Ireland Passport Photo Requirements

When applying for an Irish passport, it is crucial to provide a high-quality passport photo that meets the specific requirements set by the Irish government.

You must submit a photo that has been taken in the last six months.

Digital photos

If you apply online, you must submit a digital photo.

Here are the technical requirements for your digital photo:

• A scanned photo cannot be used.

• It should be in color.

• A minimum of 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high is required.

• Be in JPEG format.

• There should be no compression, loss, or compression artefacts.

• It cannot be altered or enhanced digitally.

• Do not contain barrel distortions or any other distortions.

• It should not exceed 9 megabytes (9MB).

   

Printed photos

If you apply by paper application form, you must submit a printed photo.

Ensure that your printed photo meets these technical requirements:

Size

Photographs should show your face and top of your shoulders so that 70% to 80% of the frame is occupied by your face.

• Minimum: 35mm x 45mm

• Maximum: 38mm x 50mm

Quality

• Photo-quality paper must be used for printing photos.

• Photos must be in sharp focus and correctly exposed

• Ink marks and creases should not be present.

• It is not acceptable to make digital enhancements or changes.

• The reverse of the photos must be white and unglazed.

• It is recommended to take black and white photos since they will be digitally printed on a passport.Color photos are also accepted.

   

Guidelines for digital and print photos on pose and visuals 

1. Facial features and Expresssion

• Your expression should be neutral, your mouth should be closed, and your smile should be avoided.
• You should not tilt your head up or down or left or right.Face the camera directly. 

• Your face should be visible, and your hair should not cover your eyes.

• Glasses are acceptable.No part of your eyes should be covered by the frame.There must be no glare on the lenses.It is not permitted to wear dark glasses.

• A head covering can be worn for religious or medical reasons.It is important that your full facial features are visible.Head accessories cannot be worn for any other reason.

• Do not wear sunglasses.

     2.Lighting and focus 

• Your photo must be in focus.Lighting and color should be balanced, not too dark or too light.
• The face and the back of your head should not have any shadows.
• Photographs with red eye are unacceptable.
• It is important to have a good colour balance and a natural skin tone.

     3.Distance

• Ensure that your head and mid-torso are captured in the photograph.
• Make sure your head and shoulders are visible from the edge of your photo.
• It is prohibited to wear uniforms, whether civil or military, or clothing bearing insignia.

      4. Background

• The background should be light grey, white or cream.
• There should be no object in your passport photo, such as a door panel or a plant.

Child photos

•  In the case of an infant or very young child who cannot support themselves, they should be photographed lying down on a plain, white surface.
• Ensure that no other people appear in the picture, so no hands or arms supporting the child should be visible.
• In photographs, soothers/pacifiers cannot be present since they can obscure facial features.

Create an Irish Passport Photo Online

Use our passport photo tool 123PassportPhoto.com to prepare your photo for an Irish passport application. It's easy and simple.

Start with a clear photo taken against a compliant plain background. Make sure your face, expression, lighting and pose meet the official requirements before uploading your image.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Irish passport photo?

Printed Irish passport photos should measure between 35 × 45 mm and 38 × 50 mm.

Is 35 × 45 mm accepted for an Irish passport?

Yes. A 35 × 45 mm photo falls within the accepted printed Irish passport photo size range.

What are the Irish passport photo pixel requirements?

For online applications, the digital photo should be at least 715 × 951 pixels.

What format should an Irish passport photo be?

Digital passport photos should be submitted in JPEG format.

What is the maximum digital photo size?

The JPEG file should be no larger than 9 MB.

Can I take my Irish passport photo at home?

Yes. A smartphone or digital camera can be used, but another person should take the photo for you.

Can I use a selfie?

No. Selfies are not accepted for an Irish passport application.

Can I smile in an Irish passport photo?

No. Keep a neutral facial expression and your mouth closed.

Can I edit my passport photo?

Avoid digital enhancement, filters and alterations. Start with a photo that already meets the required background, lighting, pose and image-quality rules.

Official Irish Passport Photo Requirements

Passport photo requirements may change. Check the latest guidance from the Irish Passport Service before submitting your application.

Applicant Photo Guidelines

Irish Passport Online Photographer Guidelines