Colombian national identity card photo (40×50 mm)

Official Size and Head Dimensions

When an operator requires you to provide a physical photograph for your Colombian national identity card, you must follow strict size standards^[1]. The official dimensions are 40 by 50 millimeters, which translates to 4 by 5 centimeters^[1].

Within this rectangular frame, your head must occupy a very specific portion of the total space^[1]. The distance measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head needs to fall between 35 and 40 millimeters^[1].

This precise head height corresponds to a 70 to 80 percent proportion of the entire image height^[1]. Getting these measurements right prevents rejection by the local office handling your paperwork.

How the National Civil Registry Handles Photos

The official identification document is known as the cédula de ciudadanía, while the modern version is called the cédula digital^[2][3]. The government organization responsible for issuing these identification cards is the National Civil Registry, officially called the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil^[2][3].

For a first issuance, the authority normally captures your photograph directly at their office during your appointment^[2][3]. Because of this direct capture method, applicants rarely need to supply their own pictures^[1].

However, the 40 by 50 millimeter size specifications and the 70 to 80 percent face-height proportions remain published specifically for cases where an operator explicitly requires an applicant-provided image^[1].

Background and Lighting Setup

Setting up the correct background requires careful attention to the official rules set by the issuing body. The current photo guidance from the authority requires a uniform background, but it does not name a specific color to use^[1].

To prepare your photo space at home, find a plain, solid wall that matches this requirement without patterns or textures. Good lighting is just as important as the background itself.

Face a large window with soft daylight to illuminate your features evenly. Avoid standing directly under harsh overhead lamps, because overhead lighting creates deep shadows beneath your eyes and nose.

Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you, keeping the camera lens at your exact eye level about one to one and a half meters away.

Facial Expression and Mouth Rules

The official guidance says the photo must show a closed mouth^[1].

Keep your mouth closed for the photo^[1].

The guidance requires a full frontal face^[1].

Glasses and Headwear Restrictions

The registry advises applicants to avoid dark lenses and preferably to take the photo without glasses^[1]. It refers exceptions to a separate memorandum.

The registry does not allow dark lenses and prefers photos without glasses. It refers religious, cultural, medical, and other exceptions to a separate memorandum^[1].

Check the separate memorandum for guidance on religious, cultural, medical, and other exceptions^[1].

Age Rules and Submitting Your Document

Understanding who the document is for helps clarify the application process and avoids confusion. Rules for infants do not apply to this specific process because the cédula de ciudadanía is issued strictly for adults^[1].

When you prepare your application, remember that the tool above can help you crop and format your image to the required dimensions. Always check with your local issuing office to confirm whether you need to bring printed physical photos or if the digital capture method applies to your specific appointment^[2][3].

Taking these practical steps helps you stay prepared for your visit.

Printing and Submitting Your Physical Photo

If your local office accepts or requires a physical printed photograph, you must pay attention to print quality. You can arrange your cropped 40 by 50 millimeter image onto a standard 4 by 6 inch template for printing at a local photo kiosk.

Check that the print has sharp focus and neutral color tones without ink streaks or pixelation. Do not cut the photo until you verify the exact dimensions with a ruler.

Submitting a clear, well-printed copy helps your paperwork move forward without unnecessary delays.