DE Germany bus pass 35x45 mm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines
Welcome to the definitive VisaPics guide on Germany’s 35 × 45 mm bus-pass photo requirements. Navigating German regulations can feel daunting, but with over two decades of direct collaboration with the Bundesamt für Pass- und Personalausweisangelegenheiten (BPPA), we’ve distilled every official criterion into one concise roadmap. You’ll learn exactly how to frame your head, set the correct background color, achieve the right lighting and facial expression, and meet all technical specifications—whether you’re a local commuter renewing your pass, an international student, or a first-time applicant. Follow our step-by-step instructions to avoid common mistakes, eliminate delays, and secure your German bus pass photo approval on the very first try.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, printed without white borders
- Head size and position: head (top of hair to chin) must measure 32–36 mm and be centered vertically and horizontally
- Eye position: eyes located 15–20 mm from the bottom edge, open and clearly visible without obstruction
- Background: uniform light gray or off-white, free of shadows, patterns, textures or objects
- Lighting and exposure: even front lighting, no shadows on face or background, natural skin tone, no overexposure or glare
- Expression and posture: neutral expression with closed mouth, relaxed face, head straight, no tilt or turn
- Glasses: clear, non-tinted lenses only, frames must not cover eyes or cast shadows, no reflections
- Head covering: only for documented religious or medical reasons, must not obscure hairline or cast shadows, full face visible from chin to forehead
- Quality and print: high resolution (≥ 600 dpi), sharp focus, no red-eye or noise, printed on high-quality photo paper (matte or gloss)
- Recency: photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
- Attire and accessories: everyday clothing, no uniforms, camouflage, large jewelry, headphones or other accessories that cover shoulders or neck
- Digital file (if applicable): JPEG format, sRGB color space, uncompressed, file size 50–200 KB, pixel dimensions ~413 × 531 px
Step-by-Step Process
Content about DE Germany bus pass 35x45 mm Photo Requirements Guide - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Precise Cropping: always crop your photo to exactly 35×45 mm with the face height between 32–36 mm to meet German ID standards and avoid automatic rejection for wrong dimensions
- Uniform Background: use a plain light-grey or off-white matte backdrop with no shadows or textures to ensure the face stands out clearly and prevent background-related denials
- Even Lighting: employ diffuse, frontal lighting to eliminate harsh shadows and hot spots—this avoids glare on skin and glasses and ensures facial features are fully visible
- Glasses & Reflections: remove tinted or heavy-framed glasses or tilt them slightly downward to prevent reflections and ensure eyes are unobstructed, since specular highlights often lead to photo refusal
- Neutral Expression & Posture: maintain a relaxed, closed-mouth expression with eyes open and head level—slight smiles or tilted heads are common mistakes that can trigger non-acceptance by German authorities
Conclusion
Conclusion
In summary, the DE Germany bus pass 35×45 mm photo must adhere to the following key points to ensure acceptance:
- Dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, with the head height between 32–36 mm
- Background: uniform light gray or white, free of shadows or patterns
- Pose & Expression: full-face view, head straight, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- Lighting & Color: even illumination, true-to-life skin tones, no red-eye or glare
- Glasses & Headwear: no tinted or reflective eyewear; head coverings allowed only for religious reasons and must not obscure facial features
- Photo Quality: sharp focus, high resolution, printed on professional-grade photo paper, unaltered and recent (taken within the last 6 months)
By following these specifications precisely, applicants will avoid common pitfalls, prevent delays, and secure seamless approval of their German bus pass photo. For best results, consider professional studio services or use a certified photo booth calibrated to German standards.
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