Germany ID Card Photo Requirements (Personalausweis) 2026
The German national ID card (Personalausweis) photo uses the same 35×45 mm biometric specification as the German passport. Light grey background, head 32–36 mm, strictly neutral expression. The photo must be submitted at your Bürgeramt appointment as a printed copy or, in some cities, uploaded digitally to the BMI portal.
Key details
- Personalausweis and passport share the same 35×45 mm biometric specification.
- Many Bürgerämter now capture the photo on-site during the appointment — bring a backup printed copy.
- The new digital ID (Online-Ausweisfunktion) requires the same biometric photo standard.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain light grey is the official requirement. Pure white is also widely accepted in practice. No patterns, no shadows behind the head.
Expression and eyes
Strictly neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open, looking directly into the camera. Smiling is explicitly disallowed for biometric photos.
Glasses
Glasses are discouraged. If worn, no reflections on the lenses, no tinted lenses, and the eyes must be fully visible. Thick frames covering the eyes will be rejected.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo for the Personalausweis? +
Do I bring a photo to the Bürgeramt or do they take one? +
Can I reuse my passport photo for the ID card? +
Is the photo for the new digital ID different? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
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