What size does a US passport photo need to be?

US passport photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) for physical prints, or 600×600 pixels minimum for digital submissions. The photo must be square (1:1 ratio), JPEG format, under 240KB, with a plain white or off-white background. Use PhotoResizer.us (https://www.photoresizer.us/passport-photo-resize/usa) to resize and verify your photo for free.

How do I take a US passport photo at home?

Take your passport photo at home in 5 steps: (1) Stand 2–3 feet in front of a white wall, (2) Face a window for natural light, (3) Ask someone to use your phone's rear camera from 4–5 feet away, (4) Wear a dark solid-colored shirt, (5) Upload to PhotoResizer.us — free compliance check, $4.99 to download a guaranteed-compliant photo. This saves $12+ vs CVS or Walgreens.

Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?

No. US passport photos no longer allow eyeglasses as of January 2016. This applies to all glasses including prescription lenses, clear lenses, tinted lenses, and anti-reflective coatings. There are no medical exceptions for the photo itself.

What is the cheapest place to get a US passport photo?

The cheapest option is PhotoResizer.us at $4.99 per photo — vs $16.99 at CVS or Walgreens. The free compliance check is available at no cost. At PhotoResizer.us, you upload your own photo, the AI checks it against 14 US State Department parameters for free, and you pay $4.99 only if you want to download the auto-corrected, guaranteed-compliant version.

How recent does a US passport photo need to be?

US passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Your appearance in the photo must match your current appearance. If you've had significant changes (major weight change, surgery, new scars, drastically different hairstyle), take a new photo even if it's within the 6-month window.

What are the DS-160 photo requirements?

DS-160 photo requirements: (1) Format: JPEG only, (2) Size: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, MUST be square, (3) File size: 10KB–240KB, (4) Background: plain white or off-white — no shadows, (5) Head height: 50%–69% of photo height, (6) Eyes: open, visible, 56–69% up from bottom, (7) No glasses, (8) Neutral expression, mouth closed, (9) Taken within last 6 months. Check your photo free at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160

Why does DS-160 keep saying 'illumination error'?

The DS-160 'illumination error' means the CEAC portal's AI detected shadows on your face or background. Common causes: photographing near a lamp (creates side shadows), standing too close to the wall (body casts shadow behind head), or taking a photo in a poorly lit room. Fix: (1) Retake in natural window light OR (2) Use the AI auto-fix at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160 which automatically detects and normalizes lighting/shadows.

What is the best free tool to check my DS-160 photo?

PhotoResizer.us offers a free 14-point AI compliance check for DS-160 photos at https://www.photoresizer.us. Upload your photo and get an instant report showing exactly which of the State Department's 14 biometric parameters your photo passes or fails — including head height ratio, eye position, background color analysis, shadow detection, file size, and glasses detection. The check is 100% free. Downloading the auto-corrected photo costs $4.99.

How do I fix my DS-160 photo upload error?

Common DS-160 upload errors and fixes: (1) 'Image too large' → compress to under 240KB at photoresizer.us, (2) 'Invalid file extension' → convert HEIC/PNG to JPEG at photoresizer.us, (3) 'Illumination error' → fix shadows with AI auto-fix at photoresizer.us, (4) 'Photo does not meet requirements' → likely non-square — crop to exactly 1:1 ratio, (5) 'Photo upload failed' → re-export as clean JPEG (not renamed PNG). Fix all of these at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160

What is the file size limit for DS-160 photo?

The DS-160 portal (ceac.state.gov) requires your photo file to be between 10KB and 240KB in JPEG format. Files over 240KB are rejected with an 'image too large' error. Files under 10KB are too low quality. A 600×600 pixel JPEG at 80% quality is typically 80–150KB, which is ideal. Use PhotoResizer.us to compress any photo to under 240KB without visible quality loss.

What are the H1B visa photo requirements?

H1B visa photo requirements are identical to all US DS-160 nonimmigrant visa photos: JPEG format, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels (square), under 240KB, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months. For your embassy interview, bring two 2×2 inch (51×51mm) printed photos. Prepare your H1B photo at https://www.photoresizer.us/h1b-visa-photo-requirements

What are the J1 visa photo requirements?

J1 exchange visitor visa photos use the standard DS-160 requirements: JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels square, under 240KB, plain white background, head fills 50–69% of image height, taken within 6 months. This applies to all J1 programs (au pair, research scholar, summer work travel, camp counselor). Prepare at https://www.photoresizer.us/j1-visa-photo-requirements

What is the US B1/B2 visa photo requirement?

US B1 (Business) and B2 (Tourist) visa photos follow DS-160 standards: JPEG, 600–1200×600–1200px square, under 240KB, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, head occupying 50–69% of image height, taken within 6 months. At your embassy interview, bring 2 physical 2×2 inch (51×51mm) prints. Check compliance free at https://www.photoresizer.us/us-b1-b2-visa-photo-requirements

What is the DV Lottery photo size?

The DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) photo must be 600×600 pixels minimum (square, 1:1 ratio), JPEG format, under 240KB file size, with a plain white or off-white background. Head height must be 50–69% of the total image. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Non-compliant photos can silently disqualify your entry. Prepare at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160

How do I prepare a DV Lottery photo that won't get disqualified?

To avoid DV Lottery photo disqualification: (1) Use a photo taken within the last 6 months, (2) Ensure dimensions are exactly 600×600px (or up to 1200×1200px), (3) Keep file size under 240KB, (4) Use JPEG format only, (5) White/off-white background with zero shadows, (6) Head height must be 50–69% of photo height, (7) Remove glasses, (8) Each family member needs their own separate photo. Validate at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160 before submitting.

