US passport and visa digital photo size: 600×600 pixels and 240 KB explained
For online US visa and passport applications, the State Department sets technical rules for the digital photo file. Resizing is the part most people get wrong.
Official digital image requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| File format | JPEG |
| Maximum file size | 240 KB |
| Colour | 24 bits per pixel, sRGB |
| Compression | Ratio of 20:1 or lower, if needed to meet the size limit |
How to resize
- Crop your photo to a square with the head centred, so it is not cut off.
- Set the size to 600 × 600 pixels.
- Set the maximum file size to 240 KB and save as JPG.
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File size and pixels are only part of the rules. The photo must also meet the content rules, such as a plain white or off-white background, a neutral expression, no glasses and a recent photo. The State Department offers its own photo tool and guidance for those.
Other countries have different photo sizes, so always read the instructions for your specific application. The resizer below accepts any pixel size and file limit, with a 600 × 600 preset.
Digital vs printed photo requirements
The US State Department has two sets of rules. A printed passport photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). A digital photo, used for online applications such as the DS-160 and online passport renewal, must be a JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels and no larger than 240 KB. This guide focuses on the digital file.
Photo content rules that matter as much as size
- Taken in the last 6 months, showing your current appearance.
- Plain white or off-white background with no shadows.
- Full face, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression or a natural smile.
- Head size: between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top of head in a printed photo, with the head centred.
- No glasses, in most cases.
- No head coverings unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement.
- No filters or edits that change your appearance.
How to take a good photo with a phone
- Stand in front of a plain light wall in even daylight.
- Ask someone to take it from eye level, about an arm's length away.
- Avoid flash, shadows and reflections.
- Keep the shoulders level and look straight at the lens.
- Shoot at full resolution, then crop.
Crop, resize and compress step by step
- Crop to a square with the head in the centre and some space above it.
- Resize to 600 × 600 pixels, or up to 1200 × 1200.
- Save as JPEG and set the maximum size to 240 KB.
- Check the file size in the file properties.
Why photos get rejected
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Not square or wrong pixel size | Crop to a square, 600 to 1200 px |
| File over 240 KB | Compress or reduce to 600 × 600 |
| Shadows on the face or background | Retake in even light |
| Head too small or off-centre | Crop closer with the head centred |
| Filters or smoothing applied | Use an unedited photo |
| Wrong format | Save as JPEG |
Other countries use different sizes
UK and Schengen prints are commonly 35 × 45 mm, while many other countries use different dimensions and digital rules. Always read the instructions for the specific application, because an exact size for one country may be wrong for another.
Use the official guidance as the final check
The State Department provides examples and a photo tool. After resizing here, compare your photo with their examples and rules. Zyphub's resizer only handles the technical file requirements.
Privacy
The resizer processes your photo in your browser. Your face image is not uploaded to our server.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
- The system rejects my photo. Check the pixel size, file size and content rules. Retake the photo if lighting or background is poor.
- The photo is too large. Reduce to 600 × 600 pixels and compress to under 240 KB.
- The head looks too small. Crop closer, keeping the head centred and the shoulders visible.
- Shadows appear on the background. Move away from the wall and use soft, even light from the front.
- I wear glasses. Remove them unless an exception applies. Check the official guidance.
Is the photo resizer private?
The resizer works in your browser, so your photo is not uploaded. It checks size and file format only. The State Department decides whether the photo meets all content requirements, so compare with their examples before you submit.
More free Zyphub tools you may need
- Photo Resizer (Passport / Visa / ID): Exact pixels and KB for photo uploads.
- Exact KB Image Compressor: Compress an image to an exact KB size.
- Image Converter: JPG, PNG and WebP.
Frequently asked questions
What is the digital photo size for a US visa or passport?
The image must be square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, in JPEG format and no larger than 240 KB.
What size is a printed US passport photo?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head between 1 and 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
In most cases no. Glasses are not allowed except in rare situations, such as a medical reason with a signed statement.
How old can my photo be?
It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
How do I get my photo under 240 KB?
Crop to a square, resize to 600 × 600 pixels and save as JPEG with the size limit set to 240 KB.
Can I use a selfie for a US visa photo?
The rules allow a photo taken by anyone, but it must meet the requirements. Avoid filters and distortion from a close selfie.
What is the difference between DS-160 and passport photo requirements?
Both use similar digital image rules, but check the specific instructions for your application.