Photo requirements by document
The exact measurements for each document, taken from official sources and dated. Pick one to see the full rules and make a photo that matches them.
US federal documents
| Document | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Passport | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white |
| Digital Passport Photo | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) equivalent, square | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white |
| US Passport Card | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white |
| Baby Passport | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white sheet |
| Global Entry | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white |
US immigration documents
| Document | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
| USCIS (2x2) | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
| EAD / Work Permit | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
| DV Lottery | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
| US Visa (DS-160) | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
| N-400 Citizenship | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white to off-white |
Photo sizes and tools
| Document | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x2 Photo (51x51 mm) | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| 35x45 mm Photo | 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) | 71–76% of height | Plain light grey or cream, no pattern or shadow |
| 33x48 mm Photo | 33 x 48 mm (3.3 x 4.8 cm) | 58–69% of height | White or close to white, no border or frame |
| Photo Checker | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| 4x6 Print Template | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), four per 4 x 6 inch sheet | 50–69% of height | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
One rule applies to all of them
Do not edit your face. The US State Department rejects photos altered with AI, filters or retouching, and says it checks. That includes phone beauty modes, which are often on by default — turn them off before you shoot.