France Passport, Visa, and ID Photo Guide
Preparing photos for French official documents requires strict adherence to specific dimensions and framing rules. Use the tool above to help format your pictures correctly.
Covered French Documents and General Sizes
French ID card, passport, and child passport photos use a 35×45 mm format[1][2]. Service Public lists framing rules for ID cards and passports, and a photo that fails its requirements can be rejected[1].
Beyond basic identity papers, other administrative applications also have distinct requirements. These include the French driving licence photo (35×45 mm), French international driving permit photo (35×45 mm), French visitor visa photo (37.5×45 mm), and French residence permit photo (35×45 mm)[3][4][5][6].
You also need correctly sized pictures for the French naturalisation application photo (35×45 mm) and French hunting permit photo (35×45 mm)[7][8]. Understanding these individual differences helps you prepare the right format for your specific submission.
Passport and ID Card Requirements
When you apply for a standard French ID card or a French passport, the official photo size must be 35×45 mm[1]. The vertical distance from the tip of your chin to the top of your head, known as the head height, must measure between 32 and 36 mm[1]. Your expression must be neutral with your mouth closed, and you must look directly at the camera lens.
A French child passport photo is 35×45 mm, with a head height of 32–36 mm[1][2]. The photo rules allow some flexibility in a very young baby's expression[1].
Service Public describes the photo dimensions for ID cards and passports[1]. Follow the application instructions for how to submit the photo.
Visas and Residence Permits
If you apply for a French visitor visa, the photo size differs slightly from standard identity documents. The official dimension for a French visitor visa photo is 37.5×45 mm[5]. Despite the wider photo width, the head height must still remain between 32 and 36 mm[5].
A French residence permit photo uses the common 35×45 mm size, with a head height of 32–36 mm[6].
For both of these administrative procedures, you can submit either printed or digital formats depending on the specific application portal you use[5][6].
Driving Licences and International Permits
The French driving licence photo uses a common 35×45 mm size, with a head height of 32–36 mm[3].
A French international driving permit photo uses the common 35×45 mm size, with a head height of 32–36 mm[4].
The listed submission options for French driving licence and international driving permit photos include both printed and digital formats[3][4].
Naturalisation and Hunting Permits
A French naturalisation application photo requires a standard 35×45 mm size[7]. Interestingly, the official notice states that the head height is not set for this specific application[7]. You still need to make sure your face is clearly visible and centered.
The French hunting permit photo is 35×45 mm. No head-height measurement is listed[8].
Naturalisation and hunting permit photos are listed for printed submission[7][8].
Practical Tips for Your Photo
Face a window for even, natural lighting when you take your picture at home. Ask someone else to take the photo rather than taking a selfie, and keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions and prepare a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a French passport photo?
A French passport photo must measure 35×45 mm with a head height between 32 and 36 mm[1].
Can I use the same photo for a French ID card and passport?
Yes, both the French ID card photo and French passport photo share the same 35×45 mm size and 32 to 36 mm head height requirements[1].
What are the photo dimensions for a French visitor visa?
A French visitor visa photo requires a size of 37.5×45 mm and a head height between 32 and 36 mm[5].
Does a naturalisation application photo need a specific head height?
For a French naturalisation application photo, the head height is not set, but the photo size is 35×45 mm[7].
Are driving licence photos submitted online or printed?
The listed options for a French driving licence photo include printed and digital formats[3].