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France ID Card (CNI) Photo: professional photo required

Carte nationale d'identité (CNI)

This document needs a photo from a professional photographer or an approved booth, so a home photo is not accepted. That is why we do not offer one.

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Why: France requires this photo to come from an approved photographer or photo booth.

35×45 mm · light blue backgroundExample (AI-generated model)

Quick answer

A France ID Card (CNI) Photo must be 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in), with the head 32–36 mm from chin to top of head, with a background that is light blue, light grey, or other plain light colour, taken within the last 6 months. France requires this photo to come from an approved photographer or photo booth.

Printed photo: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)

Verified October 3, 2026 from service-public.gouv.fr (DILA / Ministère de l'Intérieur).

Need a photo for a visa instead?

France Visa 35×45 mm Home photo OK

Photo requirements

Summarised from the official sources below.

Printed photo: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head size (chin to top of head): 32–36 mm (70–80 % of the photo height)
Background: Light blue, light grey, other plain light colour. Plain, light colour; WHITE BACKGROUND IS FORBIDDEN.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, looking into the lens, eyes open and fully visible.
Glasses: Optional; if worn: thin frame not masking the eyes, lenses not tinted/coloured, no reflections.
Head covering: Head must be bare (no hat, scarf, headband); no religious exception stated on service-public.fr.
Photo age: Taken within the last 6 months

More rules (8)

taken by a 'professionnel habilité' or in a booth using a system approved by the Ministère de l'Intérieur (service-public.fr)
only ONE photo needed for a CNI or passport application
sharp, no creases or marks, no over/under-exposure, no shadow on face or background
colour strongly recommended
ears uncovered; hair must not cover the face; fringe OK if eyes visible
earrings/piercings allowed if facial features clearly visible
if the photo is non-compliant the application is rejected
the same photo may be used for a CNI and a passport application (Ministry answer to Senate question, 23 Mar 2023)

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Official sources

Verified on October 3, 2026

Quelle photo fournir pour un titre d'identité (passeport, carte d'identité...) ? — service-public.gouv.fr (DILA / Ministère de l'Intérieur)
Carte d'identité / Passeport : la photo peut-elle être prise au guichet ? — service-public.gouv.fr
Senate written question 01075 (2022) - Photos autorisées pour les documents d'identité — senat.fr

Questions

What size is a France ID Card (CNI) Photo?

Printed: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

Can I take my France ID Card (CNI) Photo at home?

No. France requires this photo to come from an approved photographer or photo booth.

What background is required?

Light blue, light grey, other plain light colour. Plain, light colour; WHITE BACKGROUND IS FORBIDDEN.

Can I smile?

Neutral, mouth closed, looking into the lens, eyes open and fully visible.

Can I wear glasses?

Optional; if worn: thin frame not masking the eyes, lenses not tinted/coloured, no reflections.

Can I wear a head covering?

Head must be bare (no hat, scarf, headband); no religious exception stated on service-public.fr.

How recent must the photo be?

Taken within the last 6 months.