United States photo requirements

United States does not use one size for everything — the records here cover 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) and 600 × 600 px, so check which document you are applying for before you start.

50.8 × 50.8 mm is unusual: of the countries in our database, just 2 use it. A photo cut for another country will not fit without re-cropping.

Backgrounds differ by document: white and off-white.

Online submissions are limited by file size (54 KB–10 MB and up to 240 KB), which is usually what a portal rejects first — the Image Compressor targets an exact kilobyte figure.

Photographs must be recent — within 6 months.

Each of the 2 records below links to the official page or document it came from, names the authority, and shows the date we last checked it. Requirements change, so treat the source as final and this page as a convenience.

• Plain, light, unshadowed background and even light from the front; no flash reflections on skin or glasses.
• Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open; no tilt.
• Remove sunglasses, hats and headphones; keep a religious head covering off the face outline; avoid glasses if the authority discourages them.
• Use a recent photo — most authorities set a maximum age — and do not apply filters or retouching.

These points summarise the ICAO 9303 portrait guidance that national rules build on. The record for each document lists the specific requirements and their source. ICAO standard portrait (used by most authorities)