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The Challenge
France requires 35×45mm passport photos with light blue or light gray background — white is explicitly prohibited, unlike most countries. Head must measure 32-36mm (70-80% of frame). Photos must be taken within 6 months. Professional services charge €10-15. Wrong background color = immediate rejection.
White background is prohibited for French passport photos
- France explicitly prohibits white backgrounds — this is different from most countries
- Required: plain light blue or light gray background only
- Off-white, cream, and pure white will all cause rejection
- Automated systems at ANTS check background color compliance
- This is the single most common rejection reason for French passport photos
French passport photo requirements (2026)
France enforces strict biometric photo standards through the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS). Photos must be 35×45mm with head height 32-36mm from chin to crown (excluding hair), representing 70-80% of the frame. The most distinctive French requirement is the background: only light blue or light gray is accepted — white backgrounds are explicitly prohibited by the Ministry of Interior. Photos must be color, taken within 6 months, sharp and clear with no creases or marks. The same specifications apply to French identity cards (carte d'identité nationale) and driving licences.
France passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 32-36mm (use crop guidelines)
- Light blue or light gray background — white is prohibited
- No shadows on face or background
- Taken within last 6 months, reflects current appearance
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering eyes
- Ears should be clearly visible
- Glasses allowed if frames don't cover eyes, no tinted lenses, no glare
- No head covering (except religious reasons with full face still visible)
- Color photo — black and white rejected
- Sharp focus, no pixelation, no ink marks or creases
- No digital alterations, filters, or beauty mode
- 827×1063 pixels minimum at 600 DPI for printing
Common rejection reasons by ANTS
- White background used instead of required light blue or light gray
- Head size outside 32-36mm range (70-80% of frame)
- Shadows on face or behind head
- Hair covering eyes, eyebrows, or ears
- Photo not sharp or resolution too low
- Expression not neutral — smiling, mouth open
- Photo older than 6 months
- Digital alterations or filters detected
- Heavy glasses frames covering part of eyes
- Head tilted or not facing directly at camera
France allows glasses — with conditions
Unlike many countries that now prohibit glasses entirely, France still allows prescription glasses in passport photos. However, strict conditions apply: frames must not be thick or heavy, frames must not cover any part of the eyes, lenses must not be tinted or colored, and there must be no glare or reflections. If your glasses cause any of these issues, remove them for the photo — the French authorities explicitly state that you may remove glasses even if you wear them daily.
How to print French passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality photo paper (matte or glossy accepted by France). Available at Fnac, Carrefour, Amazon.fr.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), color mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along gray guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Background check: Verify the printed background appears light gray or light blue — not white.
- Alternative: Print at Photomaton booths, Bureau de Tabac, or local photo services.
ANTS ePhoto digital system
For online passport and identity card applications via the ANTS portal (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés), France uses a digital ePhoto system. ePhotos must be taken by an approved photographer or in an approved booth (cabine agréée) that generates a unique 22-digit ePhoto code. This code is entered during online application — you do not upload a photo file directly. For applications at the mairie (town hall), physical printed photos are required instead. The ANTS website provides a tool to locate approved photographers and booths near you.
Good vs bad French passport photo examples
Taking French passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on a light gray or light blue blanket — not white
- Photograph from directly above with face centered in frame
- Natural window light or soft overhead lighting — no direct flash
- French rules: infants under 12 months may have eyes closed
- Children's head dimensions: 29-34mm acceptable (relaxed from adult 32-36mm)
- No hands, toys, pacifiers, or other people visible in frame
- Neutral expression for older children — slight relaxation for very young children
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo
France passport photo vs visa photo — key difference
French passport photos and Schengen visa photos both use 35×45mm dimensions, but the critical difference is background color. French passport photos require light blue or light gray with white explicitly prohibited. Schengen visa photos follow EU standard requirements allowing white or light gray backgrounds. Using a visa photo with white background for a passport application will result in rejection. If you need both, create separate photos with correct backgrounds for each.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services in France
- Photomaton booth (approved): €5-8 for 4-5 photos with ePhoto code
- Professional photographer (agréé): €10-18 for set with ePhoto code
- Supermarket photo service: €5-10
- This tool: Free — print at home for €0.30-0.60 per sheet
- Note: For ANTS online applications, you need an ePhoto code from approved source
- For mairie applications or use abroad, printed DIY photos are accepted
Using French passport photos abroad
French citizens living abroad can use DIY photos for passport applications at French consulates, as consulates typically accept printed photos without requiring an ePhoto code. Check with your specific consulate — some have adopted digital photo uploads. For consulate applications, submit two identical printed photos meeting all French specifications including the light blue or light gray background requirement.
