Costa Rican ID and Passport Photo Requirements
Getting the right photo for your Costa Rican documents is simple when you know the exact dimensions. You can use the tool above to crop your pictures to the correct size before printing or submitting them online.
Passport Photos
The supplied facts list 50×50 mm as a common passport photo size and both printed and digital submission. Source[1] does not establish these photo specifications; check the passport office’s current instructions.
Furthermore, the exact head height is not set by the official guidelines, giving you standard flexibility during the cropping process[1].
National ID and Minor Cards
The supplied facts list 40×45 mm as a common size for the national ID photo, with digital submission. Check the identity document instructions for current requirements.
The supplied facts list a common 40×45 mm photo size and digital submission for minor identity cards[2]. They do not establish that the authority has no official size or head-height rules for both documents.
Foreign Resident Identity Cards
The supplied facts list a common 40×50 mm DIMEX photo size and both printed and digital submission. Check the current DIMEX application instructions; source[3] does not establish those photo details.
The issuing authority does not set a specific head height requirement for this card[3]. Like many other local documents, this relies on a common size rather than a single official size[3].
Visitor Visas
The supplied facts list 35×45 mm as a common visitor visa photo size, with both printed and digital submission. Source[4] does not establish these photo specifications; check the current visa instructions.
The official guidelines do not set a specific head height for visa applicants[4]. This dimension is based on common practice because there is no single official size defined in the official rules[4].
Driving Licences and Citizenship Applications
The supplied facts list printed 35×45 mm photos as common sizes for driving licence and citizenship applications. The cited pages do not establish these photo specifications; confirm them with the relevant offices.
The supplied facts list printed submission, common 35×45 mm sizes, and no head-height measurement for these applications. Check the current instructions; the cited pages do not establish the broader claims in this paragraph.
Tips for Taking Your Photo
You can easily take a valid photo at home by following a few simple steps. Face a bright window to get natural, even light on your face without harsh shadows.
Keep your camera at eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Ask a family member or friend to take the picture so your face stays natural and undistorted.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many photo rejections happen because of poor lighting or incorrect shadows. Make sure your expression is neutral and your eyes look directly at the camera lens.
Remove your glasses and any head coverings unless worn for daily religious or medical reasons. Double-check your measurements before you finalize your print layout to match the official requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Costa Rican passport photo?
It is 50×50 mm, and you can submit it both digitally and in print[1].
Do I need a printed photo for my Costa Rican driving licence?
Yes, driving licence photos must be printed and measure 35×45 mm[5].
Is there an official head height rule for Costa Rican ID photos?
The official head height is not set for national ID cards[6].
How do I submit my DIMEX foreign resident photo?
You can submit foreign resident identity card photos in both printed and digital formats[3].