German National ID Photo Requirements (Personalausweis) – Free Checker

Official German Personalausweis Photo Requirements

The German Personalausweis (national identity card) is governed by the BSI TR-03122 biometric passport standard. Photos are checked against this standard by the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) and all German consulates.

• Size: 35×45mm (413×531px at 300 DPI).
• Background: strictly white or very light grey — no shadows, no patterns.
• Head height: 70–80% of the total image height (crown to chin).
• Head must be centered horizontally with no more than slight tilt.
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed.
• Glasses: not permitted since 2017 for biometric compliance.
• No headwear except for documented religious reasons.
• Photo taken within the past six months.

Why the German ID Photo Standard Is Stricter

Germany uses the BSI TR-03122 standard which requires the head to occupy 70–80% of the image height — higher than the general ICAO range of 55–80%. This tighter range is enforced by biometric scanners at registration offices.

• Photos where the head is below 70% will be returned — even if they pass for a passport in another country.
• Background must be pure white — cream, light beige, or shadowed walls fail.
• Any glasses, including clear prescription lenses, are rejected.
• Digital filters, heavy retouching, or colour grading disqualify the photo.

How to Get a Compliant Personalausweis Photo

Stand against a white wall in even front lighting. Take the photo at eye level. Upload it to VisaPhotoCheck — the AI removes the background, scales the head to the 70–80% BSI target, and exports a 413×531px JPEG ready for the Bürgeramt counter or online renewal.