Brazilian National Identity Card Photo Requirements
Find the exact photo sizes, background details, and submission rules for your Brazilian national identity card application.
Official Photo Size and Format
The national CIN standard specifies a 3x4 cm photo format[1]. In Minas Gerais, a photo may be supplied for a child who cannot pose without support[2]. Check your local office's instructions because photo procedures vary by state.
The national rules specify a 3x4 cm format and an ICAO facial-image standard[1]. They do not specify a head-height measurement for an applicant-supplied photo.
Photo procedures vary by state, so check your local office's instructions before printing or submitting a photo. The CIN is available in printed and digital forms[3].
Where the Photo is Taken
How your photo is taken depends entirely on the state or local civil identification office handling your request[3][2]. Issuing arrangements vary widely across the country under the federal CIN standard[3].
Some locations will take your picture directly at the service desk during your in-person appointment using their own digital equipment, while other offices might ask you to bring a printed photo for your file[3][2].
Photo procedures vary by location, so check the instructions from your issuing office[3]. The national information model specifies facial-image data for the CIN[4].
Background and File Limits
The law specifies a 3 by 4 centimeter format and the ICAO facial-image standard, but the nationwide source does not give a plain-language background color[3][1][4]. Because of this lack of a single national color rule, you should check local guidelines or choose a plain, neutral background if you are preparing a photo on your own.
The national information model lists a maximum facial-image file size of 200 KB[4]. It does not establish that applicants upload a photo through an official portal or that exceeding the limit causes a rejection.
Keeping the file size small helps you meet the technical rules without losing important image clarity.
Rules for Children and Infants
The identity card is available to people of any age, ranging from newborn infants to older adults[3][2]. Local issuing offices set the specific capture procedures for young applicants and children[3][2].
Some offices require a supplied 3x4 cm photo in particular cases. In Minas Gerais, this applies to children who cannot pose without support[2].
If you are applying for a baby or a young child, contact the local office ahead of time to find out whether you need to bring physical printed photos to the appointment[3][2]. Understanding these rules for minors helps prevent delays when you visit the identification center.
Taking Your Photo at Home
If your local office requires you to bring a physical photo, you can take one at home using a digital camera or a smartphone[3][2]. Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting on your face without creating dark shadows under your eyes or chin.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of trying to hold the camera for a selfie, and keep the device at eye level about one meter away from you. Check that your face is fully visible and that you meet the ICAO facial-image standard mentioned in the national rules[3][1].
Taking your time with these steps gives you a clear and well-lit picture.
Preparing Your Print Sheet
When you need to crop your image to the correct 30 by 40 millimeter dimensions, you can use the tool above to fit the official size right in your web browser[3][1]. Your photo stays on your device and never leaves your phone or computer, keeping your personal images private.
You can arrange your cropped picture onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet so you can print it easily as an ordinary photo at a local print kiosk. Remember to verify all final rules with your issuing office before you submit your application materials[3][2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for the Brazilian national identity card?
Can I submit a digital file for my application?
Yes, digital submission is supported, and the maximum file size allowed is 200 kilobytes[4].
Do I always need to bring my own printed photo to the appointment?
What background color should my photo have?
How can I prepare my printed photo sheet easily?
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the correct size and arrange it onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet for printing at a kiosk.