French Child and Baby Passport Photo Requirements
You need a correct printed photo for a French minor passport application in Réunion[1]. Follow these official rules to prepare your photo before you visit the application counter[1].
Official Size and Submission Rules
The standard French photo size is 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches). You must provide one recent printed photo with your application[1]. You apply at a mairie equipped to process passport applications[1].
The application counter also captures a photo for the biometric passport[1]. Prepare your printed photo before your appointment. You can use the tool above to format it for printing.
Head Height and Framing Details
The cited page does not give a specific head-height measurement[1]. Center the child in the frame and keep the head and shoulders visible.
Proper framing helps your facial features remain easy to see. You can use the tool above to check the 35x45 mm dimensions and position the face correctly inside the border. Make sure the camera stays level with the child's face to prevent distortion.
Background and Lighting Standards
The child passport page requires a recent photo that follows the identity-photo standard, but it does not specify a background color[1]. A plain background can help keep the child visible.
Good lighting is essential for a clear picture. Face a large window with soft natural light to illuminate the front of the child's face evenly. Avoid placing the child directly against the wall to prevent harsh shadows from forming behind them.
Rules for Infants and Minors
These official regulations apply to all minors, including newborn babies[1]. The child must appear at the counter with a legal representative, and a separate photo is required for the file[1]. Babies do not need to maintain a rigid posture, but their faces must be clearly visible.
For an infant, choose a setup that lets you take a clear photo. The official information provided here does not specify a required infant pose or mouth position.
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The official guidelines leave rules for glasses and headwear unspecified for this specific child passport category[1]. Try to keep the child's expression natural and neutral if they are old enough to understand instructions. Keep hair brushed away from the eyes and face so features are fully visible.
The cited source does not specify rules for glasses or headwear. Check the current photo instructions before taking the picture.
Taking and Printing Your Photo at Home
Set up your camera or smartphone about 1 to 1.5 meters away from the child. Keep the lens at the exact eye level of the subject to maintain natural proportions. Take several shots so you have options to choose from when selecting the best expression and lighting.
Upload your chosen picture to prepare a standard 4x6-inch print sheet. Take your digital file on a memory card or your phone to a local store kiosk that prints ordinary 4x6-inch photos. Print the sheet on standard glossy or matte photo paper. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a paper cutter to trim the photo down to the exact 35x45 mm dimensions.
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
Check that the photo is clear and follows the identity-photo standard before printing.
Incorrect dimensions or poor print quality on the 4x6 sheet can lead to problems at the mairie. Measure your final cut photo with a ruler to confirm it measures 35x45 mm. Bringing a clean, crisp, and properly sized photo helps your application appointment go ahead without trouble.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a French child passport photo?
The official size is 35x45 mm, which is 1.38x1.77 inches[1].
Do babies need a separate passport photo in Réunion?
Yes, a separate photo is required for minors including babies, and the child must appear at the counter with a legal representative[1].
Does the authority require a specific background color?
The child passport page requires a recent photo conforming to the standard but does not specify a color[1].
Should I submit a printed or digital photo?
You must supply one recent printed photo for the application[1].
Who handles the passport application and photo capture?
The Ministry of the Interior handles passport applications received by an equipped mairie, and the photo is captured for the biometric passport at the application counter[1].