US Visa Photo (DS-160) Maker
US visa photos for online applications are square JPEG files of 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels and 240 KB or smaller. This tool crops your photo to a square, keeps the file within the size limit, and checks it against the published rules.
Use the finished JPG for the photo upload in your DS-160 application. Glasses are not allowed in a visa photo, with an exception for medical reasons.
- Choose photo
- Adjust
- Check with AI
- Download
Start with a photo of your face
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · drag it here or use the button
Editing happens on your device. When you press “Check with AI”, a reduced copy of the photo is sent to our AI check and is not stored.
Safest option: take the photo in front of a plain white wall.
- Face the camera, with a neutral expression
- Even light, no shadows on the face
- Leave space above the head and below the shoulders
- Remove glasses
How it works
- Choose a recent photo. Pick a front-facing color photo taken within the last 6 months. Editing and measuring happen in your browser.
- Crop to a square. Fit the head to 50% to 69% of the photo height. The export is a square JPEG that Passport911 keeps at 240 KB or smaller.
- Download and upload to DS-160. Download the JPG and use it for the photo upload in your DS-160.
Key facts
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size / pixels | Digital: square, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels[1] |
| File rules | JPEG; 240 KB or smaller[1] |
| Head height | Chin to top of head is 50% to 69% of the photo height (1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo).[2] |
| Background | White or off-white, plain, with no shadows, texture or objects.[2] |
| Recency | Color, taken within the last 6 months.[2] |
Sources
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.html (last reviewed 2026-10-18)
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html (last reviewed 2026-10-18)
Frequently asked questions
What are the digital photo requirements for a US visa?
JPEG format, square, between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, and 240 KB or smaller.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in a US visa photo, with an exception for medical reasons.
How big is the head in a US visa photo?
Chin to top of head should measure 50% to 69% of the photo height, which is 1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo.
Is my photo uploaded or stored?
Editing and measuring happen in your browser. The AI check runs only when you press “Check with AI”: a reduced copy of the photo is then sent to our server and an AI provider for analysis, and Passport911 does not store it.
Does a passing result mean my photo will be accepted?
No. Passport911 checks your photo against published requirements, but final acceptance is decided by the issuing agency.