frame |
| References | Applicants are advised to review the Official Photo Sample for clear examples of acceptable and unacceptable images |
Immigrant Visa Photo Requirements
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — Online Entry (Digital Image)
This section of the US Department of State website is dedicated to immigrant visa photo requirements. All key photograph specifications may be found there. Besides the general specifications in the table above, the Diversity Visa Program entrants must follow the additional rules when submitting their digital photos:
| Aspect | Requirement (DV Online Entry) |
| Form | Applicants submit an online Diversity Visa (DV) entry form as part of the lottery application. |
| Submission | DV entrants must upload a digital photo as part of the online entry |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg). |
| File size | Equal to or less than 240 kB |
| Aspect ratio | Square image (1:1) |
| Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels, 1200 x 1200 pixels maximum |
| Scanned photo | If scanning an existing photo, the original must be 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) and scanned at 300 dpi (12 pixels/mm) |
Green Card Printed Photo — Interview
Besides the general photo specifications mentioned above, the Diversity Visa Program selectees must bring the following printed photos to their in-person interview.
| Aspect | Requirement (Green Card Interview) |
| Number of photos | Two identical photos must be provided at the immigrant visa interview |
| Print quality | Photos must be printed on high-quality photo paper. |
| Size | Each photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). |
Passport and Citizenship Photo Requirements
This page of the US Department of State website is dedicated to US passport photo requirements. Find the exact specifications for your particular application:
- New passport application for adults — follow this link on the US Department of State’s website.
- New passport application for minors (under the age of 16) — follow this link on the US Department of State’s website.
- Emergency passport applications (life or death situations, urgent travel) — follow this link on the US Department of State’s website.
- Online passport renewal — follow this link on the US Department of State’s website.
Passport Photos for Paper Applications
| Aspect | Requirement (Paper Passport Applications) |
| Number of photos | Submit one photo with your paper application |
| Color | Color photo; black-and-white photos are not accepted. |
| Recency | The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance |
| Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head size | Head height between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head |
| Background | White or off-white background, without shadows, textures, or patterns |
| Pose | Full-face view, directly facing the camera, no head tilt |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, eyes open, mouth closed |
| Image quality | High resolution; not blurry, grainy, pixelated, damaged, or over/underexposed |
| Print quality | Printed on matte or glossy high-quality photo paper; no photocopies or digitally-scanned prints |
| Digital edits | Do not alter the photo with software, filters, or artificial intelligence |
| Eyeglasses | No glasses; rare medical exceptions require a signed doctor’s note |
| Attire | Everyday clothing; no uniforms, clothing resembling a uniform, or camouflage |
| Hats/head coverings | Must be removed unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons; the full face must remain visible |
| Accessories | No face coverings or masks; no headphones or wireless devices. Jewelry and facial piercings are allowed only if they do not obscure the face |
| Lighting | Even lighting across the face and background; no strong shadows or glare |
Digital Photos for Online U.S. Passport Renewals
| Aspect | Requirement (Digital Passport Photo) |
| When used | Required when renewing a U.S. passport online |
| File formats | JPG, JPEG, or HEIF |
| Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels |
| File size | Between 54 KB and 10 MB |
| Color & recency | Must be in color and taken within the last 6 months |
| Background | White or off-white, plain, free from shadows, patterns, or textures |
| Editing | No digital alterations are allowed |
| Upload method | Select a photo from your device or drag and drop it into the online application. |
| Manual review | A passport employee reviews the photo again after submission; if there is a problem, you receive a letter or email asking for a new photo. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Official Resource for Visa and Passport Photos in the US?
The US Department of State, and its official website Travel.State.Gov, is the official resource for all information on visa and passport photos in the United States.
What Information About Official Photos Can I Find on Travel.State.Gov?
Travel.State.Gov covers the official ID photo information on the following topics:
What Other Reliable Resources cover US Visa and Passport Photo Topics?
Our passport photo maker, PhotoGov, is a reliable source of information on the US visa and passport photos. Our team consistently updates the official information, and our in-house compliance specialists verify photo templates for all types of documents in the US. We guarantee that information on our website is up-to-date. PhotoGov is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government, government agency, consulate, or embassy.
How Can I Get a Good Photo for My US Passport or Visa?
You can use our passport photo maker to obtain an official ID photo for a US document that adheres to all specifications of the US Department of State, listed in this article. Just upload your selfie, and get an application-ready photo in less than 30 seconds.
Authored by:
Nathaniel K. RowdenApproved by Association of Visa center