Passport photo at dm or Rossmann – is that still allowed in 2026?
Have a passport photo taken quickly at dm or Rossmann – without an appointment and directly while shopping? For many people, this sounds practical and uncomplicated. However, the requirements have changed significantly since the change in the law for passport photos.
Today, it is no longer just a question of obtaining a correct image. The entire process is crucial – from recording and digital processing to secure use at the office.
Many consumers therefore ask themselves:
- Is it still possible to take biometric passport photos at dm or Rossmann?
- Are the passport photos for the passport and ID card valid?
- How does the digital passport photo work today?
- And what is the difference between drugstores and photographers?
On this page you can find out what really matters today and what options you have for your passport photo.
Can passport photos be taken at dm or Rossmann?
Yes, passport photos can still be taken at both dm and Rossmann. Many providers – including drugstores, photo studios and specialist photo stores – now also offer digital passport photos.
Today, however, the differences lie less in the technology and more in the entire process and in the personal support during the recording.
While many drugstores are designed for the fastest and most standardized processes possible, professional photographers often take more time for important details such as:
- the correct illumination
- a neutral background
- the right head position
- the right image section
- the control of biometric specifications
This can make a decisive difference, especially for important documents such as passports or ID cards.
What has changed since the 2025 amendment?
New rules for biometric passport photos have been in force in Germany since May 1, 2025. The aim of the new regulations is to increase the security and quality of passport photos.
You can find more information on this on our page on the change in the law for passport photos.
Today, the following points play a particularly important role:
- Digital processing of passport photos
- Secure transmission
- Correct biometric specifications
- a standardized procedure for authorities
Many people are still familiar with the classic printed passport photos from years gone by. Nowadays, however, passport photos are often provided digitally and used directly via secure systems.
What is important for a biometric passport photo today?
A modern biometric passport photo has to fulfill much more than just a neutral portrait photo.
Important factors today include
- Compliance with all biometric requirements
- Correct image quality without shadows or reflections
- a suitable image section and neutral background
- secure digital processing
- Reliable use for appointments with the authorities
Small details in particular can determine whether a passport photo is accepted or not.
Typical problems are caused, for example, by
- Incorrect lighting
- Reflections on glasses
- unsuitable backgrounds
- Incorrect head positions
- blurred images
You can also find more information on our page about common mistakes with biometric passport photos.
How does the digital passport photo work today?
The procedure for modern passport photos is similar for many providers today:
- The passport photo is taken
- The image is processed digitally
- The biometric specifications are checked
- The passport photo is provided digitally
- The image can be used directly at the appointment
Many people therefore seek specific information on topics such as:
- digital passport photo
- Passport photo QR code
- Passport photo online transmission
- biometric digital passport photo
Above all, it is important that the entire process works reliably and that the passport photo meets the current requirements.
Drugstore or photographer – what are the differences?
Many people opt for dm or Rossmann because the process seems quick and uncomplicated. At the same time, there are differences that can play an important role depending on the situation.
Professional photographers often work more individually and consciously pay attention:
- a pleasant recording situation
- optimum illumination
- the correct posture
- small details in the facial expression
- a high image quality
Especially with sensitive topics such as:
- Baby passport photos
- Passport photos with glasses
- Passport photos with headscarf
- Passport photos for seniors
personal support can often be helpful.
Many people also find the quieter atmosphere at the photographer’s more pleasant – especially for important documents.
Why do many people continue to opt for photographers?
Even though modern systems make many things technically possible, experience still plays an important role.
The photographer often creates a calmer and more personal photo situation. Attention is paid not only to the biometric specifications, but also to achieving the most natural and high-quality result possible.
Many customers particularly appreciate this:
- Personal support
- More time for recording
- Checking important details
- Support for special requirements
- a secure feeling before the appointment with the authorities
A professional passport photo often accompanies you for many years. That’s why many people consciously pay attention to quality and a reliable process.
Find a photographer for biometric passport photos
If you would like to have a biometric passport photo professionally taken, you can quickly find a suitable photographer in your area via alfo.passbild.
The affiliated photo studios create biometric passport photos in accordance with the current specifications and accompany you personally through the entire process.
Find a photographer near you now
Frequently asked questions about passport photos at dm and Rossmann
Are passport photos from dm or Rossmann allowed?
Yes, passport photos can still be produced by various providers. It is important that the current legal requirements are met.
Do we still need printed passport photos today?
Many passport photos are now used digitally. The exact procedure depends on the respective provider and the authority.
How much does a biometric passport photo cost?
Prices vary depending on the provider, service and scope of the service.
Why are some passport photos rejected?
Common reasons are incorrect lighting, unsuitable backgrounds, reflections or biometric errors.
What is a digital passport photo?
A digital passport photo is processed electronically and made available digitally for use at the office.
Conclusion: Different ways – a reliable process is crucial
Passport photos at dm or Rossmann can be a practical solution for many people. Today, however, it is not so much the location where the photo is taken that is decisive, but rather the quality, the biometric specifications and a reliable process.
Many people continue to consciously choose professional photographers because they value personal attention, experience and a high-quality result.
With alfo.passbild you can quickly find a photographer near you and have your biometric passport photo professionally taken.
Differences in the process: Drugstore or photographer?
Many people opt for dm because it is quick and uncomplicated. At the same time, there are differences that can play an important role depending on the situation.
While standardized solutions are designed to be as quick as possible, a photographer consciously takes the time to take the picture. Individual attention is paid to details such as the background, well-fitting clothing, light, posture and expression.
It is precisely this personal attention that often makes the difference – because a passport photo is more than just a picture, it has to fit exactly and be professionally realized.
Why do many people choose the photographer?
Even if many offers are technically comparable, local experience plays a decisive role.
The photographer creates a calm and familiar atmosphere in which you can concentrate on the photo. Time is taken to achieve the best possible result.
A professionally created passport photo offers you:
- Personal advice and support during admission
- Optimum illumination and image composition
- Checking all important details directly on site
- a secure feeling before your appointment at the office
Many people appreciate this personal service and the quality of the recording, especially when it comes to important documents.
More than just a passport photo: quality and trust
A passport photo often accompanies you for several years – so it is important to get a result that you feel comfortable with.
The photographer not only produces a correct picture, but also a professional result that is created with experience, care and an eye for detail.
Many customers deliberately choose this route because they value quality, peace of mind and personal service.
How does the digital passport photo work today?
The process is similar for modern solutions:
- The passport photo is taken
- The image is processed digitally
- You will receive a QR code
- The authority retrieves the passport photo directly
A printout is no longer necessary – the passport photo is used completely digitally.
Find a photographer near you now
Have your passport photo professionally taken – in a quiet atmosphere and with personal support
Conclusion: Different paths – your requirements are decisive
A passport photo at dm can be a practical solution. However, the decisive factor is how important quality, support and a relaxed process are to you.
If you value a personal consultation, a calm atmosphere and a professional result, a photographer is often the preferred choice.
With alfo.passbild you can quickly find a suitable photographer in your area and have your passport photo taken in a pleasant environment.
