Generic 35mm x 45mm Photo Requirements

Generic 35mm x 45mm photos are the standard biometric photo size used throughout Germany for most official documents. This format is used for German ID cards, residence permits, driver’s licenses, and various other official applications. These photos follow Bundesverwaltungsamt standards and can be used for multiple German document types.

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
• Head Size: Face should fill 70-80% of the photo height
• Head Position: Full frontal view, directly facing camera
• Background: Light gray background (#D3D3D3)
• Print Quality: High resolution, sharp focus, color photos only
• Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

Following German Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) standards:

• Image Quality: Sharp, clear, high-resolution (300 DPI minimum)
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows, glare, or red-eye
• Color: Full color photos only, natural skin tones
• Background: Light gray background, completely uniform
• Head Coverage: No head coverings except for religious purposes
• Facial Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• Attire: Any clothing except uniforms, both shoulders visible
• Accessories: No sunglasses, tinted glasses, or distracting items

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Incorrect Dimensions: Not exactly 35 × 45 mm
2. Wrong Background: Not light gray or colored background
3. Poor Quality: Blurry, pixelated, or low resolution
4. Shadows/Glare: Visible shadows, glare, or red-eye
5. Outdated Photos: Photos older than 6 months
6. Head Coverings: Wearing hats, caps, or sunglasses
7. Expression Issues: Eyes closed, mouth open, or unnatural expression
8. Attire Problems: Wearing uniforms or inappropriate clothing
9. Digital Alterations: Any signs of photo manipulation
10. Wrong Head Size: Face too small or too large in frame

Applications in Germany

Generic 35mm x 45mm photos can be used for:

• German Personalausweis (national ID card)
• German Reisepass (passport)
• Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit)
• Führerschein (driver’s license)
• Various municipal and state documents
• Employment and educational documents

Photo Submission

For German documents:

• Photos are typically taken at Bürgeramt, Ausländerbehörde, or authorized photo studios
• Digital submission may be available for some applications
• Two identical photos are often required
• Print on high-quality photo paper
• Follow specific background color requirements for each document type

Creating a proper generic 35mm x 45mm photo ensures it meets German standards and can be used for multiple official purposes. Our tool helps you create photos that meet Bundesverwaltungsamt biometric standards.