Passport photo requirements
Passport photo requirements: what does an approved photo need?
A photo for your passport, driving licence or ID card must meet strict, official requirements. Below you can read exactly what an approved passport photo needs, plus the requirements for babies, children and visa photos.
What does an approved passport photo need?
An approved Dutch passport photo is 35 x 45 mm, taken straight from the front, with a neutral facial expression and the mouth closed, the eyes open and clearly visible, and the edges of the face uncovered. The background is a plain light-grey or white and evenly lit, without shadows or reflections. The photo may not be older than six months. We take your passport photo according to these official requirements and check it immediately, so your photo is guaranteed to be approved.
General passport photo requirements
A passport photo must meet the official requirements of the Dutch government. These are the most important points:
- Size 35 x 45 mm (width x height).
- Taken straight from the front, with the head and shoulders upright.
- Look straight into the camera.
- Neutral facial expression with the mouth closed, so no smiling.
- Eyes open and clearly visible, not covered by hair.
- Edges of the face visible and, where possible, not covered by hair.
- Plain light-grey or white background, without any pattern or objects.
- Even lighting, without shadows, red eyes or reflections.
- No headwear, except for religious reasons, with the face fully uncovered.
- Glasses are not advised; if you do wear glasses, there must be no reflection and no tinted lenses.
- Normal, everyday clothing, no uniform.
- Recent photo: no older than six months.
Steps for an approved passport photo
In a few steps you can make sure your passport photo meets all requirements.
Choose the right background and clothing
Use a plain light-grey or white background and wear normal clothing, no uniform. Preferably take off your glasses.
Take the correct posture
Sit or stand straight in front of the camera, with your head and shoulders upright and your gaze straight into the lens.
Keep a neutral expression
Look with a neutral facial expression and your mouth closed. Keep your eyes open and clearly visible and the edges of your face uncovered.
Mind the lighting and size
Ensure even lighting without shadows or reflections. The photo is 35 x 45 mm and may not be older than six months.
Have the photo checked
Have your passport photo checked against the official requirements before you use it. At our studio your photo is checked and approved on the spot.
Requirements per document
For most Dutch documents the same requirements apply. Only for a visa can they differ per country.
Passport
35 x 45 mm and meeting the official Dutch requirements: straight from the front, a neutral expression and a plain, light background.
ID card
For the ID card the same requirements apply as for the passport. You can use the same passport photo.
Driving licence
For the driving licence the same requirements apply as for the passport and ID card.
Visa
Requirements for a visa photo differ per country. Some countries ask for a different size, for example 2 x 2 inch for the United States, or a specific background colour. Always check the requirements of the relevant country or embassy.
Requirements for a baby or child passport photo
Babies and children also need a passport photo that meets the official requirements. For the youngest children a few points are handled more flexibly:
- The same official requirements apply: plain background, neutral expression and the face straight from the front.
- Eyes open and, if possible, looking straight into the camera. For newborns this is handled more flexibly.
- A neutral, plain background without toys, hands or other objects in the frame.
- No dummy or pacifier in view.
- No other people visible in the photo.
- Preferably the mouth closed and a neutral expression.
Common mistakes: why is a passport photo rejected?
These mistakes are the most common reasons a passport photo is rejected by the municipality.
Smiling or open mouth
The expression must be neutral with the mouth closed. A smile or open mouth leads to rejection.
Reflection or tinted lenses
Glasses quickly cause reflection and tinted lenses are not allowed. That is why we advise taking off your glasses.
Hair in front of the eyes or face edges
The eyes and edges of the face must be clearly visible and, where possible, not covered by hair.
Shadow or uneven background
The background must be plain light-grey or white and evenly lit, without shadows or reflections.
Wrong size or old photo
The photo must be 35 x 45 mm and may not be older than six months.
Headwear without a religious reason
Caps, hats and sunglasses are not allowed. Only headwear for religious reasons is permitted, with the face remaining fully uncovered.
Frequently asked questions about passport photo requirements
The most common questions about the requirements for an approved passport photo.
Do the ears and edges of the face need to be visible on a passport photo?
The edges of your face and your ears must be visible where possible and not covered by hair. Make sure your hair does not fall in front of your eyes or face, so your face is fully visible.
Are glasses allowed on a passport photo?
Glasses are not advised. If you do wear glasses, there must be no reflections in the lenses, the lenses may not be tinted and your eyes must be clearly visible. We recommend taking off your glasses.
What clothing should I wear for a passport photo?
Wear normal, everyday clothing. A uniform is not allowed. Preferably choose clothing that contrasts with the light background, so you stand out clearly.
What is the size of a passport photo?
A Dutch passport photo has a size of 35 x 45 mm (width x height). This size applies to the passport, the ID card and the driving licence.
What requirements apply to a child's passport photo?
For children the same requirements apply: a neutral background, eyes open and if possible looking straight into the camera, and no toys, hands or dummy in view. For babies the gaze direction is handled more flexibly.
Want a passport photo that meets all requirements?
Visit us at Paul Krugerstraat 157 in Rotterdam Zuid, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. We take your passport photo according to all official requirements, check it immediately, and you are ready within 5 minutes. That way your photo is guaranteed to be approved.
Make an appointment