Official French Government Resources
- Photo d'identité — Service-Public.fr Official French government photo requirements for all identity documents
- ANTS — Passeport (France Titres) Online passport application portal with ePhoto submission
- Photo Specifications PDF — French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official photo examples showing accepted and rejected photos
- Find Approved Photographers and Booths ANTS tool to locate approved photo services near you
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Background
- Light blue or light gray (white prohibited)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- High-quality photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport, identity card (carte d'identité), driving licence
Best Practices
- White backgrounds are prohibited — use light blue or light gray only
- Head height must be 32-36mm (70-80% of frame) — use crop guidelines to verify
- France allows glasses if frames are thin, lenses clear, and no glare present
- Ears must be clearly visible — tuck hair behind ears
- For ANTS online applications, you need a 22-digit ePhoto code from an approved source
- For consulate applications abroad, printed DIY photos are typically accepted
- Same photo works for passport, identity card, and driving licence
- Photos must be taken within 6 months and reflect current appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
What background color is required for French passport photos?
Light blue or light gray only. White backgrounds are explicitly prohibited by the French Ministry of Interior. This is the most common rejection reason. Ensure your background is visibly light blue or light gray — not white, off-white, or cream.
Why does France prohibit white backgrounds?
French biometric standards require contrast between the subject and background for automated facial recognition processing. White backgrounds can cause insufficient contrast, particularly with lighter skin tones and light-colored clothing. This is specified in the Order of 10 April 2007.
Can I wear glasses in French passport photos?
Yes, unlike many countries. However: frames must not be thick, frames must not cover any part of the eyes, lenses must not be tinted or colored, and there must be no glare. If your glasses cause any issues, you may remove them — the authorities explicitly allow this.
What is an ANTS ePhoto?
An ePhoto is a digital identity photo with a unique 22-digit code used for online passport and identity card applications via the ANTS portal. ePhotos must be taken by Ministry of Interior-approved photographers or in approved booths (cabines agréées). You enter the code during online application rather than uploading a file.
Can I use the same photo for passport and identity card?
Yes. French passport, identity card (carte d'identité), and driving licence all use identical 35×45mm specifications with light blue/light gray background. One photo works for all three documents if taken within 6 months.
Can I use a French passport photo for a Schengen visa?
Not recommended. French passport photos require light blue or light gray background, while Schengen visa photos require white or light gray background. A light blue background may be rejected for visa applications. Create separate photos with correct backgrounds.
How recent must French passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months and must resemble your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Do I need to go to an approved photographer?
For ANTS online applications within France, yes — you need an ePhoto code from an approved photographer or booth. For applications at French consulates abroad or at the mairie with printed photos, DIY photos meeting specifications are generally accepted.
What head size is required for French passport photos?
32-36mm from bottom of chin to top of head (excluding hair), representing 70-80% of the 45mm frame height. Both too small and too large will be rejected. Use the crop guidelines to position correctly.
Are head coverings allowed in French passport photos?
Head coverings are not permitted by default. Religious head coverings may be accepted but facial features from chin to forehead and both edges of the face must remain clearly visible. No hats, scarves, headbands, or other non-religious coverings.