France Passport Photo Maker Online (35x45 mm)
The French administration (ANTS / Mairie) has one very specific and crucial rule: pure white backgrounds are strictly forbidden and will cause rejection. Photos must have a plain light grey or light blue background, measure 35x45mm, and have a head height between 32mm and 36mm.
Official France Passport Photo Requirements
Validated against latest guidelines from Service-Public.fr / Ministère de l'Intérieur
35 x 45 mm
1.38 x 1.77 inches
413 x 531 px (at 300 DPI)
70% – 80% of total vertical height
32 mm – 36 mm from chin to crown
Measured chin to crown
Plain light grey or light blue background (pure white is strictly prohibited)
Must be clean and shadow-free
Allowed without thick frames or reflections; eyes must be completely visible; sunglasses banned
Strictly neutral expression, mouth closed, head straight, direct gaze at camera
Printed as 35x45mm photos on glossy photographic paper
Cost: ~$0.35 at pharmacy
Disclaimer: FreshPassPhoto is an independent photo preparation tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Requirements can change. Always verify the current requirements published by the relevant passport, visa or government authority before submitting your photo.
Key Biometric Guidelines for France
Light Grey or Light Blue Only
Pure white backdrops are strictly prohibited by French law (Arrêté du 27 avril 2007).
35 x 45 mm
Standard French identity document format for Passeport and Carte Nationale d'Identité (CNI).
32 mm to 36 mm
Head size must occupy 70% to 80% of the height (from chin to top of hair).
No Headwear Allowed
No caps, hats, headbands, or decorative headwear may be worn.
- •Using a pure white background (French regulations require light grey or light blue)
- •Smiling or opening mouth
- •Wearing hair accessories or headbands
- •Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
- •Head tilted or off-center
How to Make Your France Passport Photo
Take photo against plain wall with clear lighting
Maintain a straight posture with eyes looking directly into the camera lens.
Select France Passport in FreshPassPhoto
The editor applies the mandatory light grey/blue background and 32–36mm head proportion guides.
Verify background is not white
Ensure our light grey/blue preset is applied to comply with French ANTS regulations.
Download digital or 4x6" printable sheet
Obtain high-resolution 300 DPI files ready for your prefecture or mairie appointment.
Ready to create your France photo?
Use our free photo maker with pre-configured 35 x 45 mm dimensions. Crop, align, remove background, and download printable sheets in under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions (France)
Why is a white background prohibited for French passport photos?
French administrative law specifically prohibits stark pure white backgrounds because facial recognition scanners need adequate contrast between the subject and the background. A light grey or light blue background is legally required.
Can I smile in a French passport photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth completely closed and lips together. Smiling will lead to rejection at the Mairie.