Common Germany Lawyer ID card 35x45 mm Photo Rejection Reasons in DE - Expert Tips
Germany’s 35 × 45 mm lawyer ID photo may look deceptively simple, but countless applicants find their images rejected for surprisingly avoidable errors. From an unevenly lit or wrong-toned background to a misaligned head position, small deviations from the stringent biometric standards set by German authorities can trigger a “Nicht bestanden” verdict—and delay critical professional credentials. Whether it’s glare on your glasses, an incorrect facial expression, or an improperly cropped neckline, mastering these details is essential for every attorney seeking a flawless ID card portrait. In the following guide, we’ll unpack the most frequent rejection causes in DE and show you exactly how to get your photo approved the first time.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm with no cropping or borders
- Head size and position: head height 32–36 mm (70–80 % of photo), centered horizontally, eyes 21–24 mm from bottom edge
- Background color: uniform light gray (RAL 7035), no shadows, gradients or patterns
- Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open, no smile or raised eyebrows
- Lighting and exposure: even illumination, no shadows on face or background, no over- or under-exposure
- Glasses regulations: clear lenses only, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes, tinted lenses prohibited
- Headgear rules: no hats or head coverings except for documented religious reasons, must not cast shadows or obscure facial features
- Photo quality: sharp focus, high resolution (min. 600 dpi), free of pixelation, red-eye, dust or scratches
- Print and paper standards: high-quality photo paper, matte finish, no watermarks, creases or perforations
- Recentness of photo: taken within the last six months, must reflect current appearance
- Pose and gaze: full face toward camera, head straight (no tilt), direct gaze into lens
- Clothing and colors: everyday attire without uniforms or camouflage patterns, avoid colors matching background
- Retouching and alterations: absolutely no airbrushing, filters or digital enhancements that alter natural skin tone or features
- Photo integrity: no adhesive marks, stamps, ink, or handwritten information on photo surface
Step-by-Step Process
Content about Common Germany Lawyer ID card 35x45 mm Photo Rejection Reasons in DE - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Background consistency: use a plain white or light-grey backdrop free of shadows and patterns to ensure biometric tools detect your face properly and avoid rejections
- Proper head positioning: center your head with eyes at 17–22 mm from the bottom edge and overall head height 32–36 mm so the automated cropping meets German specs
- Neutral facial expression: keep eyes open, mouth closed and a relaxed face to maintain consistent anthropometric measurements required by German biometric photo standards
- Lighting balance: employ diffused, even lighting to eliminate glare, shadows and overexposure so skin tones remain natural and facial features are clearly visible
- Glasses and accessories: remove tinted lenses and avoid heavy frames or hair covering the face to prevent reflections and ensure full visibility of eyes and ears
Conclusion
In summary, the most frequent reasons for rejecting Germany Lawyer ID card (35 × 45 mm) photos in DE are:
- Incorrect dimensions: anything other than exactly 35 × 45 mm is refused
- Improper head size or position: head height must be 32–36 mm and centered
- Non-uniform background: background must be light gray to white without shadows
- Lighting and contrast issues: uneven lighting, glare on face or glasses leads to rejection
- Facial expression and visibility: neutral expression, eyes fully visible (no hair or frames obscuring eyes)
- Technical quality failures: low resolution, blurriness, over-compression or printing defects
- Head coverings and accessories: forbidden unless for religious reasons—and then face must remain fully visible
Ensuring strict adherence to these points will minimize the risk of photo rejection and help secure your Lawyer ID card without delays.
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