Country guide · 🇩🇪 Germany · Last verified: February 2025

Germany National ID (Personalausweis) Photo Requirements

Official photo specifications for Germany National ID (Personalausweis) — size, background, head position, and submission format. Verified against bmi.bund.de.

Written by the PixID.studio compliance team · February 2025

Verified against bmi.bund.de, February 2025. Each requirement is automatically checked when you create your photo with PixID.

Size

35×45 mm

Background

Light grey

Expression

Neutral, mouth closed

Ears

Both visible

Head covering

Religious only

Recency

≤ 6 months

Resolution

600 DPI

Glasses

Not allowed

Medical exception only

Photos required

2 identical

Note: Grey background required — not white. This is the most common mistake.

Background and lighting

The background must be light grey, uniform and completely shadow-free. Requirements:

Uniform colour — no gradients, patterns, or textures
No shadows cast on the background or on the face
Evenly lit — no dark spots or bright patches
No other people or objects visible in the frame

Avoid wearing clothing that matches the background colour, as it can blend in and cause rejection.

Expression and appearance

Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. Mouth closed, no smiling.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye or glare.
Ears: Both visible must be visible.
Glasses: not permitted. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.
Head covering: Religious only. Full face must be visible with no shadows.
Hair: must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features.
Clothing: everyday attire. Uniforms not permitted.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong background — must be light grey. Any deviation causes rejection.
Glasses — not permitted unless medically documented.
Shadows — on the face or background from poor lighting.
Head size incorrect — face must fill 70–80% of the frame.
Non-neutral expression — smile, raised eyebrows, or open mouth.
Photo too old — must be taken within ≤ 6 months.
Low resolution or blur — minimum 600 DPI for print submissions.
Digital retouching — beauty filters or skin smoothing cause rejection.

Verified against bmi.bund.de · All checks automated

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Frequently asked questions

What are the Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo requirements?

Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photos must be 35×45 mm, background light grey. Neutral expression, both eyes open. Photo within 6 months. Min 300 DPI. Source: bmi.bund.de.

What size is a Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo?

The required size is 35×45 mm. The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo area with both ears visible and a neutral expression.

What background is required for a Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo?

The background must be light grey, uniform and shadow-free. No patterns, textures, or objects.

Can I wear glasses in a Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo?

No. Glasses are generally not permitted. Prescription glasses may be allowed with a medical certificate — check bmi.bund.de.

How recent must a Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo be?

The photo must have been taken within 6 months and reflect your current appearance.

Can I create a Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photo online?

Yes. PixID creates compliant Germany National ID (Personalausweis) photos: select your document, upload a photo, and get a ready-to-use file in minutes. $4.99, 100% money-back guarantee if rejected.