Benin

Beninese biometric national identity card photo (35×45 mm)

Required size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in). Your photo is processed on your device.

The issuing authority doesn't publish one photo size for this document, so the studio uses the size most often asked for. Check the current rules with the authority or organisation that issues it before you apply.

No photo selected

Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

No photo selected yet.

Photo requirements

  • Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
  • Head size: not set by the authority
  • Background: White
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Official specification

Official nameCarte Nationale d’Identité Biométrique (CNIB)
How you hand it inPrinted photo
Photo size35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
Head height (chin to top of head)Not set by the authority
BackgroundWhite
GlassesTake them off, unless you can’t for medical reasons
Head coveringOnly for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes open

Preparing Your Beninese Biometric National Identity Card Photo

Getting your photo ready for a Beninese biometric national identity card requires attention to the rules set by the issuing agency. Use this guide to understand the official details before you submit your application.

Understanding the Size and Official Guidance

The Carte Nationale d’Identité Biométrique (CNIB) is issued by the Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes (ANIP)[1]. ANIP lists one “photo bijou” as a required item, but does not define its format or dimensions[1].

ANIP does not specify photo dimensions on its CNIB service page[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a practical default, not an official requirement. Ask ANIP or your local office what format to use.

ANIP does not give a head-height measurement for the CNIB photo[1].

The Photo Bijou Requirement

The Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes lists one photo bijou as a required applicant-supplied item[1]. This specific item forms a necessary part of your identity card application packet.

However, the official service page does not define what photo bijou means beyond the required photo itself[1]. It also does not specify a precise crop size on that particular page[1].

Because the official description remains broad, you should check with local administrative offices to see what specific style or dimensions they expect at your branch. Providing the correct item prevents annoying delays in processing your biometric card. Knowing what the local office accepts keeps your application moving forward without unexpected hurdles.

Background and Visual Specifications

ANIP requires one photo bijou, but its service page does not specify a background color or photo dimensions[1].

You should keep your lighting even across your face to avoid heavy shadows under your chin or nose. Good lighting helps keep your features clear and visible to the office staff who review your identity documents.

Choose clothing that makes your face easy to see in your practice photo.

Rules for Minors and Children

Identity cards and their associated photo requirements apply to younger applicants as well as adults. A card may be issued to a minor at a parent or guardian's request[1].

ANIP does not publish separate photo rules for children[1].

If you are submitting a photo for a minor, make sure the child faces the camera directly with a neutral expression if possible. Having a helper hold a young child steady out of sight can make the process much easier for everyone involved.

Taking Your Photo at Home

You can take your ID photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to capture a clear shot of your upper body and head.

Face a bright window to get natural light on your face without using harsh camera flashes. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture rather than trying to take a selfie, which often distorts facial proportions.

You can use the tool above to crop an image to 35×45 mm, a practical size that ANIP does not specify.

Printing and Submitting Your Photo

ANIP lists one photo bijou as a required item[1]. The service page does not specify whether it must be printed or uploaded.

You can use the tool above to make a sheet you can print as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo at a local print kiosk. This gives you multiple copies on a single standard photo paper sheet for a low cost.

Cut the photos carefully along the edges before you attach them to your paperwork. Always double-check your local office instructions to confirm your printed sheet meets their physical counter requirements before you arrive for your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official size for a Beninese national ID photo?

ANIP does not specify photo dimensions on its service page[1]. A 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) crop is a practical default, not an official size.

What does photo bijou mean?

The Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes lists one photo bijou as an applicant-supplied item, but the service page does not define what it means beyond the required photo or specify crop dimensions[1].

What background color should I use?

ANIP does not specify a background color or photo dimensions on its service page[1].

Can minors get a biometric national identity card?

Yes, a card may be issued to a minor at a parent or guardian's request[1], though no separate child photo rules are published[1].

How do I submit the photo?

ANIP lists one photo bijou as a required item, but does not specify its format[1].