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The Challenge
Costa Rica's cédula de identidad requires 40×45mm photos with grey background — different from the 50×50mm white-background passport format. Using passport photos for cédula applications will be rejected by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE). Consular cédula applications require two printed photos meeting exact specifications.
Cédula photos are different from passport photos
- Cédula: 40×45mm with grey background (TSE specification)
- Passport: 50×50mm with white background (Migración specification)
- These formats are NOT interchangeable — using the wrong one causes rejection
- Photos captured at TSE/Registro Civil offices use standardised grey backdrop
When do you need cédula photos?
Inside Costa Rica, cédula photos are normally captured at TSE (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones) offices and Registro Civil locations using their standardised equipment and grey backdrop. You typically do not need to bring photos. However, consular applications abroad require two printed photos meeting TSE specifications. Costa Rican citizens applying for their first cédula or renewals at consulates must provide 40×45mm photos with the correct grey background. Naturalised citizens also need these photos when applying for their first cédula.
TSE cédula photo requirements
- 40×45mm dimensions (4 cm wide × 4.5 cm tall)
- Grey background (tone and colour as specified by TSE)
- Two identical recent colour photos
- Front-facing, facial features clearly distinguishable
- Eyes and face fully visible
- Glasses, wigs, scarves, or accessories permitted only if they do not obscure or distort facial features
- No marks or annotations on front or back of printed photos
- Frame shows shoulders (not exceeding 5cm below sternal notch) with 2cm space above head
TSE background colour standard
The TSE regulation (Decreto No. 08-2010) mandates that all cédula photo stations use a standardised grey tone set by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones. The exact grey shade is not publicly specified as a hex or RGB value — it is controlled by the official photo stations. For consular submissions, use a neutral medium grey background that matches the standard ID photo grey tone. Avoid very light grey (which looks white) or very dark grey (which looks black).
How to print cédula photos
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper. TSE does not specify matte or glossy.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale, colour mode.
- Paper size: 4R (102×152mm) fits multiple 40×45mm photos per sheet.
- Cutting: Cut precisely along grey guide lines. Final size must be exactly 40×45mm.
- Important: No marks, stamps, or annotations on front or back of the printed photo.
- Alternative: Print at photo shop. Specify '40×45mm with grey background'.
Official Costa Rican Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face in Frame
Select Enhancement
Print Two Copies
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×45 mm (4×4.5 cm)
- Resolution
- 945×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 60-70% of photo height
- Background
- Grey (colour set by TSE)
- Recency
- Recent (taken shortly before application)
- Expression
- Neutral, front-facing, eyes visible
- Quantity
- Two identical colour photos
- Valid For
- Cédula de identidad (national ID card)
Best Practices
- Cédula uses grey background — not white like passport photos
- 40×45mm is different from 50×50mm passport format — don't interchange them
- Inside Costa Rica, photos are captured at TSE offices — you usually don't bring your own
- Consular applications abroad require two printed photos
- No marks or annotations allowed on front or back of printed photos
- Glasses and wigs are permitted only if they don't obscure facial features
- Use medium neutral grey background — avoid very light or very dark grey
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Costa Rica cédula photos?
40×45mm (4×4.5 cm) with grey background. This is different from passport photos which are 50×50mm with white background. The formats are not interchangeable.
Do I need to bring photos for cédula inside Costa Rica?
Usually no. TSE offices and Registro Civil locations capture photos using standardised equipment. Consular applications abroad require two printed 40×45mm photos.
What grey should I use for the background?
The TSE specifies a standardised grey tone used at official photo stations. For home photos, use a neutral medium grey. Avoid very light grey (which resembles white) or very dark grey.
Can I use passport photos for cédula?
No. Passport photos are 50×50mm with white background. Cédula requires 40×45mm with grey background. Different dimensions and different background colour.
Can I wear glasses in cédula photos?
Yes, if they do not obscure or distort facial features. Unlike passport photos, cédula regulations are more permissive with glasses. However, facial features must be clearly identifiable.