Frequently asked questions about passport photos – Biometric & legally recognized

A biometric passport photo is a standardized photograph that is required for official documents such as ID cards, passports or driver’s licenses. It must comply with fixed legal requirements.

The photo has the format 35 x 45 mm, shows the face frontally, with a neutral facial expression and closed mouth. The background must be light and monochrome. Shadows, reflections or hidden parts of the face are not permitted.

Only if all biometric requirements are met will the passport photo be accepted by the authorities.
You can find more information about the biometric passport photo on our overview page.

A biometric passport photo must comply with the official requirements of the passport authorities. These include, among other things:

• Format: 35 x 45 mm

• Frontal view without head tilt

• Neutral facial expression

• Closed mouth

• Eyes open and clearly visible

• Light, single-color background

• No shadows or reflections

Since May 2025, the passport photo must also be transmitted digitally and securely to the competent authority.

More information about requirements

A neutral facial expression is required on a biometric passport photo. This means that the mouth should be closed and the facial features should appear relaxed. A slightly natural expression is permitted, but no teeth may be visible.

Strong smiles, laughter or exaggerated facial expressions are not permitted, as the authorities’ facial recognition is based on clearly recognizable and unaltered facial features. The aim is to ensure clear identifiability.

If you are unsure, professional photographers will make sure that your printout complies with the official specifications.

To find a photographer for biometric passport photos near you, simply enter your location in the search function on this page. You will receive an overview of approved photo studios in your area that are authorized to digitally transmit passport photos.

All participating providers work according to the current legal requirements and create your passport photo professionally and officially recognized.

Click here to go directly to the photographer search in your area.

Simple clothing in contrasting colors against a light background is recommended. Avoid white tops, strong patterns or eye-catching accessories. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons. Further information on what you can wear

Since May 2025, traditional passport photo printouts for ID cards and passports are no longer permitted. The photo must be transmitted digitally and securely to the authorities. The decisive factor is that the provider is authorized for digital transmission.

A digital passport photo can be reused within up to six months, provided it still matches your current appearance.

During this time, you can use the passport photos for your passport, ID card and temporary passport without any problems.

With the digital e-passport photo procedure, your biometric passport photo is transmitted in encrypted form to a secure cloud immediately after it has been taken. The competent authority can retrieve the photo directly via a certified interface.

As a rule, the passport photo is therefore immediately available for the application for your ID document. There are no additional waiting times.

A biometric passport photo should be current at the time of application and reflect your current appearance.

It is important that your appearance has not changed significantly since the photo was taken. If there are significant changes (e.g. new hairstyle, beard, significant change in weight), a new passport photo may be required.

Since May 2025, the passport photo has been transmitted digitally and securely to the competent authority.

The cost of a biometric passport photo varies depending on the provider and region. As a rule, the prices are between 15 and 30 euros. In addition to the professional photo, the photographer will also provide you with secure digital transmission to the authorities. You can find out the exact prices directly from the respective provider. You can find a certified photographer in your area here.

The quality of biometric passport photos is ensured by several factors. Professional photographers are familiar with the legal requirements regarding format, facial expression, background and lighting.

In addition, digital passport photos are technically checked before transmission to ensure that they meet the official biometric requirements. This significantly reduces the risk of rejection by the authorities.

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.

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.

Since May 1, 2025, passport photos may no longer be submitted to the office as a printout. Instead, they must be transmitted digitally and securely to the competent authority by a registered body.

Photos you have taken yourself or printouts you have brought with you are no longer permitted for ID cards and passports.

A detailed explanation of the change in the law can be found here.

No. Since the legal changeover in May 2025, it is no longer permitted to take a passport photo yourself and bring it to the office as a file or printout. The biometric passport photo must be taken by a registered body that is authorized to transmit it digitally.

Yes, the digital passport photo is transmitted in encrypted form to a certified high-security cloud. Only the competent authority can access the photo via a secure interface. Subsequent manipulation is impossible. (in accordance with BSI TR-03170)

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

The new e-passport photo procedure was launched on May 1, 2025.