Everything you need to know about German ID card photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant biometric photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany (Deutschland) |
| Document Type | ID Card (Personalausweis) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (1.37 × 1.77 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Face Height | 32–36 mm from chin to crown of head (70–80% of photo) |
| Background Color | Plain light grey (for dark hair) or medium grey (for light hair) |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes — since May 2025, digital submission required via certified photographers |
| Digital Photo Size | Minimum 600 × 600 pixels (recommended: 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI) |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy photo paper |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 identical biometric photos required |
German ID cards (Personalausweis) follow the same EU biometric photo standard (ISO/IEC 19794-5) as passports. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are NOT allowed in German biometric ID card photos. You must remove all eyeglasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are also strictly prohibited.
Source: German Federal Foreign Office — Sample Biometric Photos
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant German ID card photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) can take an ID card-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate all shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and clothing that blends with the grey background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible and centered.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or make any exaggerated facial expressions. Look straight into the camera lens.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ID card photos
A German ID card (Personalausweis) photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (1.37×1.77 inches). Your face must measure between 32 and 36 mm from the bottom of your chin to the crown of your head, covering 70–80% of the photo.
No. Glasses are not allowed in German biometric ID card photos. You must remove all eyeglasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo. This follows the EU biometric standard.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions are not permitted for German biometric photos. Both eyes must be open and looking straight at the camera.
The background must be plain light grey. For dark hair, a light-grey background is recommended. For light-colored hair, a medium-grey background provides better contrast. The background must be uniform with no shadows or patterns.
Yes! You can take your German ID card photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all biometric requirements.
Your ID card photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance, including any significant changes to your face.
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
Yes. Germany uses the same biometric photo standard (35×45 mm) for both passports and ID cards (Personalausweis). The requirements for background, expression, pose, and other specifications are identical.
