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SAT Photo Requirements

You'll upload a photo as part of the SAT registration process. On test day, test center staff will compare the photo to your photo ID to ensure security.

Keep in mind:

  • If the photo you upload doesn’t meet the listed requirements, you won’t be allowed to test.
  • Getting a message that your upload was successful doesn’t mean that your photo meets all requirements. The message means only that your photo is the correct file type and size.

File Requirements

You can take a photo with a digital camera or smart phone, upload a photo from a device or from Facebook, or scan a paper photo.

Photos must be in one of these file formats: .jpg, .gif, or .png. You’ll be able to crop and reposition your photo after you upload it.

What Makes a Good Photo

Good photos have these qualities:

  • You’re easy to recognize.
  • You’re the only one in the picture.
  • It’s a head-and-shoulders view, with the entire face, both eyes, and hair clearly visible. (Head coverings worn for religious purposes are okay.)
  • You’re in focus.
  • There are no dark spots or shadows.

Black-and-white photos are acceptable.

What Won’t Work

You won’t be allowed to take the test if your photo has any of these issues:

  • One or both of your eyes aren’t visible or are blocked (for example, you’re wearing sunglasses).
  • The photo includes more than one person.
  • Poor quality makes you unrecognizable.
  • Excessive lighting or shadows make you unrecognizable.
  • You’re wearing a hat or head covering that isn’t worn for religious purposes.
  • Your photo has been digitally altered to change your appearance (including filters) or tampered with in any way.

Photo Examples

These examples illustrate what works and common mistakes.

Good Photos

These photos are acceptable:

Acceptable Photo Example 1
Acceptable Photo Example 2

Common Mistakes

These examples include common mistakes that result in faces not being fully visible and recognizable:

  1. Your photo is too light or too dark.

    Too light
    Too light
    Too dark
    Too dark

  2. Your photo is taken from too far away or too close.

    Too far away
    Too far away
    Too close
    Too close

  3. Only part of your face is visible: part or all of your face is covered, part or all of your head is out of frame, or you’re in profile or three-quarter view.

    Face is partly covered
    Face is partly covered
    Head is partly out of frame
    Head is partly out of frame
    Three-quarter view
    Three-quarter view

  4. Other people are in the picture, or the picture isn’t of you. Remember, this photo is used to identify you on test day.

    Photo includes another person
    Photo includes another person
    Photo is definitely not of you
    Photo is definitely not of you