Irish Passport Photo Requirements for Online Applications

Applying for an Irish passport online? Your photo needs to meet the Passport Service’s digital photo rules before it can be accepted.

For an online application, the photo must be at least 715 × 951 pixels, saved as a JPEG, and no larger than 9 MB.

Use the guide below to check your photo before uploading it.

Quick Requirements

• Minimum size: 715 × 951 pixels
• Format: JPEG
• Maximum file size: 9 MB
• Photo must be in colour
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Plain light grey, white or cream background
• Face the camera directly
• Keep a neutral expression
• Keep your mouth closed
• Eyes must be clearly visible
• Photo must be sharp and well lit
• Do not use a scanned printed photo
• Avoid filters or changes to your appearance

Photo Size and File Requirements

Your digital photo must be at least 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high.

It does not need to be exactly 715 × 951 pixels. Those are the minimum dimensions.

The file should be:

• JPEG format
• No larger than 9 MB
• Clear and in sharp focus
• Free from obvious compression or distortion

If you are taking the photo with a phone, use the original digital image rather than scanning a printed passport photo.

Background, Lighting and Expression

Use a plain light grey, white or cream background.

Make sure there are no visible objects, patterns or other people behind you. Strong shadows on the background should also be avoided.

Face the camera directly with your head straight.

Keep a natural, neutral expression with:

• Your mouth closed
• Your eyes open
• Your full face visible

The lighting should be even across your face. Avoid harsh shadows, glare, red-eye or very bright areas.

Can You Wear Glasses?

Yes, as long as your eyes can be seen clearly.

Check that:

• The frames do not cover your eyes
• There is no glare on the lenses
• The lenses are not tinted

If your glasses create reflections, removing them before taking the photo is usually the easiest option.

Hair and Head Coverings

Keep your hair away from your eyes so your face is clearly visible.

Head coverings should normally be removed unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons. Your facial features must still remain visible.

Can You Use a Selfie?

Do not use a selfie for your Irish passport application.

Have someone else take the photo instead. Selfies can create an unnatural camera angle or distort facial proportions.

Common Reasons Photos Are Rejected

Before uploading your photo, check for these common problems:

The image is too small

The photo must be at least 715 × 951 pixels.

The photo is blurry

Your eyes, face and facial features should be sharp and easy to see.

The background is unsuitable

Use a plain light grey, white or cream background without objects or patterns.

There are strong shadows

Avoid heavy shadows on your face or on the wall behind you.

Your expression is incorrect

Keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

Your eyes are obscured

Hair, glasses glare or shadows should not make your eyes difficult to see.

The image has been heavily edited

Do not use beauty filters, face reshaping or other edits that change your appearance.

The photo is a scan

For an online application, use an original digital photograph rather than a scan of a printed passport photo.

Babies and Children

Children also need a suitable passport photo.

For babies and young children:

• Make sure the child's face is clearly visible
• Use a plain background
• Do not include another person in the photo
• Keep hands, toys and other objects out of the picture
• Make sure the image is sharp and well lit

Very young babies may have some flexibility around facial expression, but the face should still be clearly visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Irish passport photo for an online application?

The photo must be at least 715 × 951 pixels.

Does it have to be exactly 715 × 951 pixels?

No. These are the minimum dimensions.

Can I take the photo with an iPhone or Android phone?

Yes. A modern smartphone is fine as long as the photo meets the required size and quality rules.

Can I edit the photo?

Avoid filters, beauty effects or edits that change your facial appearance.

Create Your Irish Passport Photo

Upload your photo to our passport photo maker 123passportphoto.com and we prepare it for an Irish Passport Online application.

Before submitting it, check that the final image:

• Is at least 715 × 951 pixels
• Is saved as JPEG
• Is below 9 MB
• Has a suitable plain background
• Clearly shows your face and eyes
• Has good lighting
• Uses a neutral expression

Source: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/photo-guidelines/