Every country publishes precise rules for the photo on its passport, ID card or visa. Most of Europe uses 35 × 45 mm, the United States asks for a 2 × 2 inch square, Spain has its own 32 × 26 mm format, and online applications often want a digital file at a fixed pixel size. The rules below help you check your picture before you submit it.
Dimensions and head size
Two measures matter: the size of the print and the size of the head inside it. For the European 35 × 45 mm format, the head — from chin to crown — must occupy 70 to 80 % of the height. The US square format requires the head to measure between 25 and 35 mm. A photo with the correct outer dimensions but a head that is too small is rejected just as surely as one with the wrong size.
Background and lighting
Backgrounds must be plain and light — white, light grey or light blue depending on the country — with no pattern, shadow or object. Light should be even on both sides of the face; a window on one side creates a shadow that automated checks flag immediately.
Expression, glasses and head covering
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera. Glasses are tolerated in some countries if there is no glare and the frames do not cover the eyes; several countries now refuse them altogether. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, provided the whole face is visible.
Digital files for online applications
Online portals usually specify a pixel size (for instance 600 × 600 px), a file type (JPEG) and a maximum weight. The ID photo tool exports printable formats at 300 dpi and a 600 × 600 px digital format.
Checklist
- Check the rules of your document and country before uploading
- Stand one metre from a plain wall, light coming from the front
- Neutral expression, no glasses glare, hair away from the face
- Compare the result with the official rules before downloading
- Print on photo paper at 10 × 15 cm or use the digital file
The table below summarises the formats the tool offers. Pick the size your document requires and compare the result with the official rules of the issuing authority.
Country
| Country | Document | Size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Passport (digital photo code) | Digital | Light | Photo code accepted for the online application |
| United States 🇺🇸 | Passport & visa | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | White | Square photo, head 25-35 mm |
| France 🇫🇷 | Passport & national ID card | 35 × 45 mm | Light and plain | Head 70-80% of the height; standard European format |
| Italy 🇮🇹 | Fototessera (ID card, passport, licence) | 35 × 45 mm | White | Centred face, neutral expression |
| Germany 🇩🇪 | Biometric Passfoto (ID card, passport, licence) | 35 × 45 mm | Light | Strict biometric requirements (eyes open, mouth closed) |
| Netherlands 🇳🇱 | Pasfoto (passport, ID card, driving licence) | 35 × 45 mm | Light and plain | Official Dutch acceptance matrix |
| Spain 🇪🇸 | DNI & passport | 32 × 26 mm | Plain white | Specific format, smaller than the European 35 × 45 |
| 190+ countries | International visa | Per country | Per country | Pick the country: the specs apply automatically |
Export formats available
Printable formats are rendered at 300 dpi; digital formats match the pixel size requested by online forms.
| Size | Resolution | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | |
| 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 600 × 600 px | |
| 5 × 5 cm | 591 × 591 px | |
| 33 × 48 mm | 390 × 567 px | |
| 50 × 70 mm | 591 × 827 px | |
| 40 × 60 mm | 472 × 709 px | |
| 35 × 50 mm | 413 × 591 px | |
| 30 × 40 mm | 354 × 472 px | |
| 600 × 600 px | 600 × 600 px | Digital |
