Condensed guide. Read the full Irish passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | white or light grey |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, no creases, marks or borders — Paper (Passport Express) applications need four identical printed photos; Passport Online needs the digital file only. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG, 0–9 MB (Passport Online (DFA)); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing for Passport Express paper applications) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 4 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | Department of Foreign Affairs – Passport photo guidelines |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The DFA photo guidelines page has moved during a website upgrade and could not be fetched. Printed size 35×45 mm and the online minimum of 715×951 px are from the previous DFA guidance; the online maximum (4800×6400 px) and file limit (9 MB) need re-checking.
- Head-height band 32–36 mm is inferred from the DFA's 'head 70–80 per cent of the photo' guidance.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The Department of Foreign Affairs allows digital photos taken with a phone or camera for Passport Online and sells no official booth, so most online applicants take their own. The DFA's checker is strict on shadows, head size and background colour, so run the free checker here first. For paper applications you need professionally printed photos; our sheet printed at a pharmacy kiosk meets that.
Why Irish passport photos get rejected
- Shadows on the face or background. The DFA's most common rejection. Move away from the wall and light from the front.
- Head too large or too small. Keep the head 32–36 mm on the 45 mm frame (70–80 per cent). The checker shows the measurement.
- Background too dark, patterned or white-on-white. Plain light grey or cream, contrasting with hair and clothing.
- Glare on glasses. Remove them or angle the light away from the lenses.
- Eyes not fully open, smiling. Neutral expression, both eyes open and looking at the lens.
Irish passport photo FAQ
What size is an Irish passport photo?
35×45 mm printed, with the head 70–80 per cent of the height (about 32–36 mm). Passport Online takes a digital file instead.
Can I take the photo myself for Passport Online?
Yes. Have someone else take it on a phone against a plain light background; the DFA accepts digital photos without a photo code.
How many printed photos do I need for a paper application?
Four identical photos, two signed on the back by the witness.
What background colour does the DFA want?
Plain light grey, cream or light blue with good contrast. Avoid patterns and avoid white tops on a white wall.
Are glasses allowed?
Yes if there is no glare and the frames do not cover the eyes, but the DFA recommends removing them.
Does the baby need eyes open?
Not under one. Older children should have eyes open and the face fully visible.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against Department of Foreign Affairs – Passport photo guidelines. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.