The most common mistakes with biometric passport photos and how to avoid them
Biometric passport photos are essential for identification documents such as passports, ID cards and driving licenses. However, despite clear guidelines, mistakes are often made when creating passport photos, which can lead to rejection by the authorities. Here you can find out which mistakes you should avoid and how you can ensure that your photo meets all requirements.
Common mistakes with biometric passport photos
- Incorrect head position: The head must be aligned straight, neither tilted nor turned. A correct head position is crucial to meet the biometric requirements.
- Invalid background: Biometric passport photos require a uniform, light-colored background. Plain white or light gray are the guidelines here. Avoid patterns or shadows in the background.
- Inappropriate lighting: Uniform illumination of the face without shadows is necessary. Strong contrasts or reflections can lead to rejection.
- Wrong facial expression: A neutral face with closed mouth and open eyes is mandatory. Smiling, grimacing or closed eyes are not permitted.
- Unsuitable clothing: Dark clothing stands out better against the background. Avoid clothing in bright colors or with patterns that could blend in with the background.
- Glasses or headgear: If you wear glasses, your eyes should be clearly visible. Reflections on the lenses or tinted glasses are not permitted. Headgear may only be worn for religious or medical reasons.
Why self-made passport photos will no longer be an option from May 2025
From May 2025, a new legal regulation will come into force: this means that self-made passport photos or photos from photo booths outside the office will no longer be accepted.
Unzulässiger Gesichtsausdruck (Lächeln)
Lächeln mit sichtbaren Zähnen ist nicht erlaubt.
Kopfhaltung nicht frontal
Schiefe Kopfhaltung ist bei Passfotos nicht gestattet.
Überbelichtung durch falsche Ausleuchtung
Unbrauchbares Passfoto: Überbelichtung reduziert Erkennbarkeit.
Ungleichmäßige oder schlechte Beleuchtung
Schlechte Ausleuchtung – Passbild unbrauchbar.
Gesicht wird von Haaren verdeckt
Verdecktes Gesicht – biometrische Merkmale nicht erkennbar.
Getönte Brillengläser verdecken die Augen
Ungültiges Passfoto: Getönte Sonnenbrille.
Unzulässige Kopfbedeckung
Kopfbedeckung ohne medizinischen oder religiösen Grund sind unzulässig.
Auffälliger Schmuck lenkt ab
Großer Schmuck ist bei biometrischen Passbildern nicht erlaubt.
How to avoid mistakes
- Use professional photo studios: Photographers know the requirements exactly and check the photos for biometric specifications.
- Checking and security directly on site: Professional photo studios offer a direct quality check of your passport photo. This means: no unnecessary stress with online tools or DIY experiments – with us, your photo is immediately created and checked correctly.
- Study the requirements beforehand: Find out about the official requirements of the authorities to ensure that your photo meets the requirements.
Why you should rely on certified photographers
Our network of certified photographers checks passport photos for biometric requirements. Save time and frustration by choosing the right partner straight away.
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