Size
Prepare a square 2 x 2 inch printed photo when required.
Original background
Take the photo in front of a plain white or off-white background. Avoid digitally replacing it.
Pose and expression
Face the camera straight on and follow current official expression guidance.
Lighting and quality
Use even light and a sharp image.
Final authority
The issuing authority decides whether a photo is acceptable.
Practical pre-submission checklist
| Requirement | What to verify before submitting |
|---|---|
| Recent color photo | The photo was taken within the last 6 months and reflects your current appearance. |
| Direct pose | Face the camera directly with your head centered and fully visible. |
| Expression | Follow the current State Department expression guidance with both eyes visible. |
| Background | Plain white or off-white with no shadows, textures or objects. |
| No digital alteration | Do not use filters, beauty retouching or AI background replacement to change the original appearance. |
| Printed size | For paper applications, verify the finished photo is 2 x 2 inches and the head is the required size. |
What this checker can and cannot verify
The local checker can flag low source resolution, unusual overall brightness and possible blur. Passport mode also provides a manual head-size guide. It does not authenticate identity, recognize faces for official certification, evaluate every pose rule or replace the State Department's review.
Use current official requirements as the final source
Document-photo rules can change. Use this site to prepare dimensions and catch common image problems, then verify the latest requirements on the official website for the document you are submitting.