Preparing Your French Passport Photo
Get your French passport photo right the first time by following official size and quality rules. Use the tool above to crop your photo correctly before printing.
Official Size and Head Measurements
A French passport photo must measure 35 × 45 mm[1]. Check the printed photo against these dimensions before submitting it.
Getting the head size right is just as important as the outer dimensions. The head height must measure 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1]. If your head is too large or too small within the frame, the office may reject your application. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct proportions easily.
Background and Lighting Rules
The background behind you must meet specific color standards to make your face stand out clearly. You need a plain light-colored background such as light blue or light grey; white is prohibited[1]. Avoid any textured walls, wallpaper, or hanging objects that might create distractions in the final image.
White backgrounds are prohibited[1]. Use a plain light-colored background, such as light blue or light grey, and avoid shadows[1].
Facial Expression and Mouth
Use a neutral expression and look directly at the camera[1].
Keep your mouth closed and your eyes open and visible[1].
Glasses and Headwear Restrictions
Head coverings are prohibited[1].
If you wear prescription eyewear, the rules are conditional[1]. Your frames must not block your eyes, and heavy frames can often cause problems. Furthermore, your lenses must not produce any light glare or reflections. Many applicants simply remove their glasses to avoid any risk of refusal due to lens reflections.
Rules for Infants and Children
No separate infant photo exception is specified, so the general photo dimensions and rules apply[1].
Photographing a baby can test your patience because they move around constantly. You may need to lay the child on a plain light-colored sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Take multiple shots to capture a moment when the child looks toward the lens with a closed mouth.
Printing and Submission Guidelines
The photo submission is printed[1]. Check with the authorized French enrollment location serving your application for where and how to submit it[2].
Provide one recent photo that meets the official specifications[1]. If using a 4 × 6-inch print sheet, check that the cropped photo remains 35 × 45 mm when printed.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Use a plain, light-colored background; white is prohibited. The photo must not have shadows on the face or background[1].
Other frequent issues involve incorrect head heights or tilting your head to the side. If your head height falls outside the 32 to 36 mm range from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, the agent will turn it down[1]. Checking these measurements carefully before you print saves you time and prevents delays in your travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a white background for my French passport photo?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
What is the correct head height for the picture?
Your head height must measure 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
Do babies need a different photo size?
Infants follow the same photo rules and use the exact same dimensions, as there is no separate infant exception found[1].