Italy ID Card / Carta d'Identità (CIE) Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Q: What size is an Italy ID card photo?

An Italy Carta d'Identità (CIE) photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photograph.

Q: Do I need a printed photo for my Carta d'Identità?

Many Comuni (municipal offices) capture the photo digitally on-site. Some require you to bring a printed photo or a USB with a digital JPG file (min 400 DPI, max 500 KB). Check with your Comune.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my Italian ID card photo?

Glasses are strongly recommended to be removed. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited.

Q: What is the Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE)?

The CIE is the Italian electronic identity card introduced in 2016. It contains an embedded smart chip with biometric data (facial features and fingerprints), compliant with ICAO standards.

Everything you need to know about Italy Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, ICAO biometric standards, digital submission specs, and how to take a compliant Italian ID card photo at home.

Italy ID Card Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Country	Italy (Italia)
Document Type	ID Card / Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE)
Photo Size	35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)	600 (print) / min. 400 (digital USB)
Digital Photo Size	826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Head Size	32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo)
Background Color	Plain white
Digital File (USB)	JPG, min 400 DPI, max 500 KB
Eye Height from Bottom	Minimum 23 mm, maximum 31 mm
Color	Color only
Number of Photos Required	1 photo (many Comuni capture on-site)
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months

Size Diagram

Key measurements: 35×45 mm. Face height 32–36 mm (70–80%). Eye height from bottom: min 23 mm, max 31 mm. Both earlobes must be visible.

Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo and our AI will crop to 35×45 mm, remove the background, and ensure it meets all CIE biometric requirements.

Detailed Italy ID Card Photo Requirements

The Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) is the Italian electronic identity card issued since 2016. It contains an embedded smart chip with biometric data (facial features and fingerprints), compliant with ICAO standards. Applications are made at the local Comune (municipal office).

Photo submission: Many Comuni capture the photo digitally on-site during your appointment. Some require you to bring a printed photo or a USB flash drive containing a JPG file (minimum 400 DPI, maximum 500 KB). Check with your specific Comune for their procedure.

Photo Basics

Must be in color, recent (within 6 months)
Clear, sharp, and in focus with high contrast
No filters, digital alterations, retouching, coloring, or manipulation
The photo must faithfully reproduce your natural appearance without any modification
No scanned or photocopied photos

Pose and Expression

Face the camera directly — full front view, head not tilted
Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Both earlobes must be visible
Shoulders visible, head centered in the frame

Background

Plain white uniform background, no shadows or patterns

Glasses

Strongly recommended to be removed. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited. If wearing prescription glasses: no glare, eyes fully visible, no heavy frames.

Head Coverings

Only for religious reasons
Full face visible from chin to forehead and both sides
Head covering must not cast shadows

Digital Submission Rules (USB)

Image definition: minimum 400 DPI
File format: JPG
Maximum file size: 500 KB
The photo must not be cropped to exclude the background or correct head tilt
The photo must not be retouched, colored, or manipulated in any way

Source: Ministero dell'Interno — Carta d'Identità Elettronica

Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take an Italy ID Card Photo at Home

Use a Smartphone

Any modern smartphone works. Clean lens, highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo.

Good Lighting

Natural daylight from a window. Avoid direct sun. Our AI fixes backgrounds.

Tip: Don't worry about the background. Our AI will replace it with white automatically.

Dress Appropriately

Normal everyday clothing. No uniforms. Religious head coverings allowed if face fully visible. Hair tucked behind ears.

Pose Correctly

Head forward, shoulders relaxed. Both earlobes visible — this is critical for CIE. Hair behind ears.

Neutral Expression

Eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling.

Good and Bad Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Italy ID card photo?

Exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Head occupies 70–80% (32–36 mm from chin to top of head). Eye height from bottom: min 23 mm, max 31 mm.

Do I need a printed photo for my Carta d'Identità?

Many Comuni capture the photo on-site. Some require a printed photo or a USB with a digital JPG (min 400 DPI, max 500 KB). Check with your Comune.

Can I wear glasses?

Strongly recommended to remove. Sunglasses always prohibited.

What background is required?

Plain white, uniform, no shadows.

Can I take it with my phone?

Yes! Upload to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will crop to 35×45mm and ensure CIE compliance.

What is the CIE?

The Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) is Italy's electronic ID card with an embedded smart chip storing biometric data. Issued since 2016 by the Ministero dell'Interno through local Comuni.