Preparing Your French National Identity Card Photo
Get your photo ready for your French national identity card in Réunion by following the official rules and requirements.
Official Size and Document Rules
Your application for a Carte nationale d'identité (CNI) requires a recent printed photo[1]. The standard photo size is 35 by 45 mm, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The Ministry of the Interior issues these identity cards, and your application is received by an equipped mairie[1]. You must supply one recent printed photo that meets all official standards[1].
Make sure you check all requirements before you start your application process. Getting the dimensions right from the start saves you time and trouble.
Background and Lighting Standards
Photo must conform to the French identity-photo standard; the checked page does not state a background color[1].
When you take your picture, find a plain space without any patterns or objects behind you. Stand a short distance away from the background wall to avoid harsh shadows.
Make sure your face has bright, even light on both sides with no dark spots or glare. Natural light from a large window works very well for this step and keeps your skin tones looking natural. Turn off your camera flash to avoid red-eye and strange lighting reflections on your face.
Head Height and Framing
The official rules state that head height is not set by the authority.
Center your head and shoulders in the frame so your entire face is clearly visible to the person reviewing your application. Keep the camera at your exact eye level and about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Look straight into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and visible. Keep your expression neutral and your mouth fully closed while the photo is taken. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to either side.
Rules for Children and Minors
Minors also require a photo and must attend the application appointment with a legal representative[1].
If you are preparing an application for a child or a baby, they must still follow the standard size rules. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment with the child.
Make sure the child looks directly at the camera and keeps their head straight. For infants, you can lay them on a plain sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Make sure no adult hands or toys appear in the final frame.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone with a good lens. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself to avoid distortion and bad angles.
Stand facing a bright window for natural, soft light on your face. After you take the picture, you can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions without losing quality.
Check the crop lines carefully to meet the size rules before you save your work.
Printing and Submitting Your Photo
The application requires a physical, printed copy of your photo[1].
You can place your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet to print at a local shop or a photo kiosk. Cut the printed photo carefully along the edges to the exact size required using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter.
Bring the final print to your appointment at your local equipped mairie along with your other paperwork[1]. Keep the photo clean and free of bends or fingerprints.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Local offices reject photos that do not meet the official standards. Common reasons for refusal include bad lighting, shadows on the face, incorrect head position, or poor print quality.
Always check your printed photo under good light before you go to your appointment. If the photo is blurry, dark, or has marks on the surface, you should print a new copy to avoid having to reschedule your visit to the office.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify everything pays off when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a French national identity card?
The standard photo size is 35 by 45 mm[1].
Who issues the identity card and receives the application?
The Ministry of the Interior issues the identity cards, and your application is received by an equipped mairie[1].
Do children need a photo for their identity card?
Yes, minors also require a photo and must attend the application appointment with a legal representative[1].
Should I submit a digital file or a printed photo?
The application requires a physical, printed photo[1].
What background color is required?
Photo must conform to the French identity-photo standard; the checked page does not state a background color[1].