35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) · 413 × 531 px · 32–36 mm · light grey or light blue
Official measurements
Taken by an approved photographer only
A home-made or edited photo is not accepted for the French passport and ID card photo. Have it taken by an approved photographer or photo booth, or at the office when you apply. Use the measurements on this page to check the photo you are given.
Head
Eyes
Specification
Photo size
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Digital size
413 × 531 px (300 dpi at print size)
Head height
32–36 mm (top of the hair; 71–80% of the photo height)
Background
light grey or light blue
4 × 6 in print sheet
8 photos per sheet
Source
ANTS / service-public.fr
Last checked
France does not accept a white background: use plain light grey or light blue. The same 35 × 45 mm photo serves the passport and the national identity card.
Photo check
Do this, avoid that
DoSoft window light, plain wall
AvoidHarsh overhead light, busy background
DoNeutral expression, eyes open, hair off the face
AvoidBig smile, tilted head, sunglasses
What the French passport and ID card photo needs
A French passport and ID card photo is 35 × 45 mm, which is 1.38 × 1.77 in. The editor exports it at 413 × 531 px, enough for a sharp print at 300 dpi.
The rule measures the head from the chin to the top of the hair: it must be 32–36 mm, which is 71–80% of the photo height. The editor draws this band on the frame so you can place the chin inside it.
Accepted backgrounds: light grey or light blue. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with light grey.
The same 35 × 45 mm size is also used for: UK passport photo, EU biometric and Schengen visa photo, German biometric photo, Italian passport photo, Canadian visa photo, Australian passport photo, Indian passport photo, Japanese passport photo, Korean passport photo, Taiwan passport photo, and 35 × 45 mm photo. The head size or background can still differ, so choose the exact document.
Check the latest rules
These measurements were last checked on 2026-10-14 against the source above. Photo rules change and offices can be strict, so check your government's or embassy's current requirements before you print or submit. We cannot guarantee that a photo will be accepted.
FAQ
Questions about the French passport and ID card photo
What size is a French passport and ID card photo?
35 × 45 mm, which is 1.38 × 1.77 in. As a digital file it is 413 × 531 px.
How big should the head be in a French passport and ID card photo?
32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the hair, which is 71–80% of the photo height.
What background colour does a French passport and ID card photo need?
Accepted backgrounds: light grey or light blue. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with light grey.
Will my French passport and ID card photo be accepted?
We cannot promise that. The editor helps you match the size and head height, but offices also check the background, lighting, expression, glasses and how recent the photo is. Check your government's latest rules before you submit.
Can I make a French passport and ID card photo at home?
No. This document only accepts a photo taken by an approved photographer, a photo booth or the office itself, so a home photo will be refused however well it is cropped. Check the office's current instructions before you go.
