Common Austria OBB Card 35x45 mm Photo Rejection Reasons in AT - Expert Tips

Requirements

• Incorrect dimensions: Photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (±1 mm); any deviation in width or height leads to rejection
• Improper head positioning: Head height must measure 32–36 mm with 3–5 mm space from the top edge and centered horizontally
• Non-uniform background: Background must be a solid light gray or off-white without patterns, shadows or gradations
• Blurred or low-resolution image: Photo must be in sharp focus at a minimum of 600 dpi for prints; pixelation, blur or noise is unacceptable
• Shadows and uneven lighting: Face and background must be evenly lit with no shadows, reflections or hotspots
• Headgear and accessories: Only religious head coverings that do not obscure the hairline or facial features are permitted; all other hats, scarves or headphones are banned
• Facial expression and pose: Neutral expression with closed mouth, natural skin tones and direct gaze; smiling, frowning or head tilt is not allowed
• Eyewear issues: Clear, non-tinted glasses are allowed only if eyes are fully visible without glare or frame obstruction; tinted lenses or heavy frames are rejected
• Recent photograph requirement: Photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
• Visible obstructions: No hair strands, hands or objects covering any part of the face or hairline
• Color fidelity and contrast: Photo must show natural skin tones and accurate contrast; over-saturated, too-dark or too-bright prints are invalid
• Photo damage or alterations: No tears, staples, ink marks, scratches or digital retouching (e.g., airbrushing); any sign of manipulation triggers rejection

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Common Austria OBB Card 35x45 mm Photo Rejection Reasons in AT - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions: Print and trim the photo to exactly 35×45 mm without borders to meet AT-ÖBB Card requirements; incorrect sizing causes automatic machine and manual rejection
• Uniform Background: Use a plain light-grey or white backdrop with no shadows or textures to ensure clarity; colored or patterned backgrounds trigger quality-control failures
• Proper Head Position: Center your head so the chin-to-crown height is 32–36 mm and maintain equal top and side margins; off-center or too-small/large heads are not accepted
• No Glasses Glare: Remove tinted or thick-rimmed glasses and position lights to avoid reflections on lenses; obscured eyes lead to immediate disqualification
• Neutral Expression: Keep a relaxed facial expression with closed mouth and open eyes while looking straight at the camera; smiles or frowns can be rejected for non-compliance

Conclusion

In summary, the most frequent causes for rejecting a 35×45 mm ÖBB Card photo in Austria are:

• Incorrect dimensions or head placement: photo not exactly 35×45 mm or head size/position out of specified range
• Improper background: non-uniform, colored, shaded or with visible patterns
• Poor lighting or shadows: uneven illumination creating dark areas or highlights on the face or background
• Unacceptable expression or eye visibility: non-neutral expression, open mouth, hair or glasses obscuring eyes
• Unauthorized headwear or accessories: hats, scarves or tinted eyewear that conceal facial features
• Low technical quality: low resolution, pixelation, over-compression or printing artifacts

Ensuring strict compliance with these points will minimize the risk of rejection and keep your ÖBB Card application process smooth.