Official Requirements for Your French Passport Photo
Get your French passport photo right the first time by following the exact official rules for size, background, and head height.
Official Size and Dimensions
Your French passport photo must measure 35 by 45 mm, about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The head height inside the frame must measure between 32 and 36 mm[1]. You must measure this distance straight from the bottom of your chin to the very top of your head[1]. Do not include your hair volume if it extends past the crown of your head. Keeping your head centered within these exact measurements stops delays and helps your paperwork move forward.
Background and Lighting Rules
The background behind you must follow strict color rules set by the authorities. It needs to be uniform, light, light blue or light gray[1]. White is strictly forbidden for your background[1]. You must avoid patterned walls, dark colors, or textured wallpaper.
Lighting is just as important as the background color. Make sure you have bright, even light on your face without harsh shadows. Standing facing a window provides soft natural light that illuminates your features clearly. Check the wall behind you to confirm no dark shadows appear from your head or shoulders.
Expression, Eyes, and Glasses
Your facial expression must remain completely neutral during the photo capture[1]. You must keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows[1]. Look directly into the camera lens so your eyes are wide open and clearly visible[1].
If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you must follow specific conditions[1]. The frames must not block your eyes in any way, and tinted lenses are completely forbidden[1]. Thick frames that cross your eye line will cause the photo to be refused. Take off your glasses if you are unsure whether the frames are too thick.
Head Coverings and Hair
Head coverings are not permitted in your passport photo[1].
Your hair must be tucked away or worn in a way that does not cast shadows on your face or hide your facial structure[1]. Every part of your face, including your cheeks and jawline, must be clearly visible to the person checking your documents.
Rules for Babies and Children
Babies and children must follow the same strict rules as adults. Infants and young children require their own individual photo and cannot share a picture with a parent or guardian[2].
Children need their own photo and follow the same photo standards as adults[1][2].
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
French passport applications require physical printed photos rather than digital uploads[2]. You need to prepare your image correctly before printing.
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the exact official dimensions and arrange it onto a standard 4 by 6-inch print sheet. Take this digital sheet to a local photo kiosk and print it as an ordinary 4 by 6-inch photograph. Once printed, cut out the individual photos carefully using scissors or a paper cutter, making sure not to bend or mark the image surface.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Knowing common reasons for refusal helps you avoid mistakes. Applications frequently get delayed because the background is white, the head measurements are wrong, or the person is smiling[1]. Check every detail against the official rules before you submit your paperwork.
In Martinique, you supply the photo because a mairie counter photo is not the local standard[2]. You can use the tool above to check your framing and confirm your layout matches the official requirements before printing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my French passport photo?
What background color do I need?
The background must be uniform, light, light blue or light gray, and white is strictly forbidden[1].
What are the exact photo dimensions?
The photo must measure 35 by 45 mm, with a head height of 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
Do babies need their own passport photos?
How do I submit the photo in Martinique?
You supply the printed photo yourself, as a mairie counter photo is not the local standard[2].