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Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.
Follow these simple instruction to take the perfect ID photo.
The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.
Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.
Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.
The US Diversity Visa (DV) Program enables immigrants to settle, become US permanent residents, and work lawfully anywhere across the United States.
As a part of the application process, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demands those eligible for a Green Card submit a biometric photograph up to the official requirements.
Here, you’ll receive all the information you need about your Green Card picture, from size requirements to allowed clothing.
Also, you’ll get tips on how to pose, where to go to have your photograph taken, or how to ensure photo compliance from home in only a few clicks.
Green Card applicants must submit a digital passport photo while applying online.
For your Green Card interview, you’ll need to bring physical photos instead. The number of hard copies you submit depends on your application form and location—it can be from one (if applying outside of the US) to eight photos (if applying as a non-US citizen within the US territory).
Find out more details on how many photos you need for a Green Card application.
A Green Card photo is the same as a US passport photo. However, your Green Card pictures must reflect your current look, so you better take them right before applying for the document. You can learn a whole list of requirements below.
Green Card Photo Requirements Explained
Requirement |
Prints & Digital |
Color |
Must be in color |
Recency |
Not older than 6 months—you must take a new photo if your physical appearance has changed considerably (e.g., a gender transition or evident facial surgery) |
Image Clarity |
Clear, well-lit image of your face, not blurry, grainy, or pixelated |
Filters and Digital Alterations |
Do not use filters. The picture must show your natural skin tone |
Background |
Plain white or off-white |
Size |
2x2 inches (51x51 mm). Your head occupies 50–69% of the photo—equivalent to 1–1.4” or 25–35 mm |
Print Quality |
Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
Resolution |
Between 300 and 600 DPI (dots per inch) |
And here are some extra considerations for digital Green Card photos:
Note: The regulations for Green Card photos for children and babies are the same. The only exception is that newborns can look away from the camera.
Additionally, you must follow the requirements regarding their pose, facial expression, and attire for your photo, among others:
Check out our articles if you’d like to read further on DV Lottery photo requirements or get to know detailed steps on how to renew a Green Card.
When it comes to your Green Card photo, following the official guidelines is a must. The US State Department offers a photo composition template which can assist you in framing your image correctly. To help you understand it, here's a breakdown:
To ensure your digital photo meets the size requirements, use the official Green Card Photo Tool available here. However, this tool only checks dimensions, not all the other requirements.
If you seek absolute confidence that your Green Card photos will be accepted, try our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android. Passport Photo Online is here to assist you every step of the way, from sizing to compliance, all while simplifying the process and saving you valuable time and money. |
The key to obtaining fully-valid Green Card photos is relying on professional visa photo services—and online photo tools have emerged as a highly trustworthy and convenient alternative to traditional stores.
Not all online Green Card photo editors are created equally, though. Some come with a greater guarantee level or cater more precisely to your unique needs.
To aid your decision-making process, we've handpicked five popular apps that stand out in this realm:
Provider |
User- friendliness |
Essential features |
Large country database |
Compliance guarantee & refund |
Printing service |
Price |
Passport Photo Online |
5/5 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
$4.99 |
Passport Photo & ID Maker |
5/5 |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
$6.99 |
ID Photo For Passports And IDs |
4/5 |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
Free |
iVisa Passport Photo |
3/5 |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
Unclear |
Passport Photo-ID Photo |
4/5 |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
$6.99 |
For additional insights and guidance, we've also prepared detailed reviews of the best passport photo apps.
Passport Photo Online offers unmatched quality, convenience, and peace of mind. Check out what clients have to say about us.
Last update: 9/22/23
The type of photo you need to apply for a Green Card is a passport-style photo compliant with the US State Department’s standards and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.
While few places explicitly offer taking Green Card photos, you can go to any photo-taking location and ask for a 2x2-inch photo. Simply search for “Green Card photo near me” in Google or visit your nearest local photo studio, or retail store such as CVS, Walgreens, or UPS store.
Yes. For a foolproof solution, try Passport Photo Online, which not only simplifies the process but also guarantees the validity of your photos.
Download Passport Photo Online on your smartphone, take a photo, wait about a minute, and let us do the rest. Our advanced AI technology and expert team will ensure your Green Card photo meets all requirements. Order your prints directly to your door and receive a digital image at your email address.