How it works in 4 steps
- Take or choose a front-facing photo with your shoulders visible.
- The AI finds your face, straightens it and crops to 51 x 51 mm.
- Pick the background and review the checks.
- Download the photo or the 4x6 print sheet. Free.
US passport / visa photo (2x2 in): the numbers
| Size | 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 602 x 602 |
| Digital file | 600 x 600 px, JPEG up to 240 KB |
| Head height | 25 to 35 mm |
| Background | White, plain, no shadows |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Used for | US visa (DS-160): 600 x 600 px digital file; US passport (DS-11, DS-82) and Green Card; Diversity Visa (DV) lottery |
Basis: US Department of State: head 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm), white or off-white background, no glasses; the digital file is a square JPEG of 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px, up to 240 KB. Official source. The agency that receives the photo makes the final decision.
Why DS-160 uploads fail
- File too large. Phone photos are 2–5 MB; the limit is 240 KB.
- Not square. The form rejects rectangular images.
- Head too small or too big. The head (chin to top of hair) must be 50–69% of the height.
- Glasses. Not allowed since 2016, even plain lenses.
- Shadows or a colored background. The background must be plain white or off-white.
Same photo for the interview
You can print the same picture for the consulate interview or for a US passport (DS-11, DS-82): it is 2 x 2 inches.
Download the 4x6 print sheet and order it as a regular 4x6 in (10x15 cm) photo print at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Costco or any photo kiosk. A 4x6 print usually costs well under a dollar, versus about $15–17 for passport photos taken at a pharmacy counter. Ask for actual size, no cropping, no "fit", then cut along the gray lines.
No account, no card
- No sign-up, no card, no subscription. Nothing to cancel later.
- Checked before you download, not after you pay.
- Your photo never leaves your device. The AI runs in your browser.
- No watermark. JPG, 4x6 print sheet and A4 PDF are free.
Frequently asked questions
What are the DS-160 photo requirements?
Square JPEG, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px, at most 240 KB, color, taken in the last 6 months, head 50–69% of the image height, eyes 56–69% from the bottom, white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression.
My DS-160 photo upload failed. What now?
Most failures are file size or shape. Download the DS-160 file here (600 x 600 px, under 240 KB) and upload it again. If the form says the photo does not meet requirements, retake it facing a window with no shadows.
Can I wear glasses in a DS-160 photo?
No. The State Department does not accept glasses in visa or passport photos, except for rare medical reasons with a signed statement.
Can I use the same photo for a US passport?
Yes, the size is the same: 2 x 2 in with the head 1 to 1 3/8 in. Print the 4x6 sheet and cut one photo.