Multi-modal image registration can provide richer and more comprehensive information than single-modal image registration. Among them, infrared and visible image registration, which is a common multi-modal form of registration, has important application value in fields such as electric power, remote sensing, military, and face recognition. In this paper, the correlation technique of infrared and visible image registration is introduced, and the existing difficulties and challenges involved in registration are analyzed. Subsequently, the advantages and disadvantages of different registration methods are evaluated in detail the three types based on area, feature, and deep learning, and a practical application of infrared and visible image registration technology is presented. Finally, the future development trend of infrared and visible image registration is discussed.