Malagasy national identity card photo (40×40 mm)

Official Size and Head Measurements

For a first application, service instructions ask for three identity photos^[1]. The current decree confirms that the card includes a photo but does not specify its print dimensions^[2]. An earlier decree gives an approximate 4 by 4 centimetre size^[3].

The earlier decree gives an approximate 4 by 4 centimetre size and a minimum head height of 2 centimetres^[3]. The current decree does not state photo dimensions^[2]. Confirm the applicable size with the issuing office before printing.

Face, Ears, and Forehead Requirements

Service instructions set clear rules for how your face must look in the photo^[1]. You must keep your face completely clear and visible^[1]. Your ears and your forehead must remain uncovered and fully in view^[1].

Avoid any styles or positioning that hide these parts of your face. Keeping your features open and unobstructed helps meet the visual checks required by the issuing authority.

Glasses and Eye Rules

You are not allowed to wear glasses in your national identity card photo^[1]. Even if you wear prescription glasses every day, you must take them off before the picture is taken^[1].

This rule prevents any glare on the lenses or frames hiding your eyes. Your eyes must be wide open, clearly visible, and looking straight at the camera.

Age Rules and Eligibility

The service page describes the first application for people aged 18 and older^[1]. It does not establish that no child or infant photo rules apply in every circumstance.

For a first application, the service page gives instructions for people aged 18 and older^[1].

Printing and Submitting Your Photos

The submission process requires physical copies rather than a digital upload^[1]. For a first application, applicants must bring three printed identity photos to the office^[1].

The card is issued by the State representative with territorial jurisdiction and the Ministry of the Interior^[2]. You should print your photos clearly on standard photo paper so the details remain sharp and easy to inspect.

Taking Your Photo at Home

You can take your photo at home before you print it out at a local shop or kiosk. Stand facing a bright window to get even, natural lighting across your face without harsh shadows.

Ask someone else to take the picture for you instead of holding the camera yourself. Keep the camera lens at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half metres away from the camera to avoid any distortion of your facial features.

You can use the tool on this page to crop your photo to the correct dimensions and format it for a standard four by six inch print sheet.

Preparing Your Print Sheet

After you crop your picture to the correct size, you can arrange it on a standard four by six inch template. Take this digital file to any local photo printing kiosk or shop that handles ordinary photo prints.

Print the file as a standard four by six inch photo, then cut out your individual squares carefully with scissors or a paper cutter. You can use the tool on this page to prepare your file quickly and easily.