SAT Photo Requirements

Photo Submission Guidelines for SAT & AP Exams

📸 Why Your Photo Matters

Your photo helps test center staff confirm your identity on test day. If your photo doesn’t meet the guidelines, you won’t be allowed to test.

✅ What to Keep in Mind

• Successful upload ≠ Approval – A confirmation message only means your photo is the correct file type and size, not that it meets all requirements.

• Follow all rules – If your photo doesn’t meet the standards, your registration may be canceled.

📂 Accepted File Formats

• File types: .jpg, .gif, .png

• Sources: Take a photo with a smartphone or digital camera, upload an existing photo, or scan a paper photo.

📷 What Makes a Good Photo?

A good photo should:
✔ Clearly show your entire face, both eyes, and hair (head coverings for religious purposes are allowed).
✔ Be a head-and-shoulders shot (not too close or too far).
✔ Be well-lit and in focus—no dark spots or heavy shadows.
✔ Contain only you (no other people or objects).
✔ Be in color or black and white—both are accepted.

🚫 What Will Get Your Photo Rejected?

Your photo won’t be accepted if:
❌ Your eyes aren’t fully visible (e.g., wearing sunglasses).
❌ The photo is too dark, too bright, blurry, or pixelated.
❌ You’re too close or too far away, making it hard to recognize you.
❌ Part of your face is cut off or you’re looking sideways.
❌ Filters, digital edits, or tampering have altered your appearance.
❌ You’re wearing a hat or head covering (unless for religious purposes).
❌ There’s another person in the photo or the image is not of you.

💡 Tip: Make sure your photo looks like how you’ll appear on test day! If in doubt, retake the picture to avoid registration issues.