Preparing Your Grenada Police Certificate of Character Photo
Getting a photo for your Grenada Certificate of Character requires careful attention to specific rules set by the police[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the right size before you print it.
Understanding the Photo Requirements
The Royal Grenada Police Force Criminal Records Office manages the Certificate of Character[1]. When you apply for this document, you must submit three identical passport-size photos with your paperwork[1][2]. The authority publishes no single official size, but 35×45 mm is the size most often asked for[1].
Because official guidelines can vary, you should always confirm the exact size with the issuing office or organisation before you prepare your application. Getting this right from the start prevents unnecessary delays in processing your background check.
Size and Framing Details
Even though the official dimensions are not strictly published by the police force, studios typically use 35×45 mm, which equals 1.38×1.77 inches[1]. The head height is not set by the authority, but you should center your head properly within the frame. When you frame your shot, leave a comfortable amount of space around your head and shoulders.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the 35×45 mm dimensions easily on your own device. Make sure your final crop looks balanced before you print it out for your application.
Facial Positioning and Hairline Rules
Your facial positioning must follow strict guidelines to pass inspection. You need to face the camera directly with a straight frontal view, looking straight ahead[1][2].
Both your hairline and your ears must be completely visible in the photograph[1][2]. If your hair covers your ears or drops down over your forehead, you need to pin it back before taking the picture. Every part of your face from your chin to your hairline must remain clear and unobstructed by hair or clothing.
Glasses and Headwear Restrictions
The requirements say “No glasses”[1][2]. They do not describe different eyewear types or say that a photo will be rejected immediately.
Headwear is unspecified in the formal guidelines, but your entire face, including your hairline and ears, must remain fully exposed[1][2]. Avoid wearing hats, caps, or large headbands that obscure your features in any way.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your own photo at home using a smartphone or digital camera without visiting a studio. Stand facing a bright window to get natural, even light on your face and avoid dark shadows behind you.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of attempting a selfie, which distorts facial proportions. Hold the camera steady at your exact eye level, standing about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Take several test shots so you can pick the one with the best lighting, clearest focus, and correct head position.
Printing Your Photos for Submission
The application process requires physical printed copies rather than a digital file upload[1]. You need to provide three printed photographs that meet all the visual standards[1][2].
You can arrange your cropped 35×45 mm image onto an ordinary 4×6-inch photo template using the tool above. Save the resulting sheet to your phone or USB drive and take it to a local retail store or print kiosk. Print it out on standard 4×6-inch glossy or matte photo paper, then carefully cut out the three individual pictures with scissors or a paper cutter.
Avoiding Common Refusal Reasons
Many applications get delayed because the applicant submits substandard photos. Common mistakes include wearing glasses, hiding the ears or hairline behind hair, or providing fewer than the required three copies[1][2].
Poor lighting, blurry focus, and incorrect sizing also lead to rejected paperwork. Double-check every detail of your printed pictures against the official rules before you mail or deliver them to the authorities. Taking a few extra minutes to verify your photos saves you time and frustration during the police clearance process.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos do I need to submit?
What size should the photo be?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35×45 mm is the size most often asked for[1]. You should confirm this measurement with the issuing office.
Do I need to show my ears and hairline?
Are digital file submissions accepted?
The application requires printed physical photos rather than digital uploads[1].