35×45 mm Photo for French Documents

Which Documents Use the 35×45 mm Format?

The 35×45 mm photo format is the standard size for most French official documents:

• French Passport
• French National ID Card (CNI)
• French Driver’s License
• French Residence Permits (Titre de Séjour)
• French Student Cards
• Work Permits
• Visa Applications
• Other official French 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 Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Digital Format: High-quality JPEG or TIFF
• File Size: Between 100 KB and 2 MB
• Color: Mandatory color (no 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

French Official Standards

Position and Expression Requirements

• 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 Guidelines

• 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

French Administrative Standards

ANTS Compliance

• ANTS Standards: Follows Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés guidelines
• Biometric Compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition systems
• Security Integration: Compatible with French document security features
• Digital Processing: High-quality digital format required

Quality Control Requirements

• Professional Standards: Must meet French administrative standards
• Consistency: Identical photos required for applications
• Verification: Subject to verification by French authorities
• Rejection Prevention: Must comply with all specifications to avoid delays

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 Perfect French Document Photos

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 in France

Specialized Photography Studios

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

Alternative Services

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

Recommended Locations

• Major cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice
• Shopping centers: Automatic photo booths available
• Train stations: SNCF stations often have photo services
• Photography studios: Professional services nationwide
• Online platforms: Digital photo services with postal delivery

Indicative Costs in France (2024)

• Professional photography studio: €8-15
• Automatic booth: €5-8
• Online service: €10-20 (including shipping)
• Additional copies: €2-5 per copy

Quality Assurance Checklist

Before Submission

• Exact dimensions: Verify 35×45 mm size
• Face height: Confirm 32-36 mm measurement
• Background: Ensure plain white or light grey
• Expression: Check neutral, serious expression
• Eyes: Verify both eyes open and visible
• Lighting: Confirm even lighting without shadows
• Sharpness: Ensure entire image is in focus
• Recency: Confirm photo taken within 6 months

Print Quality

• Photo paper: Use high-quality photographic paper
• Color accuracy: Ensure accurate color reproduction
• No damage: Check for scratches, folds, or marks
• Proper cutting: Verify exact dimensions after cutting

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

Special Considerations

For Children

• Same requirements: All specifications apply regardless of age
• Parental assistance: May need help maintaining proper position
• Natural expression: Avoid forcing smiles or expressions
• Multiple attempts: May need several tries for perfect photo

For Elderly Applicants

• Assistance available: Help available at photo studios
• Medical considerations: Accommodations for physical limitations
• Clear visibility: Ensure glasses don’t obstruct view
• Comfortable positioning: Allow time for proper positioning

For People with Disabilities

• Reasonable accommodations: Alternative arrangements possible
• Professional assistance: Specialized photographers available
• Advance planning: Contact authorities for specific requirements
• Flexible standards: Some requirements may be adapted

Document-Specific Variations

Passport Photos

• International standards: Must comply with ICAO requirements
• Biometric compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition
• Security features: Integration with passport security elements

National ID Card Photos

• 15-year validity: Photos used for long-term identification
• Biometric data: Integration with fingerprint data for adults
• Free document: No cost for French citizens

Driver’s License Photos

• EU standards: Compliance with European driving license regulations
• 15-year validity: Long-term use of photo
• Professional use: May be used for commercial driving permits

Residence Permit Photos

• Immigration standards: Must meet French immigration requirements
• Biometric data: Used for residence permit cards
• Multi-year validity: Photos used for extended periods

Student Card Photos

• Educational standards: Must meet institutional requirements
• Multiple uses: Same photo for various student services
• Annual renewal: May need new photos each academic year

Need perfect 35×45 mm photos for your French documents? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official French requirements for quick approval.