Germany ID card (Personalausweis) photo requirements
Since 1 May 2025, paper photos are no longer accepted for ID cards applied for in Germany (office capture or registered photographer via certified cloud only). Printed 35 x 45 mm photos are still accepted when applying abroad. Face 70–80% of the photo height.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 70–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain, single-colour, shadow-free |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing allowed | No — crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Official source: www.personalausweisportal.de
How to take your Germany ID card (Personalausweis) photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain, single-colour, shadow-free wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- Can I take my Germany ID card photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain, single-colour, shadow-free. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.personalausweisportal.de/SharedDocs/faqs/Webs/PA/DE/Haeufige-Fragen/2_biometrie_faq/biometrie-liste.html. Last verified: 2026-09-27.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.