United States photo requirements

United States photo requirements are set by U.S. Department of State. We publish 8 documents: 3 passports, 2 visas, 1 residence permit, 1 citizenship document and 1 other photo ID. The most common print size is 51 x 51 mm (2 in x 2 in); 3 documents accept a digital upload. Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-07).

Passports

US Passport PhotoFor a U.S. passport book or passport card applied for by mail or in person (forms DS-11, DS-82). Not for a U.S. visa or the DV lottery, which use a 600x600 pixel digital photo.51 x 51 mmwhite or off-white background without shadowsverified 2026-09-30
US Passport Card PhotoFor the printed photo sent with a U.S. passport card application in person (DS-11) or by mail (DS-82), alone or together with a passport book. If you already hold a card and renew it online (card to card, or book and card to book and card) you upload a digital photo instead; see our US passport online renewal page. Not for a visa or the DV lottery.51 x 51 mmwhite or off-white background without shadowsverified 2026-10-07
US Passport Online Renewal Photo (MyTravelGov upload)For the digital photo uploaded when renewing a passport book, passport card, or both online through MyTravelGov (age 25 or older, renewing a 10-year passport, same document type you already hold). Not for first-time applicants, children, or adding a card to a book, which all use a printed 2 x 2 inch photo, and not for a visa.1200 x 1800 pxwhite or off-white background without shadowsverified 2026-10-07

Visas

Residence permits

US Green Card Photo (USCIS Form I-485, 2 x 2)For the two printed passport-style photos filed with Form I-485 (adjustment of status to permanent resident). Not for a green card replacement or renewal (Form I-90), whose instructions require no photo, and not for a U.S. passport.51 x 51 mmwhite to off-white backgroundverified 2026-10-07

Citizenship documents

US Naturalization Photo (Form N-400, applicants abroad)For the two printed 2 x 2 inch photos that Form N-400 requires only from applicants residing outside the United States (for example military members and their spouses). Not needed if you live in the United States; the N-400 instructions ask no photo of you and say USCIS may collect biometrics (fingerprints, photograph and/or signature) at an appointment.51 x 51 mmwhite to off-white backgroundverified 2026-10-07

Other photo IDs

US Employment Authorization Document Photo (Form I-765, 2 x 2)For the two printed passport-style photos filed with Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (work permit), including renewals and DACA-related requests. Not for a U.S. passport or visa, and not for a green card replacement, which needs no photo.51 x 51 mmwhite to off-white backgroundverified 2026-10-07

Authorities and portals

Passport authority: U.S. Department of State
Sources we read: U.S. Department of State; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Upload portals: State Department Photo Tool: known issues Official page
CEAC (DS-160 online visa application): known issues Official page
MyTravelGov online passport renewal: known issues Official page
E-DV Diversity Visa entry site: known issues Official page

Where to print locally

Compare passport photo prices in United States: shop prices against printing our sheet yourself.

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.