Italian ID card photo: size, rules and how to prepare it
This page covers the Fototessera per la Carta d'Identità Elettronica, the photo for Italy’s electronic identity card (CIE). The CIE photo uses a 35 × 45 mm format, with checks for eye position, pose, background and image quality.[1][2]
Which Italian document does this page cover?
The tool above covers an Italian ID card photo for the Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE). You can request a CIE at a municipality in Italy, and the photo is the same format used for a passport.[2]
The sources provided for this page cover the CIE photo rules. They do not provide a separate set of passport photo requirements, so check the passport authority’s instructions if you are applying for a passport.
Photo size and eye position
Prepare a photo that is 35 mm wide and at least 45 mm high. The authority does not set a head-height measurement; it does say that your eyes must sit 23–31 mm above the bottom edge of the frame.[1]
Keep your full face in the frame, centered and straight, with both ears visible. The face should take up 70–80% of the photo height, and your head should be vertically centered.[1]
Background, expression and glasses
Use a plain, even background. The authority prefers light blue, beige, light brown, light grey or white. Keep other people and objects out of the picture.[1]
Face the camera with your eyes open and looking at the lens. Keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed. Do not tilt or turn your face.[1]
Tinted glasses are not allowed. If you wear glasses, the lenses must be transparent and your eyes clearly visible.[1]
Head coverings and photo quality
Headwear is allowed only for religious, cultural or medical reasons, and your face must remain clearly visible. Keep hair away from your eyes.[1]
Use a recent, sharp, natural-colour photo with no shadows on your face or background. Avoid reflections and flash effects. Do not retouch, recolour or alter the image.[1]
A printed photo must be on high-quality paper and must not be folded, stapled, written on or damaged. The authority sets no exact pixel dimensions for the photo.[1]
Digital or printed submission
When you apply at the municipality, bring a printed photo unless you booked through Agenda CIE and uploaded the digital photo. The official page also says a photo is acquired during the application process.[2]
For a digital photo on USB, the official page requires at least 400 dpi, JPG format and a file size of no more than 500 KB.[1]
Before printing, check that the photo is 35 mm wide and at least 45 mm high. Do not crop out the background or straighten the head.[1]
Simple steps before your appointment
Take the photo facing a window or other soft light. Ask someone to take it for you, with the camera at eye level and about 1–1.5 metres away. These are practical tips, not official requirements.
Before you print or upload, check the eye position, full face, both ears, plain background, open eyes and closed mouth. Make sure the photo is not older than six months.[1]
A photo that follows these instructions may still be reviewed by the municipality, which decides whether it can use the image.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Italian CIE ID card photo?
It must be 35 mm wide and at least 45 mm high.[1]
How high should my eyes be in a CIE photo?
Place your eyes 23–31 mm above the bottom edge of the frame.[1]
Can I wear glasses in an Italian ID photo?
Tinted glasses are not allowed. If you wear glasses, the lenses must be transparent and your eyes clearly visible.[1]
Can I submit a digital CIE photo?
Yes. If you booked through Agenda CIE, you can upload a digital photo. A photo on USB must be JPG, at least 400 dpi and no larger than 500 KB.[1][2]
How old can my CIE photo be?
The photo must have been taken no more than six months before.[1]