SA M PLE PHOTOSSAMPLE PHOTO
 High-quality photos are essential for the perfect reproduction

Sample photo

45 mmof the image and are a prerequisite for using facial biometrics in ID
documents.
These sample photos show the features which ensure that photos
are suitable for use in ID documents. It is absolutely necessary to comply
with the requirements described here, otherwise biometric recognitionof the applicant will not function, nor will the image be properly
reproduced in the document.
As a rule, no head coverings should be worn for photos; the passport
authority may make exceptions for religious reasons. Exceptions to thisand the other requirements may be made in case of a permanent medical
condition.
No parts of uniforms should be visible in the photos.

35 mm

Maximum face height tolerated
Optimum face height, maximum (36mm)
Optimum face height, minimum (32mm)
Minimum face height tolerated

Eye area, maximum

FOR M AT The photo must clearly show the person’s facial features fromthe bottom of the chin to the crown (the top of the head, not the top ofthe hair) as well as the left and right sides of the face. The face must takeup 70 – 80% of the photo. This corresponds to a height of 32 – 36mm.
Because it is often difficult to determine where the top of thehead would be without hair, photos should be rejected only if the facemeasures less than 27mm or more than 40mm.
In the case of voluminous hairstyles, the entire head (includinghair) must be visible without reducing the size of the face, if possible.
The face must be centred in the photo.

Eye area, minimum

Chin line
Centre of nosein the dark grey area

Too close

Too farNot centredBlurred

Not enough contrast

Too light

Too dark

Flash reﬂection on face

Shadow across face

Shadow behind head

Busy backgroundNot enough contrast

Unnatural colour

Creases and ink spots

Pixelated

Mouth open

Portrait style

Head tilted

Eyes closed

Hair across eyes

Looking away

Frames covering eyes

Dark tinted glasses

Flash reﬂection on glasses

Wearing a hat

Face covered

Shadows across face

Head position

HeadwearObjekt in the photo

Head is too big

Second person in the backgroundObjekt in the photo

FOCUS AND CONTRAST The photo must be in sharp focus, clear and with proper
contrast.

LIGHTING Photos must be taken with even lighting; shadows, reflections
and red eyes are to be avoided.

BAC KG RO U N D
 The background must be one colour and bright (ideally a neutralgrey colour) and in a contrasting colour to the face and hair. In the caseof light-coloured hair, a medium-grey background is suitable whilst alight-grey background is suitable for dark hair. The background must not
be patterned.
The photo must show only the person to be photographed (noother persons or objects in the photo).
Shadows on the background are not acceptable.

PHOTO QUA L I T Y
 The photo must be printed on high-quality paper with a print
resolution of at least 600 dpi (especially when taken with a digitalcamera).
Colour photos must have proper colour balance and reproduce
natural skin tones.
The photo must be clean, undamaged and free of creases.
Photos may be in black and white or in colour.

H E A D P O S I T I O N A N D FAC I A L
EXPRESSION
 The head of the person photographed should be neither tilted
nor turned (portrait style).
The facial expression must be neutral with the mouth closed andlooking directly at the camera.

EYES AND LINE OF SIGHT
 The person in the photo must be looking directly at thecamera.
The eyes must be open and clearly visible and must not be coveredby hair or eyeglass frames

GLASSES Eyes must be clearly visible (no flash reflection off the lenses,
no tinted lenses or sunglasses).
The edge of the lenses or frames should not cover any part of theeyes.

H E A D COV E R I N G S
 Hats or head coverings are not permitted; exceptions may bemade, in particular for religious reasons.
If a head covering is allowed, the face must be visible from thebottom of the chin to the forehead.
Shadows on the face are not acceptable.

CHILDREN
 For children aged 9 and under, the following requirements
apply:
The face should take up 50 – 80% of the photo. This means thatthe face from the bottom of the chin to the crown (the top of the head,
not the top of the hair) should measure between 22 and 36mm.
Because it is often difficult to determine where the top of thehead would be without hair, photos should be rejected only if the facemeasures less than 17mm or more than 40mm. See below for special
requirements in the case of babies and very young children.

BA B I E S A N D V E RY YO U N G
CHILDREN
 For children aged 5 and under, the same facial measurements
apply as for children aged 9 and under. Children aged 5 and under do notneed to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, andtheir heads do not have to be centred in the photo. Babies under one year
do not have to have their eyes open.