Latvian passport photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Head Height

The standard photo size is 35 by 45 mm, about 1.38 by 1.77 inches. The regulation says the face, from chin line to hairline, must take up 70–80% of the photo’s height^[1].

Print dimensions in the official regulations can be one to three millimeters larger than the standard 35 by 45 mm base^[1]. Keep these exact measurements in mind when you format your printed or digital image for your application^[1].

Check that your photo meets the size and face-height requirements in the regulation.

Who Takes the Photo and How to Submit

PMLP takes photos at its divisions. If you do not wish to be photographed there, you may submit a photo from a professional photo salon^[2].

A submitted print must be no more than three months old and have the photographer’s studio stamp on the back, with the date it was taken^[1]. PMLP also takes photos at its offices^[2].

Knowing whether you want the office to take the picture or bring your own print saves you time on the day of your appointment.

Background and Lighting Rules

Official regulations require a light background and no background shadows behind you^[1]. The rules do not specify an exact color for this background^[1].

To get good results at home, stand facing a bright window to get even light on your face. Avoid standing too close to the wall to prevent dark shadows from forming behind your head.

Turn off any overhead lamps that cast harsh yellow or orange light onto your face, and aim for natural daylight whenever possible.

Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear

The regulation requires a natural, ordinary, neutral expression^[1].

If you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible, the lenses must not be tinted or reflective, and the frames must not be heavy or cover part of your face^[1].

Headwear is allowed only if you wear it daily for religious reasons and it does not cover your face or part of it^[1].

Rules for Children and Infants

Children are photographed at a PMLP division. If you do not wish to have the child photographed there, you may submit a photo from a professional photo salon^[2].

If the child cannot sit on their own, check with PMLP about whether special photo cards are needed^[2].

Photographing babies and toddlers can be tricky, so letting the office handle the picture is often the easiest choice for families.

Tips for Taking Your Photo at Home

If you want to take a practice photo at home, keep the camera at your eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of using a selfie.

Check that your shoulders are square to the camera and your head is straight. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct proportions and verify the layout before you visit the office.

Stand up straight and look directly into the camera lens.

Preparing for Your Office Visit

When you head to the PMLP office for your Latvian passport, remember to bring all required identity documents alongside your photo materials. If you chose to use a professional photo studio, check that the studio stamp and date are clearly visible on the back of the print^[1].

Make sure your eyes are not covered by hair^[1].