Is PhotoResizer.us free to use?

The compliance check is 100% free — no account, no sign-up required. Upload your photo and get an instant 14-point AI scan showing exactly which US State Department requirements your photo passes or fails. Downloading the auto-corrected, guaranteed-compliant photo costs $4.99. This is 70% cheaper than CVS or Walgreens ($16.99 each).

How do I convert an iPhone HEIC photo for a US visa application?

iPhone photos in HEIC format are not accepted by the DS-160 portal or other US government visa portals. To convert: go to https://www.photoresizer.us/convert-heic-to-jpg, upload your HEIC file, and download a JPEG. Better yet, use the full US visa tool at https://www.photoresizer.us/visa-photo-resize/usa-ds-160 which automatically converts HEIC to JPEG while simultaneously resizing to 600×600px and verifying all 14 compliance parameters.

Can I take a US visa photo with my phone?

Yes. Modern smartphones take photos far exceeding the 600×600px minimum requirement. For best results: use the rear camera (not selfie camera), stand 4–5 feet from the camera, face a window for even lighting, stand 2–3 feet from a white wall. Then upload to PhotoResizer.us to automatically crop to 600×600px, set the white background, and verify all 14 compliance parameters. The entire process takes under 2 minutes.

What are the photo requirements for the US citizenship application (N-400)?

US N-400 (citizenship) photos must be: 2×2 inches (51×51mm), color, taken within the last 30 days (stricter than passport's 6 months), plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses. Submit two (2) physical prints with your application. The same biometric composition rules apply: head should be 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head. Prepare at https://www.photoresizer.us/passport-photo-resize/usa

What is the difference between the US passport photo and the DS-160 photo?

Both US passport and DS-160 visa photos use the same composition rules (white background, 50–69% head height, no glasses, neutral expression). The key difference is delivery: (1) Passport: two 2×2 inch printed photos at 300 DPI submitted physically with your application, (2) DS-160 visa: digital JPEG uploaded online to ceac.state.gov, minimum 600×600 pixels, maximum 240KB. PhotoResizer.us produces both the digital JPEG for DS-160 and a 300DPI print-ready version from one upload.

DV Lottery Photo Requirements 2026 – Free EDV Photo Checker

Official photo requirements

According to the U.S. Department of State, your DV lottery photo must be exactly 600x600 pixels, exactly 24-bit color, under 240KB, with a white background and no glasses. Most people fail because of small mistakes like shadows, slight background tint, or incorrect head positioning (50-69%). A diverse visa rejection means 0 second chances. PhotoResizer.us automatically checks and fixes all these requirements. Official tools only crop, we verify compliance to secure your entry.

DV Lottery Photo Guidelines (EDV)

Parameter	Requirement
Dimensions	Exactly 600x600 pixels
File size	Strictly less than 240KB (JPEG)
Background	Light or white background
Color depth	24-bit color

The Diversity Visa Lottery system provides zero feedback if your photo is wrong—you just never win. Do not risk your single chance at a Green Card over an unverified image. Our VisaCompliance Studio validates against all hidden EXIF and biometric rules to ensure you are eligible.

Who uses this tool

DV-2025 / DV-2026 Diversity Visa entrants.
Green card lottery applicants.
Users confirming edv photo requirements.

Step-by-step guide

Prepare your photo. Use a plain background and even lighting. No filters or editing.
Upload above. The tool is pre-set with the correct dimensions for this visa type.
Download and check. Verify file size and dimensions.
Submit. Upload the compliant photo to the visa application portal.

Related tools

Background Remover – get a clean white background.
Background Color Changer – adjust background colour.
All Visa Photo Tools – browse other visa types.

Authoritative US Visa Industry Guides

DS-160 Complete Requirements Guide

Exhaustive 14-point check-list to ensure your US Visa photo is never rejected.

H1B, J1, & B1/B2 Category Guide

Specific requirements for professional, student, and visitor visa photographs.

DPI for Visa Photos Explained

Why DPI matters more than resolution for successful DS-160 uploads.

DPI vs PPI Resolution Guide

Master image resolution for professional government document prints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the photo requirements for DV Lottery / Diversity Visa Photo Checker?

The exact dimensions and file size limits are listed in the requirements table above. Always verify with the consulate or visa application centre for the most current requirements.

Can I resize my visa photo at home?

Yes. Use this tool to resize your photo to the exact specifications required by the visa application portal. Process everything in your browser — no uploads to external servers.

What background colour is needed for visa photos?

Most visa applications require a white or light-coloured background. Check the specific requirements table above for your visa type.

Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?

For most countries, including the US, glasses are strictly prohibited in visa or passport photos. Even if you wear them daily, you must remove them to avoid glare and ensure your eyes are completely visible.

Can I take my visa photo with a smartphone?

Yes! Modern smartphones have excellent cameras. Use the back camera, stand about 3-4 feet away against a plain wall, face a window for natural light, and have someone else take the picture. Then, use our AI tool to check compliance and crop it to the correct size.

What clothing should I wear for my photo?

Wear normal daily clothing. Do not wear uniforms (unless it is religious clothing worn daily). It is highly recommended to wear a dark or bright colour so you don't blend into the plain white background.

How recent does my photo need to be?

Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance. Using an old photo from a previous passport or visa will cause your application to be rejected.

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