What size is a French passport photo in 2026?

The official French passport photo size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches) — the same as most European countries.

What background color is required for a France passport photo?

A plain light grey or off-white background. French ANTS rules specifically warn against pure white backgrounds, which can cause rejection.

Can I wear glasses in my French passport photo?

No. Glasses have been prohibited in French identity document photos since January 1, 2018. Prescription and tinted lenses are both excluded.

Where can I get a French passport photo taken?

At approved Photomaton booths, professional photographers, or by submitting a digital photo through ANTS that meets the specifications.

What is the head height requirement for a France passport photo?

The head from chin to crown must measure 32-36 mm, occupying roughly 70-80% of the 45mm photo height.

Is the France passport photo the same as a Schengen visa photo?

The dimensions are identical (35x45mm), but French identity rules prohibit glasses while some Schengen countries are more flexible. Always follow the stricter rule.

Can I smile in my France passport photo?

No. A neutral, closed-mouth expression is strictly required. Any visible teeth or raised cheeks may result in rejection.

France Passport Photo

Size & Requirements 2026 · Last updated: 2026-05-11

Photography Guidelines

1 Taken within the last 6 months
2 Plain light grey or off-white background (no pure white per ANTS rules)
3 Neutral expression with mouth closed
4 Face must be clearly visible, no hair over the face
5 No glasses since 2018 for French identity documents
6 No head coverings unless for religious reasons
7 Head height from chin to top of head: 32-36 mm
8 Photo must be 35x45mm on matte or semi-matte paper if printed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing glasses

Glasses are not allowed in French passport photos since 2018

Expression not neutral

Must have a strictly neutral expression; no smiling

Face partially covered

Entire face must be visible from chin to forehead, including both ears

Background too white

ANTS requires light grey or off-white; pure white may be rejected

Head size incorrect

Chin-to-crown height must be 32-36mm; head too small or too large is a common rejection reason

How to Take Your Photo

Three ways to get a compliant photo — choose what works for you.

DIY at Home

Take it yourself with a camera or smartphone — the cheapest option.

1 Stand against a plain, smooth, light-colored wall with even daylight from the front.
2 Use a tripod or steady surface so the camera is level with your eyes, ~1.5 m away.
3 Wear normal clothes that contrast with the background and remove glasses or hats.
4 Keep a neutral expression with closed mouth and both eyes clearly visible.
5 Take several shots, pick the sharpest, then crop to the official size and DPI.
6 Save as the required file format and check file-size limits before submitting.

Using Your Smartphone

Best lighting, framing, and tips for iPhone and Android.

1 Use the rear camera (higher quality) and ask someone else to take the photo.
2 Stand 1–1.5 m from a plain wall; turn off flash and use natural daylight.
3 Tap to focus on the face and lock exposure so lighting stays consistent.
4 Frame head and shoulders so the head fills 50–70% of the height.
5 Avoid filters, beauty mode, and HDR — they distort facial features.
6 Crop to the exact ratio in a free tool, export at the required DPI.

With Our Online Service

Upload a photo and get a compliant version in seconds.

1 Upload any clear, recent photo — selfie or full-body works.
2 Our AI auto-detects the face, removes the background, and applies the correct color.
3 It crops to the exact official dimensions for your selected document.
4 A compliance check flags head size, expression, lighting, and shadow issues.
5 Preview the result and retake free if anything looks off.
6 Download the digital file or order printed copies.

Price Comparison

Common ways to get a passport photo, side by side.

Provider	Cost	Delivery	Notes
DIY at Home	Free	Instant	Requires a printer for hard copies
Local Photo Studio	$10–$20	Same day	Quality varies; not always compliance-checked
Pharmacy / Retailer	$10–$15	Same day	Convenient, but limited retake policies
Our Online Service	Free preview	Instant	AI compliance check, free retakes

Recommended Tools

PhotoGov

AI-powered French passport photo maker

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Frequently Asked Questions

Official References

Information on this page is based on the following official sources:

Service-Public.fr - Photos d'identité