Photo Requirements for the Beninese Personal Identification Certificate
Preparing a photo for your Certificat d’Identification Personnelle in Benin requires careful attention to detail. You can use the tool above to help format your image correctly.
Official Size and Guidelines
The Certificat d’Identification Personnelle (CIP) is an identity document issued by the Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes (ANIP)[1]. ANIP says the CIP carries the holder’s photo, but does not say whether applicants supply it or specify photo dimensions[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a practical default, not an official size.
Ask ANIP or your local office whether you need to supply a photo and what format to use.
Background and Lighting
ANIP does not publish photo dimensions or background instructions for the CIP[1]. The 35×45 mm crop is a practical default based on common identity-photo practice.
Good lighting makes your face clear and visible in the final picture. Try to face a bright window or use soft indoor lighting to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Avoid standing directly under heavy overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your eyes and nose.
Head Height and Framing
ANIP does not set a head-height measurement for the CIP[1]. Center your face in the frame as a practical choice.
Position your camera carefully before you take the picture. Keep the camera lens level with your eyes and place it about one to one and a half meters away from your face to prevent any lens distortion. Leave a small, balanced amount of space above your hair and on both sides of your shoulders.
Glasses, Headwear and Expression
Official rules for glasses, head coverings, and facial expressions are unspecified by the issuing agency[1]. If you choose to wear prescription glasses, make sure there is no annoying glare or flash reflection on the lenses and that your eyes remain clearly visible to anyone inspecting the card.
ANIP does not specify headwear rules[1]. For a clear photo, keep your face visible and look toward the camera.
Rules for Children and Infants
ANIP does not publish separate photo guidance for children applying for the CIP[1].
If you take a photo of an infant, try laying the child down on a plain white or light-colored sheet on the floor to keep them steady. Make sure the child faces the camera directly with their eyes open and expression calm. You can ask another person to stand behind the camera and help grab the child's attention.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
Once you capture a clear picture, you can prepare it easily for your application. You can use the tool above to crop your image down to the 35×45 mm size quickly right in your web browser. The photo never leaves your device, which keeps your personal files completely private and safe.
You can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch photo sheet and print it out at any ordinary retail photo kiosk. Make sure your printer settings are adjusted to actual size without any automatic scaling. Check your printed sheet with a metric ruler to verify the dimensions match before you cut the pictures out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for the CIP in Benin?
ANIP does not specify a photo size for the CIP[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a practical default, not an official requirement.
Does ANIP require a specific background color?
ANIP does not publish photo dimensions or background instructions for the CIP[1].
What are the official head height rules for this document?
Head height is not set by the authority[1].
Are glasses and headwear allowed in the photo?
Glasses and headwear regulations are unspecified in the official guidance provided by the issuing agency[1].
Are there special photo rules for infants and young children?
There is no separate child-specific photo guidance published by ANIP for this certificate[1].