Photo requirements
by the Department of State

If the submitted digital images do not conform to the following specifications, the system will automatically reject the EDV Entry Form and notify the sender.

* The image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
* The image must be either in color or grayscale; monochrome images (2-bit color depth) will not be accepted.
* If a new digital photograph is taken, it must have a resolution of 320 pixels wide by 240 pixels high, and a color depth of either 24-bit color, 8-bit color, or 8-bit grayscale.
* If a photographic print is scanned, the print must be 2 inches by 2 inches (50mm x 50mm) square. It must be scanned at a resolution of 150 dots per inch (dpi) and with a color depth of either 24-bit color, 8-bit color, or 8-bit grayscale.
* The maximum image size accepted will be sixty-two thousand five hundred (62,500) bytes.

If the submitted digital images do not conform to the following specifications, the entry will be disqualified:

* Applicant, spouse, or child must be directly facing the camera; the head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down or to the side, and should cover about 50% of the area of the photo.
* The photo should be taken with the person being photographed in front of a neutral, light-colored background. Photos taken with very dark or patterned, busy backgrounds will not be accepted.
* Photos in which the face of the person being photographed is not in focus will not be accepted.
* Photos in which the person being photographed is wearing sunglasses or other paraphernalia which detracts from the face will not be accepted.
* Photos of applicants wearing head coverings or hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not obscure any portion of the face of the applicant. Photos of applicants with tribal or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable. Photos of military, airline or other personnel wearing hats will not be accepted.