Guide to a compliant ID photo

A rejected photo wastes time, and sometimes money. Here are the most common rules, valid for the vast majority of documents (passport, ID card, visa, driving licence...). The exact dimensions and background required remain those shown on the page for your country and document.

Diagram showing head positioning in the photo frame
The head must be straight and centred, with an even gap between the top of the head and the top of the photo, down to the chin at the bottom.

Expression and gaze

Approved example with a neutral expression, then two rejected examples: visible smile and parted lips

Do

  • Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Keep both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Look straight ahead, at the camera

Don't

  • Don't smile or show your teeth
  • Don't look sideways or downward
  • Don't have your eyes closed or squinting

Background

Approved example with a plain background, then two rejected examples: textured wood background and a plant visible behind

Do

  • Use a plain, light, pattern-free background (white or light grey depending on the document)
  • Make sure the background is sharp and evenly lit

Don't

  • Avoid a textured, patterned, or coloured background
  • Avoid any object, furniture, or plant visible behind you
  • Don't let anyone else appear in the frame

Lighting

Approved example with even lighting, then two rejected examples showing a shadow cast behind the head, more or less pronounced

Do

  • Use even lighting across the whole face
  • Face the light source, don't stand with your back to a window

Don't

  • Avoid shadows on the face
  • Avoid a shadow cast behind the head
  • Avoid glare or reflections on glasses lenses

Head, hair, and accessories

Approved example wearing a hijab that leaves the face clear, then two rejected examples: fashion beanie and sunglasses pushed up on the head

Do

  • Keep the face clear from forehead to chin
  • Religious headwear worn daily is generally allowed, provided the full oval of the face remains visible
  • Tie back hair if it covers part of the face

Don't

  • No cap, beanie, or fashion hat
  • No sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • No eye-catching hair accessories (wide headbands, large decorative clips)
  • No strands of hair covering the eyes or face

Framing and position

Do

  • Centre the face, head straight, looking at the camera
  • Follow the gap between the top of the head and the chin shown by the tool's guides
  • Only one person should appear in the photo

Don't

  • Don't crop the top of the head or the chin
  • No hand, arm, or head of another person visible in the frame

Special cases

Do

  • For a baby: keep the eyes open, a natural expression, no other person visible
  • If you wear glasses: clean the lenses and avoid any glare, or remove them if the document allows it

Don't

  • No dummy, toy, or bottle visible in a baby's photo
  • Don't use a photo where a parent's arms holding the child are visible

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