Have a passport photo taken quickly at dm or Rossmann – without an appointment and directly while shopping?

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:

1. The passport photo is taken
2. The image is processed digitally
3. The biometric specifications are checked
4. The passport photo is provided digitally
5. 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’d like to have a professional biometric passport photo taken, you can quickly find a suitable photographer near you through 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.

How much does a passport photo cost at dm or Rossmann?

The price of a passport photo at dm or Rossmann depends on several factors. One important factor is whether you need only a digital photo or also want a print, since purely digital passport photos are usually offered at a lower price than the traditional set with multiple prints. An express service or additional consultation regarding biometric requirements can also affect the price. Since prices may vary by store and region, it’s worth taking a quick look at the current rates of the respective local provider beforehand.

Here’s how getting a passport photo at dm or Rossmann works

 

The process is very similar at most locations and usually takes only a few minutes: First, the photo is taken directly at the kiosk or at a service counter. The image is then digitally processed and checked for basic criteria such as framing and exposure. Afterward, depending on the provider, the passport photo is made available digitally or printed out so you can use it right away at your appointment with the authorities.