Photo Requirements and Guidelines
A recent color photo (within the last five years) is required for first-time applicants, as well as for renewal applications. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure that the photo will be accepted for processing.

Example of an Acceptable Photo


Good1

Photo Requirements

  • recent photo (within last five years)
  • color photo
  • JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) file format
  • minimum 1000 x 1000 pixels
    • Note: The pixels of your photo can be found by right-clicking the filename and selecting 'Properties' (Windows and Linux) or 'Get Info' (Apple).

Background

  • plain, light-colored background
  • free of patterns, objects, and people
  • the best background is a smooth, white (or off-white) wall

Image and Appearance

  • full face, head straight (not tilted), and facing forward
  • eyes open looking directly at camera
  • neutral expression
  • no hats or sunglasses

Suggestions for Avoiding an Unacceptable Photo

  • to avoid reflection on eyeglasses, stand several feet (1.5 to 2 meters) from camera
  • to avoid shadows around face, stand several feet (1.5 to 2 meters) away from the background wall
  • when scanning a photo, scan at 300 DPI (resolution) and save the entire photo to upload
    • Note: For examples on how to specify the resolution for one common scanner brand, see this article.

Examples of Unacceptable Photos

Bad1

  • Out of focus
  • Hat
  • Dark background

Bad2

  • Objects in background
  • Extra person

Bad3

  • Sunglasses
  • Not facing camera

Bad4

  • Reflection on glasses
  • Shadow around head
  • Too close to camera

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