Id Photo Requirements

ID photo requirements vary depending on the type of document (passport, ID card, or driver’s license), but most standards share common features.

General requirements include:

Color: The photo must be in color; black and white photos are rarely accepted^[1].
Recent: The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance^[3].
Size: For U.S. documents, the standard size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head measuring between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown^[1]^[2]^[3]^[5]^[6].
Resolution: Minimum 300 pixels per inch for clarity (for digital submissions, JPEG format between 600 x 600 px and 1200 x 1200 px; size between 54 kB and 240 kB)^[1]^[2].
Background: The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows, patterns, objects, or textures^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5].
Lighting: Lighting should be even, without shadows on the face or background^[1]^[4].
Expression and Pose: A neutral expression is required (natural smile allowed but mouth closed, no visible teeth), both eyes open, face forward, and head centered^[1]^[2]^[3]^[5].
Eyewear and Head coverings: Glasses, hats, headphones, or uniforms are not allowed. Exceptions for religious or medical head coverings require supporting documentation. The entire face and hairline must be visible^[2]^[3]^[5].
Quality: Must be high-resolution, printed on matte or glossy photo paper, without defects such as creases, smudges, or marks^[1]^[2]^[3]^[6].
Other accessories: Jewelry and permanent facial piercings are acceptable if they do not obscure the face^[3].

Submission details:

You must submit one photo with the application^[1]^[3].
For online passport applications, upload a digital image meeting the official requirements (do not scan printed photos)^[1].
For mailed applications, use a physical photo and attach it using staples at designated points. Do not use glue or tape^[1].
Selfies are discouraged as they often result in incorrect size or positioning^[3].

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