Danish National ID Card Photo Requirements

About Danish National ID Card

The Danish national ID card is an official identification document issued to Danish citizens for domestic use and travel within the EU/EEA. It serves as proof of Danish citizenship and identity, providing a convenient alternative to a passport for European travel.

What is it used for?

• Primary identification within Denmark
• Travel within EU/EEA countries
• Age verification and proof of citizenship
• Opening bank accounts and financial services
• Employment verification and background checks
• Government service applications
• Access to public services and benefits
• Student enrollment and educational services

How to Obtain a Danish National ID Card

Eligibility:

• Danish citizens by birth, naturalization, or descent
• Must be able to prove Danish citizenship
• Available as alternative to passport for European travel

Required Documents:

For First-Time Applicants:

1. Proof of Danish Citizenship:
   • Danish birth certificate, or
   • Certificate of Danish citizenship, or
   • Valid Danish passport
2. Identity Verification: Current photo identification
3. ID Card Photos: 2 identical copies meeting Danish specifications
4. Completed Application Form: Available online or at police stations

For Renewals:

1. Current or expired Danish ID card
2. ID Card Photos: 2 identical copies
3. Completed Application Form
4. Additional documents (if personal details changed)

Application Process:

Step 1: Book Appointment

• Online Booking: Use politi.dk to schedule appointment
• Police Stations: Available at local police stations
• Advance Booking: Appointments typically required
• Availability: Generally more available than passport appointments

Step 2: Prepare Application

• Gather all required documents
• Obtain compliant ID card photographs
• Complete application form

Step 3: Attend Appointment

• Document Verification: Bring all original documents
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and digital photo taken
• Payment: Pay fees at appointment
• Processing: Application processed on-site

Step 4: Collection

• Processing Time: 3-5 working days
• Collection: Pick up at same police station
• Postal Delivery: Available for additional fee
• Notification: SMS notification when ready

Processing Times:

• Standard service: 3-5 working days
• Express service: 1-2 working days (if available)
• Peak periods: May take longer during busy periods
• Postal delivery: Additional 1-2 days

Fees:

• Adult ID card (10 years): DKK 345
• Child ID card (5 years): DKK 145
• Express service: Additional DKK 100 (if available)
• Postal delivery: Additional DKK 50

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain, light, uniform (white or light grey)
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

Danish Police Standards for ID Cards

• Background: Plain light background, white or light grey preferred
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Digital Requirements

• File Format: JPEG preferred for digital submission
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI
• Color: Full color only, no black and white
• File Size: Typically under 2MB
• Quality: High quality, no compression artifacts

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Poor color reproduction
• Digital alterations or filters applied

Size and Dimension Problems

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not exactly 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Improper cropping or framing
• Head positioned incorrectly in frame

Background Issues

• Colored or patterned backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects or people visible in background
• Non-uniform background color

Appearance Problems

• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance
• Reflections on glasses or skin

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Multiple people in photograph

Tips for Perfect Danish ID Card Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Danish ID requirements
• Ensure they understand police specifications
• Verify they can provide exact 35×45mm dimensions
• Confirm they use appropriate lighting and background

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Pure white or light grey wall
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing for contrast

Quality Control

• Verify exact 35×45mm dimensions
• Check face height is within 32-36mm range
• Ensure photos are identical
• Confirm photos are recent (within 6 months)
• Print on high-quality photo paper

Special Considerations

For Children:

• Same photo requirements apply to all ages
• Parent or guardian must be present for application
• Child must be alone in photo
• Additional consent forms may be required

For Elderly Applicants:

• May qualify for reduced fees in some cases
• Assistance available at police stations
• Medical exemptions may apply for certain requirements

For People with Disabilities:

• Reasonable accommodations available
• Alternative photo arrangements may be possible
• Contact police station in advance to discuss needs

Travel Considerations:

• Valid for travel within EU/EEA countries only
• Passport required for travel outside Europe
• Check destination country requirements
• Some countries may not accept ID cards

ID Card vs Passport Comparison

ID Card Advantages:

• Lower cost: DKK 345 vs DKK 745 for passport
• Sufficient for Europe: Valid for EU/EEA travel
• Faster processing: Often quicker than passport
• Convenient size: Credit card format

Passport Advantages:

• Global travel: Valid worldwide
• Longer validity: 10 years for adults
• More acceptance: Universally recognized
• Visa applications: Required for most visa applications

Recommendation:

• European travel only: ID card sufficient
• Global travel: Passport recommended
• Dual option: Many Danes have both
• Cost consideration: ID card more economical for Europe-only travel

Application Locations

Police Stations:

All Danish police stations that offer passport services also provide ID card services:

Major Cities:

• Copenhagen: Multiple locations available
• Aarhus: Central police station and suburban locations
• Odense: Main police station
• Aalborg: Central location

Regional Coverage:

• Jutland: Comprehensive coverage across peninsula
• Zealand: Multiple locations including suburbs
• Funen: Central and regional offices
• Bornholm: Local police station

Online Services:

• Appointment Booking: politi.dk
• Application Forms: Download and complete online
• Requirements: Detailed information available
• Status Tracking: Monitor application progress

Renewal and Replacement

Renewal Process:

• Timing: Apply before expiration
• Requirements: New photos and updated information
• Process: Similar to initial application
• Fees: Same as new application

Lost or Stolen ID Cards:

• Report immediately: Contact local police
• Police report: File official report
• Replacement application: Complete new application
• Additional security: May require extra verification

Damaged ID Cards:

• Assessment: Police will evaluate damage
• Replacement: May require new application
• Fees: Replacement fees apply
• Documentation: Explain circumstances

Need perfect photos for your Danish national ID card? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official Danish Police requirements for quick approval.