Italy

Italian passport photo (35×45 mm)

Required size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in). Your photo is processed on your device.

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Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

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Photo requirements

  • Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
  • Head size: not set by the authority
  • Background: White
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Official specification

Official namePassaporto ordinario
How you hand it inPrinted photo
Photo size35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
Head height (chin to top of head)Not set by the authority
BackgroundWhite
GlassesTake them off, unless you can’t for medical reasons
Head coveringOnly for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes open

Preparing Your Italian Passport Photo

You need specific photos for an Italian passport application. Use the tool above to crop your picture to the exact official requirements.

Official Size and Dimensions

The ICAO photo guidance gives a size of 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches)[1]. The passport page says passports are issued in Italy by the Police Headquarters and abroad by diplomatic-consular offices[2].

The passport page lists two recent, identical colour photographs among the required documents[2]. Its listed size is 35×40 mm, while the ICAO photo guidance gives 35×45 mm[2][1]. Check your competent office’s instructions for the size it requires.

The photo must be printed on high-quality, high-definition paper[1]. Use the size specified by the office handling your application.

Head Position and Face Proportions

The authority does not state a numeric head-height measurement[1]. However, your face should occupy 70 to 80 percent of the photo from the chin to the forehead[1].

Keep your face centered and look directly at the camera[1].

Face the camera so your photo is not a profile view[1].

Background and Lighting

You must use a white background with uniform lighting[1]. Avoid shadows on your face or behind your head.

Use even lighting and avoid flash reflections on your face[1].

Stand a short distance away from the background wall to stop your shadow from appearing behind you. Natural daylight coming from a front-facing window often provides the most balanced lighting without harsh spots on your skin.

Expression, Glasses and Headwear

You must keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed[1]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth.

Prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes remain clear and the lenses have no flash reflections; sunglasses and heavy frames are not allowed[1]. Headwear is allowed for religious reasons only, and the outline of your face from chin to forehead, including both sides, must remain visible[1].

If you wear prescription glasses, check that your eyes are clear and that the lenses have no flash reflections[1].

Rules for Children and Minors

Minors require an individual passport in Italy[2][1]. The same photo format and ICAO requirements apply to children and babies as well[1].

The photo guidance requires open, visible eyes and a white background for all applicants, including children[1].

The photo guidance calls for a neutral expression and a closed mouth[1]. It does not list an exception for babies.

How to Take and Prepare Your Photo

You can take the photo with a camera or smartphone. The official guidance requires you to face the camera directly[1].

Use the tool above to crop your image to the size required by the office handling your application before you print it.

Check that the lighting is even across both sides of your face before snapping the photo. Review the digital image on a computer screen to verify that the face occupies the correct percentage of the total frame height.

Printing and Submitting Your Photos

After you prepare your photo, you must print it on quality photographic paper[1]. You can place your cropped photo onto a standard 4x6 inch sheet to print it at a local photo kiosk.

Check with your local Questura or consular office for their exact application instructions before you submit your documents[2][1].

Cut the printed photos to the size your office requires. The passport page lists two identical photos, but check with your office about the size and number to bring[2].

Frequently asked questions

What is the exact size of an Italian passport photo?

The ICAO photo guidance gives a size of 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches)[1]. The passport page lists 35×40 mm[2]. Check your competent office’s instructions.

Can I wear glasses in my Italian passport photo?

Glasses are allowed under conditional rules, but they must not obscure your eyes or create heavy reflections[1].

Do babies need their own passport photos?

Minors need their own travel document, such as an individual passport[2]. The ICAO photo guidance does not state a separate format for children[1].

What kind of background do I need?

You must use a white background with uniform lighting[1].

How many photos do I need to submit?

The passport page lists two recent, identical colour photographs for an ordinary passport application[2]. Consular offices may give their own instructions, so check with yours.

Can I take the photo with my smartphone?

Yes, you can use a smartphone camera if you have someone else take the picture while standing at the correct distance with proper lighting.