Upload a photo that includes:

• A plain background with no shadows, texture, lines, or objects
• White or off-white background

Position yourself several feet away from a white or off-white background or wall. Use a white blanket or sheet to cover a non-white wall.

Make sure your photo is sharp and in focus. It should not be grainy, pixelated, or have visible printer dots. Avoid scanning or taking a picture of a printed photo since this may lower the photo quality.

Improve the resolution of your photo by changing the settings on your camera. When saving your photo, select the highest quality setting.

To avoid making your image quality worse, do not send the image via text message.

This video includes an example of how to take a high quality photo:

If the person taking your photo is standing too close or too far away, your head may not be the correct size. 

Center your head and shoulders in the photo, directly facing the camera. If you’re not sure, leave a little extra room around your face. You can crop your photo when you upload it.

Make sure there are no shadows on your face or in the background. Make sure the photo is not too bright or washed out. The lighting around your face should be even.

Take the photo in a well-lit area with natural lighting.

This video includes an example of how to take a photo with better lighting:

Use a neutral facial expression or natural smile. Avoid showing teeth.

Look directly at the camera with your eyes open. Make sure that your eyes are not obstructed or covered by your hair.

If your photo is unnaturally edited or filtered, we will not accept it. Do not use a photo you created or edited using artificial intelligence or other digital tools.

If the photo has a red-eye effect on your eyes, do not edit it. Take a new photo with natural lighting.

If you are wearing glasses or a hat, remove them and take the photo without them.