French Passport Photo Requirements and Size Guide
Get the exact photo you need for your French passport application by following official size rules and taking your picture correctly. You can prepare your photo at home and print it easily.
Official Size and Dimensions
Your French passport photo must follow strict size and dimension rules set by the French Ministry of the Interior[1]. Getting these measurements right is important before you submit your paperwork.
The official size for the photo is 35 by 45 millimeters, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. When you measure your face within this frame, specific vertical limits apply. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure strictly between 32 and 36 millimeters[1]. This helps your head take up the correct proportion of the picture so the issuing office accepts it.
Background and Lighting
The environment behind you plays a direct role in whether your photo passes inspection. You must use a plain, light-coloured background such as light blue or light grey; white is prohibited[1]. Never use a background with patterns, textures, or dark tones, because official guidelines ban them completely.
Proper lighting is just as important as the backdrop color. Make sure light falls evenly across your face without casting harsh shadows. Standing in front of a large window during daylight hours usually provides soft, natural illumination without extra gear.
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Facial expression rules are strict for French identity documents. You must maintain a completely neutral expression on your face when the camera clicks[1]. Keep your mouth firmly closed and do not smile, smirk, or part your lips[1].
Your eyes must be open and looking at the camera. If you wear glasses, the frames must not hide your eyes, and the lenses must not be tinted or reflective[1]. Headwear is allowed only for religious or medical reasons[1].
Rules for Children and Babies
The same photo format and general rules apply to children, including babies[1].
The photo must use a plain, light-colored background such as light blue or light gray; white is prohibited[1]. You generally supply the photo yourself. At some overseas counters, it may be taken there only if no professional photographer is available[2][3].
How to Take Your Photo at Home
Have your passport photo taken by an authorized photographer or in a booth using an approved system[1].
Keep the camera at your exact eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Check that your posture is straight and your expression is neutral. Once you capture a clear image, you can use the tool above to crop your photo to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter size.
Printing and Submission
You must supply one recent photo for your application[1][2]. In some overseas locations, it may be taken at the counter if no professional photographer is available[3].
After preparing your digital image, you can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6-inch photo sheet using the tool above. Take this sheet to a local print kiosk, print it as an ordinary 4 by 6-inch photo, and cut out your passport picture carefully along the lines.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Knowing why photos get rejected saves you time during your application process. The most common reason for refusal is an incorrect head height, so verify that your chin-to-crown measurement falls within the 32 to 36 millimeter range[1].
Other frequent grounds for rejection include smiling with an open mouth, wearing prohibited white backgrounds[1], or having heavy frames that block your eyes. Glare on glasses, shadows on the face, and head tilt will also cause authorities to reject the submission. Reviewing every detail beforehand prevents application delays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my French passport photo?
What background color do I need for the photo?
You must use a plain, light-coloured background such as light blue or light grey; white is prohibited[1].
What is the correct head height measurement?
The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters[1].
Are babies and children required to follow these rules?
Yes, the same photo format and rules apply to children, including babies[1].
How many photos must I submit with my application?
You must supply one recent photo for your application[1].