Côte d’Ivoire Resident Card Photo Guide
Learn what the official checklist says about photos for a Côte d’Ivoire resident card and how to prepare a common identity-photo crop.
Official Size and Guidelines
The Office National de l’État Civil et de l’Identification (ONECI) issues the resident card, known as the Carte de résident[1]. When you apply, you need to provide a photo that fits the application requirements. The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for[2][1].
A very common practice crop for this document is 35×45 mm, which translates to about 1.38×1.77 inches[2][1]. Because rules can change, you should always confirm the exact size with the issuing office or organisation before you submit your paperwork.
Background and Lighting Setup
Setting up your photo space at home is simple when you follow basic photography steps. The current official first-application checklist does not state a background or submitted photo size[2][1].
However, a white background appears in a separate provisional stay title checklist, but not in the resident-card checklist[2][1]. To get good lighting, face a window with soft natural light. Ask someone else to take the picture for you, and keep the camera steady at your eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Head Framing and Dimensions
Getting the right framing helps your application move forward without delays. The head height is not set by the authority[2][1].
Because there is no official rule stating the exact distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, you should center your face naturally in the frame. Leave a little space around your head and shoulders. You can use the tool above to help you crop your image to the 35×45 mm practice size easily and accurately.
Glasses, Expression and Headwear Rules
The official checklists do not say whether glasses are allowed[2][1].
Similarly, headwear is also unspecified by the official sources[2][1]. There are no strict rules set for a neutral expression or keeping your mouth closed[2][1]. Even though these rules are not detailed, it is best to keep your face clearly visible, avoid heavy shadows, and maintain a calm, natural look without smiling too wide.
Rules for Children and Minors
Taking photos for young applicants requires a bit of extra patience. Foreign minors have resident-card processes, but no distinct photo dimensions are specified for them by the authority[2][1].
If you need to photograph a baby or a young child, lay them on a plain sheet or hold them against a plain background. Make sure their face is fully uncovered, their eyes are open, and nobody else's hands or body parts appear in the final picture frame.
Printing and Submission Methods
Once your photo is ready, you need to know how to hand it in. The submission method for the resident card requires a printed photo[2][1].
You can prepare your picture digitally and make a sheet you can print as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo at a local kiosk. This saves time and money compared to visiting a traditional studio. The tool can still help to rehearse, check a photo or prepare a copy for other uses, giving you a clear preview before you print.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Knowing why photos get rejected can save you time and trouble. Local offices often refuse pictures if the lighting is too dark, if shadows cover your features, or if your face is out of focus.
Because the authority publishes no single official size, mismatched dimensions can also cause issues if they do not match what the clerk expects[2][1]. Always double-check your printed sheet at the kiosk to verify that the proportions look clear and sharp before you hand your application materials in.