Driver License Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for United States passport applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Requirements may vary slightly by state
2×2 Passport Photo Size Requirements
The required 2×2 inch passport photo size must measure exactly 51×51 mm with head height between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches.
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 2×2. This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 2×2 |
| Millimeters | 51×51 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 600×600 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Plain white or off-white. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Allowed if no glare, but removal may be required in some states
- Clothing: Regular clothing appropriate for official ID
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
Sharp focus, high resolution (300 DPI), color photo only
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to United States general applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 2×2)
- Incorrect background (not plain white or off-white)
- Wrong head size (not 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- Wrong size or format
- Poor photo quality or resolution
- Incorrect background color
- Smiling or inappropriate expression
- Glare on glasses
- Photo too old
Local Notes for United States
- US passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months
- No uniforms or camouflage clothing allowed
- Professional photo studios often provide compliant photos
- Requirements may vary slightly by state
- Photo must be taken at DMV or approved location in most states
- Some states allow you to bring your own photo, others require it to be taken at the DMV
- Photo must be recent (typically within 6 months)
- No digital alterations or filters allowed
Printing Tips for United States
- Print on 4×6 inch photo paper at 300 DPI
- Most US photo printing services (Walgreens, CVS) can print passport photos
- Cut photos to exactly 2×2 inches with no white borders
Create a United States Passport Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant general photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 2×2
- Fix background to plain white or off-white
- Ensure proper head size (1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Passport Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with United States requirements
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
Driver License Photo Requirements FAQs
What size is a driver license photo?
Most US states require driver license photos to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), or 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI. However, requirements may vary slightly by state, so check with your local DMV.
What background color is required for driver license photos?
Most states require a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible. The background should be uniform and professional.
Can I smile in my driver license photo?
No, most states require a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions are allowed. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Can I wear glasses in my driver license photo?
This varies by state. Some states allow glasses if there's no glare, while others require you to remove them. Check with your local DMV for specific requirements.
Can I bring my own photo to the DMV?
This depends on your state. Some states allow you to bring your own compliant photo, while others require the photo to be taken at the DMV office. Check with your local DMV for their policy.
How recent must my driver license photo be?
Most states require photos to be taken within the last 6 months. However, if you're taking the photo at the DMV, this is handled automatically.
What is the head size requirement for driver license photos?
Your head must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. This ensures your face is properly sized and centered in the photo.
Can I take a driver license photo at home?
If your state allows bringing your own photo, yes! You can take the photo at home using your smartphone, then use our tool to crop and adjust it to meet all requirements. However, many states require photos to be taken at the DMV, so check your state's policy first.
Do driver license photos need to be in color?
Yes, all US states require driver license photos to be in color. Black and white photos are not accepted.