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What photo to provide for an identity document (passport, identity card...)?
Verified 05 janvier 2022 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), Ministry of the Interior
Identity photos must be recent (taken there less than 6 months) and similar.
For an application for an identity card or passport, only one photo is required. If you request another document and multiple photos are provided, they must be identical.
The photos must be taken by a professional or in a booth using a system approved by the Ministry of the Interior.
Warning : if the photo does not meet certain criteria, it will be rejected and the identity document will not be issued.
Topic | Obligations |
|---|---|
Quality | The photo must be clear, without folding or trace. |
Format | Width: 3.5 cm Height: 4.5 cm Face Size: between 3.2 and 3.6 cm (70 to 80% of the picture), from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull (without hair) |
Brightness, contrast and colours | The photograph shall not exhibit over-exposure or under-exposure. It must be properly contrasted, without shadow on the face or in the background. A colour photo is strongly recommended. |
Background | The background should be solid, light (light blue or light grey for example). White background is prohibited. |
Head | The head must be naked (no hat, scarf or headband for example). The head must be straight and the face directed towards the objective. |
Look and expression | We have to set the goal. The expression must be neutral and the mouth must be closed. |
Face and eyes | The face must be clear. The eyes must be perfectly visible and open. |
Hair | Hair should not cover the face. A fringe can be accepted if it does not cover the eyes. Ears should be clear. |
Glasses and frames | If you have glasses, you don't have to wear them on the photos. However, if you wear them:
|
It is the identity document applicant who provides their own photos. However, in some and - in the absence of a professional photographer - certain overseas departments or authorities, the passport or identity card photo can be taken at the ticket office.