head 58–67 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceGovernment.nl
Verified
Quick answer: A Netherlands ID card photo must be 35 × 45 mm. Even light background without patterns. Head occupies 58–67% of photo height (26–30 mm chin to crown). Neutral expression, glasses only if no glare. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 58–67% of photo heightICAO 9303: 70–80% |
| Head height (mm) | 26–30 mm chin to crownICAO 9303: 32–36 mm |
| Background | Even light background without patterns. |
| Pose | Head fully in frame and strictly centred. |
| Expression | Natural neutral expression. |
| Glasses | Glasses permitted only without reflections and without obscuring eyes. See full rules → |
| Lighting | Photo must be sharp, with sufficient contrast, no shadows or digital alterations. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| Millimetres | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 827 × 1063 px |
Netherlands national ID card photos are administered by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and issued at local gemeente (municipality) offices. The format is 35×45mm following the Dutch biometric standard.
Photo must be from an approved photographer (gewaarmerkte foto) — the gemeente verifies the photo carries an official stamp or seal. Background light or white, head 26-30mm (58-67% of frame).
Same biometric workflow as Dutch passport. Glasses allowed if no glare (Dutch rule, unusual in EU). Photo within last 6 months.
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons Netherlands ID card photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements Government.nl publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Photo without approved photographer stamp | Get photo from approved photographer |
| Glasses with glare | Re-shoot without or anti-reflective lenses |
| Background dark or patterned | Re-shoot against light backdrop |
| Photo older than 6 months | Re-shoot |
How to take it
Background: plain light
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 58–67 % of the photo height (26–30 mm)
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 35 × 45 mm.
Glasses only if no glare
If you wear glasses, check the shot: no glare on the lenses, eyes clearly visible.
Natural neutral expression
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glare on glassesStand so that no light reflects in the lenses.Printing and submission
| 10 × 15 cm · 4 × 6″ | 8 (4 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 36 (6 × 6) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
| Authority | Government.nl |
|---|---|
| Source | Dutch photo requirements for passports, ID cards and driving licences |
| Verified |
Questions
The Netherlands ID card photo must be 35 × 45 mm. The head must occupy 58–67% of the photo height. The photo should look like you do day to day.
Even light background without patterns. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
Yes. Stand against a plain light wall facing a window, and take the photo with a timer or ask someone to help. The tool crops it to size, fixes the background and checks the framing.
Most offices accept a photo taken within the last six months. If your hair, beard or face has changed noticeably since then, take a new one.
Glasses permitted only without reflections and without obscuring eyes. If you keep them on, tilt them slightly downwards by lifting the arms a little above your ears: this usually moves reflections of a window or lamp off the lenses.
We refund the payment in full. Email us within 14 days of purchase with your order number and the rejection notice from the Netherlands authority.
35 × 45 mm = 3.5 × 4.5 cm = 1.38 × 1.77 inches. At 300 dpi that is 413 × 531 pixels; at 600 dpi, 827 × 1063 pixels.
Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. The face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead and on both sides, with no shadow across it.
Yes. The same 35 × 45 mm format and head size apply to: driver's license, passport, visa.