Free US Nursing License Photo Photo Maker
Use our free AI maker to snap and generate a compliant US Nursing License Photo photo. Exact 51x51mm (2x2 in) dimensions with a white background at 300 DPI.
Requirements Summary
Dimensions
51 x 51 mm
2 x 2 inches
Resolution
300 DPI
Min 602x602px
Background
White
Head Size
50% — 69%
of photo height
Eye Position
56%
from bottom
Official Requirements
- Most state boards of nursing, and credential bodies such as CGFNS, require a recent, colour, passport-style head-and-shoulders photo
- Plain white or off-white background, no shadows or patterns
- Full face visible, neutral expression, both eyes open
- No hats, sunglasses, or digital filters
- Photo typically must be recent — most boards say within 6 months, though some (e.g. Tennessee) require within 3 months, so confirm your specific board's window
- A common size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), the standard US passport-photo dimensions, but a few boards ask for a signature and date on the print (e.g. Tennessee) or a notarized affidavit alongside it (e.g. South Carolina)
- Uploaded through your state board's online licensure portal, or through Nursys/CGFNS for endorsement and international credential applications
- Requirements are set individually by each state board of nursing — always check your specific board's application instructions before submitting
Apply officially
Once your photo is ready, submit your application via the official United States government portal.
Open official portal ↗Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one standard photo size for a US nursing license?
No — there is no single national photo spec. Requirements are set by each state's board of nursing (and by CGFNS for internationally-educated nurses). The common denominator across most boards is a recent, colour, 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) passport-style photo on a white background, but always confirm the exact rule with your specific board before applying.
Does the NCLEX exam itself require a photo?
The NCLEX exam is scheduled and administered through Pearson VUE, which verifies your identity against a government-issued photo ID at the test center rather than a separately submitted photo. It is your state board's licensure application — not the exam registration — that typically asks you to upload a passport-style photo.
Do all states require a signed or notarized photo?
No, this varies. Some boards (e.g. Tennessee) ask you to sign and date the print; others (e.g. South Carolina) pair the photo with a notarized affidavit. Most online portals just need a plain digital upload. Check your board's specific instructions, since getting this step wrong is a common cause of application delays.
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Pro Tips
- Use natural, even lighting
- Keep a neutral expression
- Look directly into the lens
- Remove glasses and hats
