French National Identity Card Photo Requirements
Prepare your French national identity card photo correctly by following official rules for dimensions, background, and appearance. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the right proportions.
Official Size and Head Measurements
Your identity card photo must measure 35 by 45 millimeters, which translates to about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. This exact dimension is required for your Carte nationale d'identité application[1][2].
In addition to the overall size, the head height has strict limits that you must measure carefully. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters[1]. Getting these measurements right prevents processing delays when you submit your paperwork at your local office. You should check both dimensions using a clear ruler if you are cropping an image yourself before printing.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The background behind you must follow strict color and pattern guidelines set by the government. You must use a uniform light-colored background; official examples include light blue or light grey. White is prohibited[1].
Make sure your background does not have any patterns, textures, or household objects visible in the frame. Even lighting helps keep the background clean and helps the camera record your face with high contrast. Avoid standing near textured walls or wallpaper that might show up in the final print.
Facial Expression and Eye Position
Your facial expression must remain completely neutral during the photo capture. You must keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows[1].
Look directly into the camera lens so your face points straight ahead without tilting. Your eyes must be wide open, fully visible, and free from any hair or shadows blocking your vision. A natural, neutral look is mandatory for proper personal identification and biometric matching.
Glasses and Headwear Rules
Rules regarding glasses and headwear require close attention to detail. If you wear prescription glasses, they are allowed only under conditional rules[1]. Your frames must not block your eyes, and the lenses must be completely free of glare, dark tints, or heavy rims.
Hats, caps, and headbands are generally banned from identity pictures. Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1], and it must not cast shadows or hide any part of your face from your chin to your forehead.
Rules for Children and Infants
Applying for a national identity card for a child or infant comes with specific considerations. The same photo rules apply to children as they do for adult applicants[1][2]. The applicant supplies one photo for the child's file[1][2].
Photographing infants can be challenging, so you can place the baby on a plain light-colored sheet that matches the background requirements. Make sure the child faces the camera directly with eyes open and mouth closed if possible. You might need someone else to help hold or distract the baby safely while taking the shot.
Printed Submission and Where to Get Photos
The issuing authority requires a specific submission format for your pictures. Your application needs one recent printed photo from an authorized photographer or approved booth[1][2].
Submit the printed photo with your application[1]. The application is received at the applicant's mairie[2].
Preparing Your Photo at Home
Taking a practice picture at home can help you check your pose, lighting, and framing before you visit an official booth. You can stand facing a bright window to get even, natural light on your face without harsh shadows.
Keep the camera at your exact eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face to avoid distortion. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct proportions for practice, but remember that the final application requires a valid printed photo from an approved provider[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What size does my French identity card photo need to be?
Your photo must measure 35 by 45 millimeters, with the head height measuring 32 to 36 millimeters from the chin to the top of the head[1].
What background colors are allowed?
You must use a uniform light-colored background; official examples include light blue or light grey. White is prohibited[1].
Can I wear glasses in my ID photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules[1]. Your eyes must be completely visible, the frames must not obscure your eyes, and there must be no glare on the lenses.