DE Germany ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo - Top Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a crisp, standards-compliant 35 × 45 mm photo is the first—and often most overlooked—step to securing your German ID card without delays. Even minor slip-ups, from uneven lighting and improper head positioning to the wrong background shade or wardrobe reflections, can trigger rejection and force costly reshoots. Understanding exactly what specifications the Bundesdruckerei and local registration offices enforce will save you time, money, and stress. In the following guide, we’ll pinpoint the most common pitfalls applicants encounter and show you, step by step, how to capture a flawless ID photo that meets Germany’s strict biometric requirements.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm exactly, head height between 32–36 mm, with a 3–5 mm margin from crown to top edge
- Head positioning: full face centered and looking straight at the camera, no tilt or turn, with eyes open and level
- Facial expression: neutral (no smile or frown), mouth closed, no raised eyebrows or squinting
- Background uniformity: plain light-grey or white background, absolutely no shadows, textures, patterns or objects
- Glasses rules: clear prescription lenses only, frames must not cover eyelids or cast shadows, no tinted or reflective lenses
- Head coverings: disallowed unless for religious reasons, but face from chin to forehead and both edges of the face must remain fully visible
- Lighting and shadows: even, diffused lighting on face and background, no harsh shadows under chin, nose or on backdrop
- Image quality: sharp focus, high resolution (at least 600 dpi), natural colors and contrast, no pixelation, overexposure or underexposure
- Print specifications: true-to-scale print on high-quality, non-glossy photographic paper, no borders or perforations
- Recentness: photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance, no outdated hairstyles or accessories
- Retouching and filters: strictly prohibited – no airbrushing, skin-softening, color filters or digital alterations of features
- Clothing and accessories: normal daily attire without uniforms, camouflage patterns or large jewellery that obscures the face or neckline
Step-by-Step Process
Content about DE Germany ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Mistakes to Avoid - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Background uniformity: use a plain light-gray or off-white backdrop with no shadows or patterns to ensure clear contrast and meet German ID standards
- Head size and framing: position your head centrally with a height of 32–36 mm from chin to crown and include shoulders so the face fills 70–80% of the 35×45 mm frame
- Lighting and shadows: illuminate evenly from the front to avoid shadows on the face and background, preventing automated rejection by biometric scanners
- Expression and gaze: maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes fully visible, looking straight at the camera to comply with German ID photo regulations
- Glasses and accessories: remove tinted lenses and ensure frames don’t cover the eyes, and avoid hats or scarves unless for verified religious reasons to prevent photo disqualification
Conclusion
In summary, avoiding these common 35×45 mm German ID photo errors will keep your application on track:
- Incorrect photo dimensions: ensure exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high with no cropping
- Misaligned head position: top of hair to chin height between 32 – 36 mm, centered horizontally
- Non-uniform background: use plain, light gray or light blue without shadows or patterns
- Improper lighting: no harsh shadows or reflections, even illumination across the face
- Facial expression and pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Unauthorized accessories: remove tinted glasses, hats, or any items obscuring facial features
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