US Visa (DS-160) photos must be 2 × 2 in (600 × 600 px at 300 DPI) on a plain white background, with your head taking up 50–69% of the frame, saved as a JPEG under 240 KB. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open, and take your glasses off.
Last updated 2026-06-10 · Source: official US guidance
From selfie to US Visa (DS-160)
Take or upload any photo. PassPix swaps the background, frames your head to the US spec, and checks every rule before you pay.
Official US Visa (DS-160) requirements
The exact rules PassPix checks and renders to.
- Photo size
- 2 × 2 in
- Digital resolution
- 600 × 600 px @ 300 DPI
- Background
- plain white
- Head height
- 50–69% of photo
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Max file size
- 240 KB
- Online upload
- Square JPEG, 600x600 to 1200x1200 px, white background, under 240 KB.
Source: official US guidance
How to make a US Visa (DS-160) photo
- 1Pick US Passport
Choose US Passport so PassPix loads the exact State Department rules.
- 2Take or upload a photo
Use your phone or webcam in even lighting, facing the camera.
- 3Let the AI check compliance
PassPix checks head size, eye line, expression, and background live, in your browser.
- 4Download
Get a compliant 2x2 digital file plus a print-ready sheet of 6.
Everything in your photo
A compliant digital photo and the correctly sized file for online applications, with a print-ready sheet on the print option.
Your digital photo
A single compliant photo at the exact size and resolution the document needs.
Print-ready sheet
Six photos laid out on a 4×6 sheet with cut lines. Print at CVS, Walgreens or Walmart for about a dollar.
Online-upload file
Sized to the exact pixels and file-size limit of the official portal, ready to attach.
US Visa (DS-160) photo questions
What size photo do I need for a US visa (DS-160)?
A 2 x 2 inch square photo, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, in JPEG format under 240 KB with a plain white background.
Is the US visa photo the same as the passport photo?
The dimensions and head sizing are the same 2 x 2 inch standard, but DS-160 requires a digital JPEG upload under 240 KB. PassPix outputs both at once.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Since 2016 the US State Department does not allow glasses in passport photos except in rare documented medical cases.
What background does a US passport photo need?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind you. PassPix removes and replaces your background automatically.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
A natural, neutral expression with both eyes open is required. A closed-mouth natural smile is usually accepted, but a neutral face is safest.