Frequently asked questions about passport photos – Biometric & legally recognized 2025
Are you looking for information about passport photos? Find out everything you need to know here: What are biometric requirements? How do digital passport photos work? And what has changed with the new legal requirements since May 2025? Find the answers you need here!
Our nationwide network of experienced photographers will create your biometric passport photo with the utmost care and check it for the latest biometric requirements. It’s easy to find a photographer near you who will take your passport photo professionally and to the highest standards.
1. general information on passport photos
What is a biometric passport photo?
A biometric passport photo meets the legal requirements for passports, ID cards and other official documents. It is produced in a fixed format (35 x 45 mm), shows your face from the front and does not include any concealing elements such as hats or sunglasses.
Our photographers specialize in producing both classic and digital biometric passport photos – reliably, professionally and in compliance with the law.
What requirements must a passport photo meet?
A passport photo is a must:
- 35 x 45 mm in size,
- show a neutral facial expression,
- center the head and hold it frontally,
- light, neutral background.
Our registered photographers know all the current requirements and guarantee that your passport photo will be accepted.
More information about requirements
Why do I need a biometric passport photo?
A biometric passport photo is required by law for official documents such as passports, ID cards and driving licenses. It ensures that your photo is machine-readable and meets international standards – for fast and smooth processing with the authorities.
2nd amendment to the law 2025
What has changed for passport photos since May 2025?
From May 1, 2025, passport photos may no longer be taken by yourself and brought along in paper form. Registered photographers will remain your competent contact in the future and can continue to take passport photos for you using a secure e-passport photo process.
Can I still take passport photos online now that the law has changed?
No, it is no longer permitted to take passport photos yourself and bring them with you.
What is a digital passport photo?
A digital passport photo is an electronic version of a biometric passport photo. More information on digital passport photos
What is the new e-passport photo procedure?
An innovative, secure and seamless method for creating and transmitting biometric passport photos from the participating photographer to the office via a secure cloud. Everything about the new e-passport photo procedure
Can I use the biometric passport photos more than once?
Yes, the QR code with the stored biometric passport photo is available to the authorities for 6 months from the date it was taken. During this time, you can use the passport photos for your passport, ID card and temporary passport without any problems.
What will change for me with the new e-passport photo procedure?
Photos for passports are now only accepted by the authorities in digital form. The photos must be sent to the Citizens’ Registration Office via a secure and encrypted connection.
Is the transmission of my passport photos secure?
Yes, we use a secure and encrypted connection to transfer your photos to the cloud and from there to the office. The encrypted photo can only be decrypted with the QR code and the software at the office. (in accordance with BSI TR-03170)
How long does it take for my passport photos to reach the office?
Thanks to our cloud-based e-passport photo process, your photos are transmitted instantly and securely to the cloud and can be retrieved immediately by the office. There are no delays.
Who is responsible for the e-passport photo procedure?
The e-passport photo working group of photo retailers and photo studios has designed the new procedure for the secure transmission of biometric photos under the leadership of RINGFOTO GmbH & Co KG.
When did the e-passport photo procedure start?
The new e-passport photo procedure was launched on May 1, 2025.
3. local photographer search
How do I find the nearest photographer?
Simply use our photographer search and enter your location. You will receive a list of photographers in your area. To the photographer search
How much does a digital passport photo at the photographer cost?
The cost of the service varies depending on the location and photographer. You can view the exact prices on your photographer’s website.
How long does the photo shoot take?
The photo shoot itself only takes a few minutes. You will receive your biometric passport photo immediately afterwards. Since May 1, 2025, you can conveniently retrieve your photos via QR code so that they can be sent directly to the relevant authority.
How is the quality of the biometric passport photos ensured?
Our experienced photographers place the highest value on quality. They ensure that all images are checked for biometric specifications and are perfectly suitable for official documents such as passports and ID cards.
What do I do if I have special requirements, e.g. babies, infants, senior citizens, people wearing glasses or people with disabilities, etc.?
Our photographers are well prepared to cater to special requirements. Whether babies, senior citizens, people who wear glasses or people with disabilities – we will create a top-quality biometric passport photo for you.
What happens if my picture does not meet the requirements?
If your photo does not meet the biometric requirements, our trained specialists will check the image directly in the photo studio. We ensure that it meets the requirements of BSI TR 03121. In addition, the image is checked by software and then securely uploaded to the high-security cloud.
Can I have a biometric passport photo taken for my baby?
Yes, even babies and small children need a biometric passport photo for passports. Our photographers specialize in taking professional photos of small children that meet the requirements.
