Spanish DNI photo: size, rules and how to prepare it
For a Spanish DNI, prepare a recent color photo of your face, 26 mm wide by 32 mm high (about 1.02 × 1.26 inches). The photo must have a uniform, smooth white background, and you normally bring it as a print to your appointment.[1]
Photo size and face position
The Spanish rule gives the photo dimensions as 32 × 26 mm. In the usual portrait layout, that means 26 mm across and 32 mm high. In inches, this is about 1.02 × 1.26 in.[1]
The authority does not set a head-height measurement, eye-height position, or top margin in the cited DNI rule. Do not rely on a specific millimeter value for those points. Keep your face centered, look straight at the camera, and leave a little space above your head so the photo can be cropped cleanly.[1]
Background, light and appearance
The background must be uniform, smooth and white.[1] Choose a plain white wall with no pictures, furniture or visible pattern. Stand a short distance from the wall so your shadow is less likely to fall on it. Face a window or use even room light; avoid bright light behind you, strong shadows across your face and glare on your skin.
The official wording calls for a recent color photo of the applicant’s face, taken from the front, with the head fully uncovered and without dark-lensed glasses or clothing that could prevent or hinder identification.[1] The Ministry says glasses for vision may be worn if they allow the eyes to be seen. Dark lenses are generally not allowed, except for habitual use due to blindness or serious, lasting vision impairment.[2]
The Ministry permits religious or medical headwear if the oval of the face remains fully visible.[2] Make sure fabric does not cover any part of your face. The cited DNI rule does not specify an expression or closed-mouth requirement.[1]
Taking your photo at home
Ask another person to take the photo if possible. Set your phone or camera at eye level, about 1 to 1.5 m away, and use the rear camera if it gives a clearer image. Stand in front of the white wall, face the camera squarely and keep your head upright. Move your hair away from your face and check that both eyes are visible.
Take several photos without filters, portrait effects or digital retouching. Use even light from the front or slightly to one side. Look at the image at full size: your face should be sharp, with no motion blur, glare, harsh shadow or object hiding it. Pick a recent photo that clearly shows you; the official rule asks for a recent color image.[1]
The cited requirements do not give a separate photo standard for babies or young children.[1] For a child, use the same size and white background, and take the picture when the face is visible and the child is facing forward. If a child cannot hold their head up, support them from outside the frame and check that no hand, toy or blanket appears in the image.
Crop and print the photo
The usual submission is a printed photo, although a documentation unit with the right equipment may capture it automatically.[1] If you are bringing a photo, use the tool above to crop it to 26 × 32 mm and place it on a 4 × 6-inch print sheet. The photo itself stays on your device while you prepare the sheet.
Save or download the sheet, then take that file to a photo kiosk. Choose a standard 4 × 6-inch print, also called 10 × 15 cm, and turn off any option that automatically fits, enlarges or crops the image. After printing, check that the small photo measures 26 mm wide and 32 mm high. Cut along the edges with clean scissors and keep the print flat and undamaged.
The DNI sources describe a printed photo or automatic capture at an equipped unit; they do not specify an online upload, pixel dimensions, dpi, or a digital file-size limit.[1] A digital crop can help you prepare the print, but do not assume that an uploaded file is accepted in place of the printed photo.
Common reasons a photo may be refused
A photo may fail the stated requirements if it is not recent or in color, is the wrong size, has a background that is not uniform and smooth white, or was not taken from the front.[1] A busy wall, visible shadow, blur, or an object covering part of your face can also make it harder to identify you; take a new picture if any feature is unclear.
Dark-lensed glasses and clothing that prevents or hinders identification conflict with the stated requirements.[1] For vision glasses, check that the eyes can be seen; if you need dark lenses because of blindness or serious, lasting vision impairment, the Ministry describes an exception for habitual use.[2] Religious or medical headwear is allowed only when the oval of the face is fully visible.[2]
The cited sources do not set a required head height, eye position, top margin, pixel size or file-size limit.[1] Do not alter your face or use a filter to hide a problem. The issuing authority makes the final decision about the photo.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Spanish DNI photo?
It is 26 × 32 mm in portrait layout, or about 1.02 × 1.26 inches. The official wording states 32 × 26 mm.[1]
Does a Spanish DNI photo need a white background?
Yes. The background must be uniform, smooth and white.[1]
Can I wear glasses in my DNI photo?
Vision glasses are allowed if your eyes can be seen. Dark lenses are generally prohibited, with an exception for habitual use due to blindness or serious, lasting vision impairment.[2]
Can I wear a head covering for my DNI photo?
Religious or medical headwear is permitted if the oval of your face remains fully visible.[2]
Can I submit a digital photo for a Spanish DNI?
The stated requirement is normally a printed photo. An equipped documentation unit may capture it automatically. The cited rule gives no digital upload or file-size limit.[1]
What head height should I use for a Spanish DNI photo?
The cited DNI rule does not set a head-height measurement, eye-height position or top margin. It specifies the overall photo size and other conditions.[1]