Bulgarian national ID card photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Submission Guidelines

The official size for a Bulgarian national ID card photo is 35 by 45 millimetres, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches. The 2026 application form labels this photo field directly as 3.5 by 4.5 centimetres^[2]. You submit a printed photo only where the application point lacks digital face-capture equipment^[2]. Otherwise, staff capture your photo on-site^[2].

If you need to bring your own printed photo, you must still follow the biometric photo requirements stated in the regulation^[1]. The head height is not set by the authority as a specific numerical value^[1]. You should keep your head centered and properly proportioned within the frame so that your features remain clearly visible.

There are specific rules for younger applicants as well. Applicants who are under fourteen years old do not sign below the photo on the form^[2]. However, this age exception does not change the photo size requirement, so you still need the correct dimensions for children^[2].

Background and Lighting Requirements

The regulation requires a colour photo and you must follow the biometric photo requirements set by the authority^[1]. The official sources do not report a specific background colour value for this document^[1]. You should aim for a plain, neutral background that contrasts well with your face and clothing.

Good lighting helps avoid shadows that might cause a refusal. Face a bright window or use soft indoor lights to illuminate your face evenly. Avoid harsh shadows under your chin, nose, or behind your head.

Expression, Glasses, and Headwear

The regulation refers to biometric photo requirements, but the provided research does not specify rules for glasses or headwear^[1].

The provided official information does not specify an expression, mouth, or eye-position rule.

Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step

If you plan to take a photo at home, you can ask someone to take it and place the camera at eye level.

Make sure your shoulders are square and your head is upright. Take several shots so you can pick the one with the best lighting and focus. Check that your entire head fits nicely within the 35 by 45 millimetre frame^[2].

Using the Tool to Prepare Your Photo

You can use the tool above to crop your image to 35 × 45 mm and arrange it on a 4 × 6 inch print sheet.

After you prepare your sheet, take it to any local photo printing kiosk. Print it out on glossy or matte photo paper at actual size without any scaling or auto-correction. Remember that staff at the application point might still capture your photo digitally if their equipment is available^[2].

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Application offices often reject photos that do not match the biometric standards^[1]. Common problems include dark shadows on the face, poor focus, or wrong dimensions^[2]. If the application point has digital face-capture equipment, staff will take the photo directly, which avoids these printing mistakes^[2].

Always confirm the current requirements with the issuing office or organisation before you submit your paperwork. Even if you prepare a printed photo at home, staff make the final decision on whether it meets the standards of the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria^[1].