US driver licence / state ID photo: 600×600 px
US driver licence / state ID ID photo requirement: 600×600 px (51×51 mm). Size, head ratio and file size are checked on your device — the photo is never uploaded.
- Pixel size
- 600 × 600
- Print size
- 51×51 mm
- Background
- White
- Head ratio
- 49–69%
About the US driver licence / state ID photo
REAL ID keeps the 2×2in (51mm) white-background format, head about 25–35mm. Most states capture the photo on site at the DMV and don't accept your own — only a few allow mail-in or self-supplied photos.
Photo requirements
Face fully visible with both ears showing; no hat, no heavy makeup
Common review practice — the official rules in force always take precedence
Common questions
- Why does my US driver licence / state ID photo keep getting rejected?
- Usually one of three things: wrong pixel size, a file size outside the accepted range, or the head too small in the frame. Measure the result before submitting — cheaper than a rejection.
- Can I take it myself?
- Yes. Face the camera, even lighting, plain background, shoulders in frame and a little space above the head. The rear camera is sharper than the front one.
- Will compressing to the limit blur it?
- A little detail is lost, but at ID-photo dimensions the result still passes review. The tool starts at high quality and steps down to the first value within range.