Preparing Your Lithuanian Identity Card Photo
Learn the official rules for your Lithuanian identity card photo and find out how to prepare and check your image at home before you apply.
Official Size and Head Measurements
The official guidance says the photo is printed on a 40×60 mm sheet, with a 35×45 mm area that can be cut out. The chin-to-top-of-head distance in that crop must be 31–35 mm[1].
The photo guidance sets these measurements for the crop to show your face at the required size[1]. You do not need to bring a finished photo for the identity card application. Practicing at home can help you understand the proportions.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo needs a very bright, monochrome and even background with no shadows[1]. If you have very light hair, a darker grey background may be used to maintain contrast between your hair and the wall behind you[1].
Stand facing a soft light source, like a large window, to avoid harsh dark spots on the wall or uneven lighting on your face. Natural daylight helps create an even, bright background without needing expensive studio equipment. Check your final image carefully to confirm the lighting illuminates both sides of your face equally. Avoid standing too close to the wall, as this can cast unwanted shadows behind your head.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Look at the camera with a neutral expression. The photo will be rejected if you make faces, laugh, frown, or have your mouth open[1]. Keep your mouth closed and look straight at the camera.
Applicants who wear glasses daily should be pictured wearing them. The lenses must not be tinted or colored, frames must not cover any part of the eyes, and flash reflections are not allowed[1]. Head coverings are generally not allowed; exceptional cases have specific conditions, including visibility of the eyes, eyebrows, cheeks, and chin[1].
Rules for Babies and Young Children
Photographing infants and toddlers for official identity documents requires special care and patience. For babies, a smaller face is allowed if needed to avoid blur or distortion, but the head height must still exceed 25 millimeters[1].
Children up to one year may be photographed while held, lying down, or sitting in a chair. The photo must show the child alone, with no other people or items visible[1]. If you hold your baby, make sure your hands or clothing do not appear in the final crop.
How the Migration Department Handles Photos
You do not have to bring a finished physical print from a photo booth for the identity card application.
You can use a practice image to check the photo guidance before your application. Reviewing your appearance beforehand can help you know what to expect.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo at Home
Ask a friend or family member to take your picture using a digital camera or smartphone rather than trying a selfie. Keep the camera at your exact eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face to prevent facial distortion.
Stand against a plain, very bright wall that meets the monochrome and shadow-free rules[1]. Afterward, upload your image to the tool above to crop it to the correct size and check your head measurements against the official limits.
Checking Your Photo and Crop
Look closely at your digital photo before you finish. Measure the distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head to confirm it falls between 31 and 35 millimeters[1].
Check that your shoulders are square to the camera and your head is centered in the middle of the frame. If you notice any shadows under your chin or behind your ears, step away from the wall and adjust your lighting source before taking another shot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a Lithuanian identity card photo?
The official size is 35 by 45 millimeters[1].
Can I wear glasses in my identity card photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so authorities may refuse photos with eyewear[1].
Do I need to submit my own printed photo to the office?
You do not have to bring a finished printed photo for the identity card application.
What are the background requirements for the picture?
The background must be very bright, monochrome and even; no shadows, though a darker grey background may be used for very light hair to maintain contrast[1].
How should a baby be photographed for the card?
Children up to one year may be photographed held, lying down or seated, and the head height must exceed 25 millimeters[1].