Biometric Passport Photo: Definition, Characteristics, and Differences

A biometric passport photo is a portrait taken according to specific guidelines, from which the face can be measured by a machine and uniquely identified as belonging to a specific person. That is precisely what distinguishes it from an ordinary passport photo. It is required for all biometric documents—from ID cards and passports to residence permits and driver’s licenses.

Starting May 1, 2025, new rules for passport photos will also apply in Germany. For many official documents, passport photos are no longer submitted as printed photos but are instead taken digitally and securely transmitted to the authorities. With alfo.passbild, you can quickly find a suitable photographer near you who will professionally take your biometric passport photo and provide it in digital format.

What is a biometric passport photo?

A biometric passport photo is a standardized photograph used for the secure identification of a person. It must be taken in such a way that the face, eyes, head position, and facial expression are clearly recognizable. For this reason, there are specific requirements for biometric passport photos.

A biometric passport photo is required for the following purposes, among others:

• Identity card
• Passport
• Residence permit
• Driver’s license
• Visa
• Identification Documents for Children

How can you tell if a photo is a biometric passport photo?

Four characteristics determine whether a portrait is suitable for biometric use. They also provide the quickest way to check whether an existing photo is even an option. You can find the complete specifications, including all tolerances, on our page about passport photo requirements.

What is a biometric document?

A biometric document is an official identification document in which personal characteristics, such as a facial image or fingerprint, are stored in machine-readable form on a chip. In Germany, these primarily include passports, national ID cards, electronic residence permits, and EU driver’s licenses.

“Biometric” simply means that these characteristics are uniquely measurable. A border control system can compare the facial image stored on the chip with the person’s face as seen by the camera. This is precisely why passport photos are so strictly standardized: Only a photo taken according to uniform guidelines can be evaluated automatically.

These documents are biometric

• Passport – with a digital photo since 2005; with fingerprints as well since 2007
• Identity card – in credit-card format with a stored photograph since 2010
• Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) – with a photo and fingerprints
• EU-format driver’s license —with a biometric-compatible photo
• Visas and travel documents —regulations vary depending on the issuing country

What does this mean for me as an applicant?

In practice, there’s one key requirement: The photo you submit must be biometric-compliant. A standard portrait or application photo is not sufficient. Furthermore, as of May 1, 2025, the photo for many of these documents will no longer be printed but will instead be submitted digitally to the authorities.

What are the dimensions of a biometric passport photo?

In Germany, a biometric passport photo is typically 35 x 45 mm in size. In addition to the actual size of the photo, it is also important how large the face appears in the photo and how the head is positioned.

Since this topic is searched for very frequently and often leads to mistakes, we’ve created a separate page dedicated to it: Passport Photo Size & Format.

Digital biometric passport photos starting in 2025

Starting in May 2025, passport photos for many identification documents will be submitted digitally. You can find all the information about the new process on our page about digital passport photos.

Why a Professional Biometric Passport Photo Is a Good Idea

At first glance, a biometric passport photo seems simple. In practice, however, even small mistakes can result in the photo being rejected by the civil registry office. This includes, for example, shadows, an incorrect head position, an unsuitable background, or excessive image editing.

A professional photographer will ensure that your passport photo meets current requirements and is provided in the correct digital format. This saves time during your appointment at the government office and reduces the risk that you’ll need to have a new photo taken.

Common Mistakes in Biometric Passport Photos

Some of the most common mistakes include an incorrect size, a distracting background, shadows on the face, covered eyes, a tilted head, or an inappropriate facial expression. Clothing, glasses, or headwear can also be problematic if they cover the face or interfere with recognition.

You can find a detailed overview here: Common Mistakes in Biometric Passport Photos.

Biometric passport photos for babies and children

Babies and children also need a biometric passport photo for identification documents. While the requirements are sometimes slightly less strict for young children, the face must still be clearly recognizable. It is important to have a neutral background, a photo taken as much from the front as possible, and no visible hands or objects in the picture.

You can find all the important information on our page ” Baby Passport Photos & Children’s Passport Photos.”

Clothing, Makeup, and Appearance in Passport Photos

For a biometric passport photo, plain, high-contrast clothing is recommended. Avoid eye-catching patterns, very light-colored tops against a light background, or accessories that cover the face.

Makeup is also allowed, as long as the face looks natural and key features are not altered. Subtle makeup is generally not a problem.

• What should you wear for the perfect passport photo?
• The right make-up for your biometric passport photo

Biometric passport photo with glasses

A biometric passport photo with glasses is generally permitted, provided that the eyes remain fully visible and there are no reflections on the lenses. It is especially important to follow the current guidelines when wearing progressive lenses, sunglasses, or highly reflective glasses. Find out when glasses are permitted in a passport photo and what common mistakes can lead to rejection.

More about biometric passport photos with glasses

Why is a biometric passport photo rejected?

Many passport photos are rejected not because of the image quality, but because of minor technical errors. Common causes include incorrect head position, inappropriate lighting, shadows on the face, an unsuitable background, or a facial expression that does not meet biometric standards. Learn about the most common reasons for rejection and how you can avoid them.

Common Reasons for Rejected Passport Photos

Biometric passport photo for passports and ID cards

In Germany, there are mandatory biometric requirements for passports and national ID cards. Since the legal change, passport photos are also taken digitally and securely transmitted to the appropriate authority. Learn about the requirements for passports, national ID cards, and other identification documents.

Biometric passport photo for passports and ID cards

Can I have a biometric passport photo taken at a photo studio?

Yes. Photographers take biometric passport photos in accordance with current legal requirements and prepare them for digital use by government agencies.