German Passport Photo Online Tool
Now you can take German passport photos with your smartphone in only 3 minutes, from home or anywhere else.
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German Passport Photo—Specifications
Printed size
35x45 mm
Head height
Must fill 70–80% of the frame
Background color
Light-colored
Digital dimensions
N/A
Resolution
≥600 dpi
Recency
Last 6 months
Ideal German passport photos in no time 👇
Our AI will verify your image, resize it, and adjust the background. Then, our human expert will double-check the photo to make sure it meets all official requirements.
Download your digital passport photo or order photo prints with free delivery. The best part? We guarantee 100% compliance or 200% of your purchase costs back.
Our AI will verify your image, resize it, and adjust the background. Then, our human expert will double-check the photo to make sure it meets all official requirements.
Download your digital passport photo or order photo prints with free delivery. The best part? We guarantee 100% compliance or 200% of your purchase costs back.
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she's been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
Karolina is a seasoned legal expert with a Master of Law and legal advisor credentials, specializing in passport photo compliance. She ensures adherence to international standards set by entities like the US Department of State and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Equipped with her advocate license and extensive legal background, she brings a unique blend of legal acumen and technical knowledge. Her expertise is pivotal in navigating the intricate and rigorous standards set by key global authorities. Her approach, marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of international law, ensures stringent adherence to the evolving passport and visa photo regulations worldwide.
German Passport Photo—All You Need to Know
Explore this comprehensive guide to German passport photo requirements, including the fine details (e.g., allowed clothing and accessories), as well as available options for obtaining them both in physical locations and online.
Understanding German passport photo requirements
Requirements for a passport photo in Germany differ from those of the United States.
German readers seeking official guidelines can refer to this PDF file provided by the Federal Ministry of Interior and Home Affairs (BMI).
For your convenience, either read through the resource in English—accessible on the German Missions in the United States’ website—or read our detailed guide. With our guidance, you'll easily snap the perfect photograph for your German passport application.
German Passport Photo Requirements List
| Requirement | Prints & Digital |
| Color | Black-and-white or color |
| Recency | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Image clarity | Sharp, clear photo with proper contrast, taken under even lighting to avoid shadows and reflections. Blurry, grainy, or pixelated pictures will be rejected |
| Filters | No filters are allowed. The picture must show natural skin tones |
| Background | Solid light-color background without shadows, texture, or lines |
| Size | 35 mm wide x 45 mm high (1.37”x 1.77”). Optimal head height is between 32–36 mm (1.26"–1.41") from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (70–80% of the photo) |
| Print Quality | Printed on glossy photo-quality paper |
| Resolution | >600 DPI |
| Digital Alterations | Prohibited |
Note: For the best results, if you have light hair, it's recommended to use a medium gray color background, while those with dark hair should opt for a light gray background.
The fine details: specifics of German passport photos
Beyond the technical specifications, there are additional guidelines to keep in mind for your German passport photo to meet the official criteria.
Take a look at this list of rules that you must also follow:
- Smile: Not allowed. Adopt a neutral expression with your mouth closed
- Eyes: Clearly open and visible, not covered by your hair
- Glasses: Sunglasses or tinted lenses are forbidden. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure the frame doesn’t cover the eyes or hinder their vision in any way
- Head position: Always centered. Don’t tilt or turn your head and face the camera directly
- Headgear: Only allowed for religious purposes or in the case of an exceptional, permanent medical condition. In such instances, the area from the chin to the forehead must be fully visible in the photograph
Attire: Preferably dark colors. Uniforms are not allowed
Examples of Unacceptable German Passport Photos
Exceptions for kids’ passport photos in Germany
When photographing kids, you’ll probably run into some challenges, so there are a few exceptions:
- For children under 10, the head size can range from 50% to 80% of the photo's dimensions. That’d be like 22–36 mm (0.86–1.41”)
- Children aged 5 and under don’t have to maintain a neutral facial expression, look directly into the camera, or be perfectly centered in the photo
- Babies under the age of one are not required to have their eyes open
Examples of German Passport Photos for Children
Getting the right size for your German passport photo
Size is particularly important when it comes to your passport photo. So, ensure you request a photo measuring 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height (1.37x1.77 inches).
Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo (32–36 mm or 1.26"–1.41") from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Both the left and right sides of your face must be clearly visible.
In the case of voluminous hairstyles, ensure that your entire head, including your hair, is visible without compromising the size of the face, if feasible.
For more detailed picture size information, you can refer to these extra guidelines provided by the German government, which offer specifics for both adults and children.
Where to get German passport photos?
Getting passport photos locally in the US is possible. However, most providers tend to be familiar with pictures for American documents.
Keeping in mind the differences between the US and German passport photo requirements, feel free to drop by outlets such as Walgreens, CVS, or UPS and inquire about their availability of photos suitable for German passports:
Online options for your passport picture
Would you rather get your photos without stepping outside? Now it's possible! Get your 35x45 mm photo in the US with our professional passport photo app.
Our pocket-sized photo booth helps you save you time and money and ensures that your photos meet the necessary specifications (of any country you want!), minimizing any chances of errors.
Looks too good to be true? Don't take our word for it and hear it from our satisfied customer instead:
Absolutely perfect from start to finish. I just received the biometric photos for my German passport. I am very satisfied with the quality. I will order more from them.
Roald (Germany)
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FAQ
A German passport picture is 1.37 inches in width and 1.77 inches in height.
No, you must keep your mouth closed and have a neutral facial expression.
A simple online search like "German passport photos near me" on your favorite search engine should yield valuable results. Alternatively, consider the convenience of passport photo apps to get fully compliant passport photos delivered straight to your doorstep.
Yes, they provide passport photos for various countries, including Germany. Walk into your nearest Walgreens pharmacy to get German passport photos in about 10 minutes.
CVS doesn't provide information about taking German passport photos or photos that are 35x45 mm in size. To be safe, we suggest using a passport photo app to get the correct-sized photo required for a German passport application.
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