DS-160 photo checker
The visa form needs a square JPEG, 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels, 240 KB or less. We check yours and export one that fits.
The rules at a glance
U.S. visa- Digital file
- Square JPEG, 600 × 600 px
- File size
- 240 KB or less
- Color
- 24-bit color, sRGB
- Head size
- 50-69% of the image height, chin to top of head
- Eye height
- 56-69% of the image height, from the bottom
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Glasses
- Not allowed, except for medical reasons with a signed statement
- Photo age
- Color photo taken in the last 6 months
The DS-160 upload fails on files that are the wrong shape, too big or too small. Upload any photo: we crop it square, check head size and eye line, and export a 600 × 600 px JPEG under 240 KB.
Why photos get rejected
- Acceptable
Like this
Plain white, centered
RejectedToo far away
Head too small
- Rejected
Head tilted
Keep it level
RejectedSide shadow
Face a window
- Rejected
Too dark
Find more light
RejectedGlasses on
Take them off
RejectedBig smile
Close your mouth
RejectedHair over eyes
Keep your eyes clear
How it works
Take or upload your photo
Stand in front of a plain white wall facing a window. The live coach checks distance, tilt and light before it takes the shot, or you can upload a photo you already have.
We crop it and check it
We crop it to size and set a plain white background. No retouching. Then we check head size, eye line, photo size and face count, and show you every result.
Pay once and download
The preview is free. If it passes, pay once ($6.90 or $9.90) to download the photo and, with Digital + Print, a 4×6 sheet to print.
DS-160 digital specs
- Format: JPEG, square
- Size: 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels
- File size: 240 KB or less
- Color: 24-bit sRGB
- Compression: 20 to 1 or less
- Head: 50% to 69% of the image height; eyes 56% to 69% from the bottom
Source: travel.state.gov digital image requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 2026). Some embassies also want a printed 2 × 2 photo at the interview.
Questions
Can I use it for a U.S. visa (DS-160)?
Yes. The DS-160 needs a square JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, 240 KB or less. Choose "U.S. visa (DS-160)" and we export a 600 × 600 px JPEG under 240 KB, checked for head size and eye line. Some embassies also ask for a printed 2×2 photo at the interview; Digital + Print includes a 4×6 sheet.
Will my photo be accepted?
No one can promise that. A State Department employee (or the embassy, or USCIS) decides. We check your photo against the published rules (size, head height, eye line and face count) and show you every result before you pay.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Glasses haven't been allowed in U.S. passport or visa photos since November 1, 2016. If you can't remove them for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application. Take them off and keep your hair away from your eyes.
What do I get, and what does it cost?
Digital, $6.90: your digital photo and a single 2×2 photo file, to download for 7 days. Digital + Print, $9.90: both, plus a 4×6 print sheet as JPEG and PDF, to download for 30 days. You pay once. There's no subscription and no add-ons, and the preview is free.
Check your photo before you send it
Free preview, no account. You see every result before you pay.
Independent service — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency.