France Passport & ID Photo Requirements & Maker (35x45 mm)
Official France passport & CNI photo standards: 35x45 mm, 32-36 mm face, plain light grey/blue background (white strictly forbidden). Free online tool.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
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Upload your photo to crop to exact dimensions, adjust the background to white, and download a printable A4 sheet or digital JPEG.
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Target preset: France Photo (35x45 mm) (35 × 45 mm)
About France Passport Photo (35x45 mm) Requirements
French official identity photo specifications for passports and national identity cards (Carte Nationale d'Identité / CNI) require an exact 35 mm wide by 45 mm high format with the face occupying between 32 mm and 36 mm (70% to 80% of the total height).
Crucially, pure white backgrounds are strictly forbidden (fond blanc interdit) by the Ministry of the Interior and ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés); applicants must submit photos with a plain, uniform light grey or light blue background. Headwear is prohibited except on strictly verified medical grounds.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Using a pure white background (the #1 cause of rejection by French town halls/mairies and prefectures; must be light grey or light blue)
- 2
Face height smaller than 32 mm or exceeding 36 mm from chin to crown
- 3
Smiling, laughing, or parted lips revealing teeth (expression must be completely neutral)
- 4
Hair bangs covering eyebrows or eyes, or side hair obscuring facial contours
- 5
Thick eyeglass frames obscuring eye contours or light flash reflections on lenses
- 6
Shadows cast on face, neck, or background due to uneven lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official size and format for a French passport and identity photo?
- The official format required in France for passport photos and national identity cards (CNI) is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The face height from chin to crown (excluding hair volume) must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm (70% to 80% of vertical height), with a top margin of 3 to 5 mm.
- How can I ensure my photo is compliant and avoid having it rejected in France?
- To ensure your photo is approved, it must have a plain, uniform light grey or light blue background (pure white backgrounds are strictly prohibited), a neutral facial expression with mouth closed, head held straight, eyes looking directly at the camera, and no shadows or flash reflections.
- What is a digital identity photo (e-photo) and when is it required?
- A digital photo (e-photo with a 22-character code and digital signature) is used for online driving license applications or residence permits on the ANTS portal. For passports and national ID cards (CNI), applicants must bring physical printed photo sheets (35x45 mm) to their appointment at the town hall (mairie).
- Where can I take an identity photo near me, and can I make one online?
- You can use an automated Photomaton booth or an authorized professional studio, but you can also prepare your photo online from home using our secure browser-based tool. Take a photo with your smartphone against a plain wall and crop it to exact biometric dimensions without uploading files to any server.
- How much does a French passport photo cost, and can I convert a photo for free?
- Photo booths typically charge €6 to €8, while professional photography studios charge €15 to €25. Our online tool lets you transform your existing photos into official compliant ID photos for free, with millimeter-accurate alignment and printable A4 PDF sheet generation.
- Why is a pure white background strictly forbidden for French passport photos?
- The French Ministry of the Interior and ANTS enforce a plain light grey or light blue background so there is clear contrast when paper photos are scanned during administrative processing. White backgrounds blend into paper and white clothing, causing automatic rejection.
- Can I wear glasses or have bangs in my French passport photo?
- Eyeglasses are permitted only if the frames are thin and lenses have zero reflection or tint. Both eyes and eyebrows must remain completely unobstructed; long bangs must be swept to the side or pinned back so the facial oval is fully visible.