German Child Passport Photo Guide
Get the correct size and rules for your child's German passport photo before you apply. This guide walks you through the official requirements and how to prepare your image.
Official Size and Document Basics
The official size for a German child passport photo is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1]. This specific dimension is the standard requirement for the Reisepass für Minderjährige[1]. When you take or prepare the photo, you need to make sure it matches these exact measurements.
The authority does not set a specific head height requirement for this size[1], which gives you flexibility in how the face is framed within the 35×45 mm dimensions. However, you must still make sure the full face is clearly visible. Each child needs an individual Reisepass, because Germany no longer issues the separate Kinderreisepass[1]. Photo capture or digital submission arrangements depend heavily on the passport authority handling your application[1].
Background, Light, and Setting Up
PassV Anlage 8 specifies a uniform, light, neutral background for passport photos, though it allows certain deviations for children[1]. Finding a plain wall in your home is the best way to meet this requirement without extra hassle. Choose a space in your house that gets plenty of soft daylight.
Face a window so your child gets even light across their face, which helps avoid dark shadows under the chin or nose. Avoid colored walls, textured wallpaper, or busy backgrounds that can cause the passport office to reject the picture. If you do not have a plain wall, you can tape a clean, light-colored bedsheet or poster board to the wall behind your child. Keep the camera at eye level about 1 to 1.5 meters away from your child to keep the proportions accurate and prevent lens distortion.
Special Rules for Infants and Young Children
Photographing babies and toddlers can be tricky, but PassV Anlage 8 allows deviations for young children, including infants, where necessary for a usable image[1]. For very young babies who cannot sit up on their own, you can lay them flat on a plain light blanket or sheet spread out on the floor.
Stand directly above your child and take the picture downward, making sure they look up toward the camera lens if possible. For toddlers, try to keep them calm and happy by having a family member stand right behind the camera to grab their attention. You do not need to worry about a strict neutral expression for infants, as the rules recognize that babies cannot always control their facial expressions. The main goal is to get a clear, front-facing picture of the child's face with their eyes open and looking forward.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Appearance
Getting the facial details right is just as important as the size and background. Glasses are allowed under conditional rules[1], meaning they must not have tinted lenses, heavy frames, or glare that hides the eyes. If your child wears glasses, check the photo carefully to make sure the flash or window light does not reflect off the glass.
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1], and it must not cast any shadows on the face or cover the hairline and chin area. Make sure your child's eyes are fully open and clearly visible. The child's mouth should be closed, and they should look directly into the camera lens with a natural posture. Even with children, keeping the head straight and avoiding head tilts will help prevent rejection at the passport office.
Taking the Photo Step by Step
Taking the photo at home gives you plenty of time to get it right without feeling rushed at a photo booth. Start by setting up your lighting near a large window for soft, natural illumination. Have someone else hold the camera or phone while you help position the child, or mount the camera on a small tripod at eye level.
Take multiple shots so you have options to choose from later. Check each picture to see if the lighting is even and the background is plain and light. Make sure there are no harsh shadows on the wall behind the child. Once you have a clear picture that meets the basic layout needs, you can move on to preparing it for your application.
Preparing the Print and Using the Tool
After you take the photo, you need to crop it to the correct 35×45 mm dimensions before you print or submit it. You can use the tool above to crop your passport photo right in your browser. The tool keeps your photo on your device for privacy, and it arranges the cropped image onto a sheet that you can print as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo at a local store kiosk.
Printing the photo sheet at a kiosk is an inexpensive way to get physical copies. Check with your local office to see if they want a printed photo or a digital file[1], as submission options vary depending on the municipality or diplomatic mission[1]. The passport authority makes the final choice on whether to accept your printed or digital photo.
Submission Options and Common Refusal Reasons
Knowing the common reasons for rejection can save you time and extra trips to the passport office. Common mistakes include poor lighting that creates dark shadows, a busy or dark background that fails to meet the light and neutral standard, or reflections on glasses lenses.
Another common issue is failing to submit the format that your specific office requires, whether that is a physical print or a digital upload. Always check with the passport authorities of the German municipalities or German diplomatic missions where you plan to apply to confirm their exact submission rules[1]. Taking these precautions helps you present a clean, clear photo for your child's travel document application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a German child passport photo?
The official size is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1].
Can my child wear glasses in the photo?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules[1], provided there is no glare and the eyes remain fully visible.
Are there special rules for babies and infants?
PassV Anlage 8 allows deviations for young children, including infants, where necessary for a usable image[1].
Does Germany still issue the separate Kinderreisepass?
No, Germany no longer issues the separate Kinderreisepass, and each child needs an individual Reisepass[1].
What kind of background do I need?
PassV Anlage 8 specifies a uniform, light, neutral background, though it allows certain deviations for children[1].