Moroccan National Identity Card Photo Requirements
Preparing your Moroccan national identity card photo requires attention to specific official guidelines. Follow these instructions to format and submit your picture correctly.
Official Size and Document Basics
The official size for your Moroccan national identity card photo, known as the البطاقة الوطنية للتعريف الإلكترونية and the Carte Nationale d’Identité Électronique or CNIE, is 35 by 45 millimeters, which equals 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1][2]. The Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale issues this identification card within the Kingdom of Morocco[1][2]. The cited legislation confirms the official portrait-bearing format of the document[2].
When you apply through consular services abroad, you must supply four recent colour photos of this exact dimension[1]. The authority has not set a specific numerical rule for head height in millimeters[1][2]. You should still keep your head centered and sized proportionally inside the frame to maintain a clear view of your features.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
Consular application instructions for applicants abroad request recent colour face photos against a light background[1]. Domestic photo-capture procedures and exact colour details are not specified in the cited legislation[1][2]. You must pay close attention to these distinctions depending on where you submit your application.
To capture a clear image at home, face a soft light source such as a window so shadows do not fall behind you. Avoid using bright overhead lamps that cause harsh glares on your skin or reflections on the wall. Keep your shoulders square to the camera and maintain a relaxed, natural posture without tilting your head.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Appearance
Consular instructions for applicants abroad request that your face remains uncovered and you do not wear dark glasses[1]. The rules regarding regular prescription glasses are conditional, meaning officials can refuse your photo if frames block your eyes or create glare[1]. Headwear is unspecified in the primary legislation governing the national identity card[2].
Keep your hair combed away from your eyes and face so authorities can easily verify your identity. The issuing authority does not list strict rules for mouth position or facial expressions[1][2], but maintaining a neutral face with your mouth closed is a safe practice. Clear visibility of your facial features prevents unnecessary delays during your application process.
Rules for Children and Minors
The CNIE can be issued to minors under the age of 16 at a legal representative's request[2]. The law does not state any distinct photo dimensions specifically for children[2]. This means minors follow the same general sizing requirements as adults when submitting consular applications.
If you take a photo for an infant or young child, lay them down on a plain light sheet or hold them against a plain wall if they cannot sit independently. Make sure no adult hands, arms, or support objects appear in the final frame. Position the camera lens directly at the child's eye level to prevent facial distortion.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can use a digital camera or a smartphone to capture your picture before you prepare it for printing. Place the camera about one to one and a half meters away from your face at exact eye level. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie, because holding the camera at arm length distorts facial proportions. Good lighting and a steady hand keep your features sharp and clear.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter size. This step helps you check your framing, centering, and margins before you create a final printable file.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
Domestic photo-capture procedures vary, and local processing may capture your photo directly at the office depending on your application channel[1][2]. For applicants abroad, consular services require four printed colour photos[1]. You must verify your specific submission channel before preparing physical copies.
For a consular application abroad, prepare four printed colour photos at 35 by 45 mm[1]. Confirm with the relevant office whether you need to provide printed photos for a domestic application.
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
Consular instructions require recent colour photos, a light background, an uncovered face, and no dark glasses[1].
Always check that your printout matches the exact 35 by 45 millimeter dimensions without stretching or shrinking. Taking time to verify these details helps you avoid extra trips to the application office.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Moroccan ID photo?
The consular photo size is 35 by 45 millimeters, which is 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Moroccan ID photo?
Does the authority set a specific head height rule?
How many photos do I need to submit?
Can I take the photo with my phone?
Yes, you can take the photo with a phone, provided you use good lighting and have someone else take the picture to avoid distortion.