Preparing Your Photo for a Mexican Residence or Visitor Card
Some Mexican residence and visitor-card processes require printed photos; others capture a photo at the INM service point. Check the requirements for your application type[1][2][3].
Official Size and Submission Rules
For many residence-card issuance or renewal processes, INM requires three applicant-supplied photos, each 2.5 by 3 cm: two front-view and one right-profile[1][2]. Requirements differ by process, so check the instructions for your card type.
Instant photos are not accepted for the processes covered by the cited instructions[1][2]. Some processes, such as the Regional Visitor Card, capture a digital photo at the INM service point instead[3]. Check the requirements for your application type before you print or schedule your visit.
Taking the Photo at Home
When you take your photo at home, stand about one to two meters away from a plain white wall. Ask a friend or family member to use a digital camera or smartphone to take the picture instead of trying a selfie, which can distort your facial features.
Make sure the person taking the photo holds the camera directly at your eye level. Good natural light from a window facing you helps you avoid harsh shadows on your face or the background. Check that your shoulders are square to the camera before you take the shot.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The INM specifies a white background for the applicant-supplied photos covered by its instructions[1][2].
Avoid using your room's yellow overhead lights if possible, because they can change the color balance of your image and make the white background look dull or discolored. Taking your photo during daytime hours gives you the best results without extra equipment.
Glasses, Earrings, and Face Rules
For the applicant-supplied photos covered by INM instructions, glasses and earrings are not allowed[1][2].
The instructions require the forehead and ears to be uncovered[1][2]. They do not specify an expression or mouth position.
Head Height and Camera Position
The cited instructions do not set a head-height measurement. They require two front-view photos and one right-profile photo[1][2].
For processes that require prints, prepare photos at the specified 25 by 30 mm size[1][2].
Children and Age Rules
The listed photo dimensions are not age-specific; the cited instructions do not state separate infant dimensions[1][2].
Ask INM how to provide a child’s photo for the relevant process.
Printing and Preparing Your Sheet
For processes that require printed photos, provide the specified prints[1][2]. The cited instructions do not specify a 4 by 6 inch template, paper finish, or printing method.
For a process that requires printed photos, provide them at the specified 25 by 30 mm size[1][2]. Some processes, such as the Regional Visitor Card, capture a digital photo at the INM service point[3].
If the Office Takes the Photo
For certain application types, such as the Regional Visitor Card, you do not need to bring printed photos because the office captures a digital photograph directly at the service point[3].
For processes that capture a photo at the INM service point, follow the staff’s instructions[3].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my glasses in the photo?
What size do the photos need to be?
How many photos do I need to bring?
Does the INM accept instant photos?
Do babies have different photo rules?
Should I take a selfie for my card application?
The cited instructions do not specify how to take the photos. Follow the requirements for your application type.