Polish ID card photo (35×45 mm)

Photo size and face position

The photo must be 35 × 45 mm, with the width first and height second. Your face should cover 70–80% of the photo. The required head height is 31.5–36 mm, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.^[1][2]

The official rules do not set a separate eye-line height or top-margin measurement. Do not use a guessed measurement for either one. Keep your head straight and look at the camera so your face is shown from the front.^[1][2]

For an online application, the photo file must be at least 492 × 633 pixels and keep the same proportions as a 35 × 45 mm photo. Its size must not exceed 2.5 MB, or 2,500 KB. The rules do not give one exact pixel size beyond that minimum.^[3]

Background, light and appearance

Use a white background. It must be evenly lit, with no shadows or decorative elements. The legal rules call for a uniform light background, and the government guidance specifies white.^[1][2]

Use even light on your face so your features stay clear. Avoid direct flash if it leaves bright spots or shadows. Make sure your face is sharp and not covered by hair or objects. These are practical steps to help you meet the photo requirements.^[2]

Keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed. Face the camera straight on, with your eyes visible. A tilted head, a smile, closed eyes, or hair hiding part of your face can make the photo fail the stated requirements. Children under 5 may have closed eyes or an unnatural expression.^[1][2]

Glasses and head coverings

You may wear clear corrective glasses if your eyes remain visible. Frames or reflections must not cover your eyes. Dark glasses are allowed only when you have a certificate confirming an eligible vision disability.^[2]

A head covering is allowed for religious reasons if your face remains fully visible. A covering may also be allowed when justified by medical treatment or an accident. If you rely on a medical or other required document, follow the application instructions for providing it.^[1][2]

Do not wear a hat, scarf, or other item that hides any part of your face unless an allowed religious or medical reason applies. The authority can assess whether the photo and any supporting document meet the rules.^[1][2]

Photos of children

Children under 5 may have closed eyes, an open mouth, or an unnatural expression. Their face must still be uncovered, the head straight, and the background light and uniform.^[2]

For a young child, place them against a plain white background and take the photo when their face is in view. Keep toys, hands, and other objects out of the picture. Check the face and head position before submitting it.^[2]

Take the photo at home

Ask another person to take the photo if you can. Stand or sit in front of a plain white wall, leaving some space between you and the wall to reduce shadows. Face a window or another soft light source. Hold the camera at eye level, about 1–1.5 m away, and keep it steady.

Look straight into the camera with a neutral expression and closed mouth. Keep your head upright, hair away from your face, and eyes clear. Take several pictures so you can choose one that is sharp, evenly lit, and free of shadows or objects.

Choose the photo that shows your full face from the front. Crop it to 35 × 45 mm and check that the head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head is 31.5–36 mm. For an online application, check the pixel minimum and 2.5 MB maximum as well.^[1][2][3] The tool above can crop the photo and prepare a print sheet; review the result before you use it.

Print it or prepare the digital file

For an in-person application at a municipal office, attach a photo printed on photographic paper. A 4 × 6-inch sheet is a common kiosk print size: place the correctly sized 35 × 45 mm photo on the sheet, print it at actual size, and cut along the crop marks. Check the print with a ruler, because a kiosk setting that enlarges or shrinks the image can change its size.^[3]

For an online application, prepare a file at least 492 × 633 pixels, with 35 × 45 mm proportions, and no larger than 2.5 MB. Upload it with the online application. The photo must still meet the same face and appearance rules as a printed photo.^[2][3]

If you apply in person, use photographic paper rather than ordinary office paper. If you apply online, check the final file size and dimensions after saving or exporting it. Do not rely only on how large the photo looks on your screen.^[3]

Common reasons a photo may be refused

A photo may fail if it has the wrong proportions, the head is too large or too small, the face is turned or tilted, or the expression is not neutral with the mouth closed. Shadows, a non-white or uneven background, and decorative objects can also conflict with the stated photo rules.^[1][2]

Glare on glasses, dark glasses without the required certificate, or a head covering that hides the face can cause a problem. For an online application, a file below the minimum resolution or above 2.5 MB does not meet the file requirements.^[2][3]

Check the crop, face position, background, clarity, and file limits before submitting. The authority makes the final decision, so a photo prepared to the listed measurements is not a promise of acceptance.^[1][2][3]

Frequently asked questions