First-Time FR France ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Tips - Beginner's Guide
Applying for your first French national ID card is an exciting milestone on your journey to full citizenship benefits, but even the smallest misstep—like an incorrect 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) photo—can trigger costly delays. In this guide, our decades of collaboration with French consulates and top photographers will walk you through every nuance of the application process, from capturing a flawless, regulation-compliant portrait to gathering the essential documents that guarantee a smooth appointment. Whether you’re navigating local mairie procedures or planning ahead for a distant prefectoral office visit, you’ll gain insider tips that ensure your first-time submission is accepted at once—so you can unlock the security and convenience of your Carte Nationale d’Identité without a hitch.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with no white borders
- Head size and placement: head height (chin to crown) 32–36 mm, distance from top of photo to top of hair 3–5 mm
- Background color: uniform light gray or neutral background without shadows, patterns or objects
- Face orientation: full frontal view, head straight, no tilt, eyes level and centered in the frame
- Expression: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no teeth showing, no exaggerated frown or smile
- Glasses rules: thin frames only, lenses clear and glare-free, eyes fully visible, no tinted or dark glasses
- Head coverings: prohibited except for documented religious reasons, must not obscure hairline, forehead or cheeks
- Photo quality: high resolution, sharp focus, continuous-tone color print on professional photo paper, no pixelation
- Lighting and color: even lighting, no red-eye, true-to-life skin tones, no overexposure or underexposure
- Recency of photo: taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance
- Quantity and presentation: submit two identical prints, unmounted, unstapled, with no marks, creases or perforations
- Digital file specs (if online): JPEG format, sRGB color space, 300 dpi resolution, file size between 50 KB and 10 MB
- Standards compliance: must conform to ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011 biometric photo specifications
- Application tip: always check the ANTS portal or your mairie’s website for any local updates before submitting
Step-by-Step Process
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Tips and Best Practices
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Conclusion
In summary, obtaining your first French national ID card hinges on meticulous preparation and adherence to specifications. Ensuring your 35 × 45 mm photo meets biometric standards, assembling complete and accurate documentation, and respecting appointment and submission guidelines will help you avoid delays or rejections.
Key takeaways:
- Photo specifications: 35 × 45 mm, neutral expression, plain light background, correct head size and positioning
- Document checklist: completed application form, proof of nationality, proof of residence, valid ID, parental consent (if applicable)
- Quality control: recent (≤ 6 months), high resolution, no glare or shadows, natural skin tones
- Submission process: book appointment online, pay fees, bring originals and copies, arrive on time
- Final checks: review all details, verify attachments, confirm receipt or follow up within processing times
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