Romanian Passport Photo Requirements and Preparation
Learn about the photo rules for a Romanian electronic ordinary passport and how you can prepare using the tool above.
How the Passport Authority Takes Your Photo
For a Romanian electronic ordinary passport (Pașaport simplu electronic), the Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte from the Ministry of Internal Affairs captures the applicant’s facial image at the counter[1]. Applicants do not supply a printed photo.
The authority does not publish a required print size for the passport photo[1]. A 35 by 45 mm crop is a practical option, not an official requirement. Applicants do not submit home prints for the electronic passport[1].
Staff take your picture during your appointment, so you do not need to bring a printed photo.
Background and Lighting Rules
The authority captures the facial image at the counter against a neutral, light-coloured background. The cited guidance does not prescribe a specific colour[1].
For a personal practice photo, you can use a plain background and even lighting. Stand a short distance away from the wall to avoid harsh shadows behind your head. Face a window with soft natural light or use two balanced lamps to light both sides of your face equally.
Avoid bright overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your eyes or nose. A helper can tell you if your face looks evenly lit.
Facial Expression and Appearance
The passport photo requires a neutral expression[1].
The cited guidance does not specify a head-height measurement[1].
Remove this sentence.
Rules for Children and Infants
Children, including infants, must appear in person for the electronic passport photo, which the authority captures at the counter[1]. The same process applies to adults and children.
The applicant must appear in person for the electronic passport photo[1]. The cited source does not describe how staff position infants.
The cited source does not describe how staff position infants[1]. Follow the office’s instructions during the appointment.
Taking a Practice Photo at Home
Even though you will not submit a home print, taking a test photo at home helps you check your look. Ask a helper to take the picture instead of using a selfie camera, because arm length can distort facial proportions.
Stand about one to two meters away from the camera. Keep your shoulders square and your head level so you can preview how your face fits inside a standard frame.
Why You Can Still Use the Tool at Home
You might wonder why a photo cropping tool exists if the office takes the picture for you. Since the authority takes the photo itself, you cannot submit a printed photo for your application[1][2]. However, you can still use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses.
For instance, you might need a properly cropped image for online identity checks, job applications, or other documents that accept a 35×45 mm format. The tool lets you upload an image, crop it to the right dimensions, and align your face easily without any technical trouble.
Preparing a 4×6-Inch Print Sheet
For personal use, you can arrange cropped images on a print sheet. The 35 by 45 mm size is a practical crop, not an official passport print requirement.
The passport authority captures the official photo at the counter[1]. If you print a sheet at home for other purposes, set your printer to actual size with zero scaling so the dimensions stay correct on paper.
What to Expect at the Office
Follow the staff’s instructions when your facial image is captured.
Remove anything that obscures your face before the picture is taken.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring printed photos for a Romanian passport?
What is the official size for a Romanian passport photo?
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
Do children have different photo rules?
Applicants must appear in person, and the same capture process applies to adults and children[2].