France Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A French passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain light grey background. The head — chin to crown — must measure 32 to 36 mm. The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) applies these biometric specifications uniformly to passports, the French national ID card (Carte nationale d'identité), and French visas.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| France Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| France ID Card (Carte d'identité) | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| France Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain light grey is the strict French standard. White is not officially accepted because it makes the head outline blend in.
Expression and eyes
Completely neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile. Both eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
Glasses
Since 2017, French biometric photos no longer permit glasses. You must remove them for the photo.
Headwear
No headwear unless worn daily for religious purposes. The face from chin to forehead must be fully visible.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must look exactly like you today.
Digital format
For passport renewal at a French photo booth (Photomaton), the booth produces a printed strip and a digital code (e-photo) that can be entered into ANTS during online application.
Country-specific notes
- France has strict rules against glasses — even reading glasses must be removed.
- Approved photo booths (Photomaton) generate an "e-photo" code that lets you upload digitally to ANTS.
- Home-printed photos are accepted by ANTS if they meet all biometric rules and are printed on photo paper.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wearing glasses of any kind — even prescription frames.
- 2 White background instead of light grey.
- 3 Smiling or any non-neutral expression.
- 4 Head tilted or not facing camera squarely.
- 5 Photo is older than six months.
- 6 Visible shadows behind the head or on the face.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Find a light grey wall
Stand 0.5 m from a plain light grey wall — not white. Use diffuse daylight from in front; no light from behind.
Remove your glasses
French rules require no glasses. Camera at eye level, around 1.5 m away. Neutral expression, mouth closed.
Verify biometric compliance
Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 32–36 mm tall. The app checks each ANTS rule and produces a print-ready file or an upload-ready digital version.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a French passport photo? +
Can I wear glasses in a French passport photo? +
What background colour does a French photo require? +
Does the same photo work for my Carte nationale d'identité? +
Can I take the photo at home with a phone? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.