35×45 mm Photo for Spanish Documents

Which Documents Use the 35×45 mm Format?

The 35×45 mm photo format is the official standard for most Spanish identity documents:

• Spanish Passport
• DNI (National Identity Document)
• Driver’s License
• TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
• European Health Insurance Card
• Other official documents

Mandatory Technical Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (width × height)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (chin to crown)
• Face/Photo Ratio: Approximately 70-80% of total height
• Horizontal Position: Centered in the image

Image Quality

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Digital Format: High-quality JPEG or TIFF
• File Size: Between 100 KB and 2 MB
• Color: Mandatory color (not black and white)
• Sharpness: Perfectly focused image without blur

Background and Composition

• Background: Light and uniform (white or very light grey)
• No Elements: Free of patterns, textures, or decorative elements
• Lighting: Even, without pronounced shadows
• Contrast: Sufficient between subject and background

Subject Requirements

Position and Expression

• Position: Frontal, looking directly at the camera
• Expression: Neutral, serious, mouth closed
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking at camera
• Head: Straight, without lateral tilt

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothing: Contrasting color with background, avoid white
• Glasses: Allowed if they don’t produce reflections or shadows
• Jewelry: Discrete, not interfering with identification
• Makeup: Natural, without dramatic changes in appearance

Important Restrictions

• Head Coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons
• Expressions: No smiles, grimaces, or gestures
• Closed Eyes: Not permitted under any circumstances
• Digital Filters: Completely prohibited

Technical Specifications for Digital Photography

Camera Settings

• Minimum Resolution: 1200 × 1600 pixels
• Color Mode: sRGB or Adobe RGB
• Compression: Minimal to maintain quality
• Flash: Diffused to avoid reflections and hard shadows

Lighting Conditions

• Main Light: Frontal and uniform
• Fill Light: To eliminate soft shadows
• Color Temperature: 5500K-6500K (daylight)
• Avoid: Direct sunlight, old fluorescents

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Problems

1. Incorrect dimensions or inadequate face proportion
2. Lack of sharpness or blurred image
3. Insufficient resolution or visible pixelation
4. Excessive compression with digital artifacts
5. Altered colors or incorrect saturation

Composition Problems

1. Inappropriate background (colored, patterned, or with elements)
2. Poor lighting with pronounced shadows
3. Reflections on glasses preventing eye visibility
4. Incorrect position (profile, three-quarters, tilted)
5. Inappropriate expression (smile, closed eyes, grimaces)

Presentation Problems

1. Photo too old (more than 6 months)
2. Physical damage to printed photo
3. Visible digital alterations
4. Poor print quality

Tips for the Perfect Photo

Prior Preparation

• Choose appropriate clothing with colors contrasting the background
• Take care of your appearance but maintain natural look
• Clean glasses if you wear them regularly
• Practice neutral expression in front of mirror

During Photo Session

• Maintain upright and relaxed posture
• Look directly at camera lens
• Breathe normally to avoid facial tension
• Follow instructions from professional photographer

After the Session

• Review photos before approving printing
• Request several copies for future procedures
• Save digital file for possible reprints
• Verify dimensions before use

Where to Get Professional Photos

Specialized Photography Studios

• Photographers specialized in official documents
• Studios with experience in Spanish regulations
• Professional equipment to guarantee quality
• Updated knowledge of requirements

Alternative Services

• Automatic booths in shopping centers (verify quality)
• Online services with home delivery
• Specialized mobile apps (verify acceptance)

Indicative Costs (2024)

• Professional photography studio: €8-15
• Automatic booth: €5-8
• Online service: €10-20 (including shipping)
• Additional copies: €1-3 per copy

Conservation Tips

• Storage: In dry and cool place
• Protection: Avoid direct light and humidity
• Handling: Carefully to avoid fingerprints and folds
• Backup copies: Maintain digital file

Additional Information

For specific queries about photographic requirements for Spanish documents, contact the corresponding issuing authority or consult the official websites of the Ministry of Interior and competent organizations.