ID PASSPORT SERVICE OFFICIAL

Irish Passport Photo Requirements

Complete guide to passport photos - perfect for Passport Online applications

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Irish Passport Photo Requirements: what to check before download

Use this Irish Passport Photo Requirements guide to check the photo size, background, face position, and export format before you upload or print your document photo.

Before submitting, compare the final crop against your appointment checklist. A clean source photo, even lighting, and the right print resolution usually matter more than aggressive editing or artificial sharpening.

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Complete Photo Specifications

The Irish passport is your gateway to the world! As an EU member state (but not Schengen), Ireland has its own passport service with specific photo requirements that differ slightly from other EU countries.

Whether you're applying through Passport Online, via post, or at a Passport Office, getting the right photo is crucial for a smooth application.

Photo Dimensions & Technical Specs

Photo Size 35 x 45mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Size in Inches 1.4 x 1.8 inches
Digital Resolution 413 x 531 pixels (at 300 DPI)
Background Color White or light grey
Head Height 25-35mm (chin to crown)
Eye Line Position 28-35mm from bottom edge
Color Mode Full color (not black & white)
Photo Age Maximum 6 months old

Irish Passport Types & Validity

Standard Passport (Adults 18+)

10 years

The standard passport booklet with 34 visa pages. 75 online, 80 by post.

Child Passport (Under 18)

5 years

Shorter validity for children due to changing appearance. 20 online, 30 by post.

Passport Card

5 years

Credit-card sized travel document. Valid for EU/EEA, Switzerland and some other countries. 35 online.

Large Passport (66 pages)

10 years

For frequent travelers. Available only by paper application. Additional fee applies.

Detailed Photo Requirements

What Passport Service Accepts

  • Face centered and looking straight
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Natural skin tones (no filters)
  • Both ears visible (if possible)
  • Sharp focus, clear image
  • Even lighting, no shadows

What Will Be Rejected

  • Smiling or showing teeth
  • Wearing any glasses (since 2016)
  • Hats or non-religious head coverings
  • Hair covering face or eyes
  • Red eyes or flash reflections
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Edited or filtered photos

No Glasses Since 2016

Ireland banned glasses in passport photos in 2016 to improve biometric facial recognition. Even clear prescription glasses must be removed. Contact lenses are fine!

How to Apply for Irish Passport

1

Passport Online (Recommended)

Visit passportonline.dfa.ie - fastest option. Upload your digital photo directly. Turnaround: ~10 working days.

2

Post Passport (Paper Application)

Get APS1 or APS2 form from An Post offices. Include printed photos. Turnaround: ~20 working days.

3

Passport Office (Appointments)

Dublin or Cork offices for urgent applications. Must book online first.

Passport Online Digital Photo Tips

When uploading to Passport Online, your photo must be:

  • - JPEG format recommended
  • - Minimum 715 x 951 pixels
  • - Maximum file size 9MB
  • - No borders or frames

Our tool outputs the perfect format for Passport Online!

FAQs - Irish Passport Photo

Can I use a selfie for my Irish passport?
You can use a selfie if it meets all the requirements - proper lighting, white background, correct expression, and no glasses. Using our tool, you can turn a good selfie into a compliant passport photo!
Who can be an Irish passport photo witness?
For first-time applications, your photo must be witnessed (signed on the back) by someone who has known you for at least 2 years - a doctor, teacher, solicitor, member of clergy, or certain other professionals.
Can I smile in an Irish passport photo?
No, you must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, even without showing teeth, may cause your application to be rejected.
How do I get Irish citizenship by descent?
If you have an Irish-born parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. Grandchildren of Irish citizens must first register in the Foreign Births Register before applying for a passport.

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Helpful checklist

Practical notes for Irish Passport Photo Requirements

For Irish Passport Photo Requirements, the safest result starts with a simple front-facing portrait: camera at eye level, shoulders straight, no heavy shadows, and a plain background that can be cleaned without cutting into the hair or face outline.

Do not reuse a cropped social-media profile picture unless it still has enough resolution. A low-quality source can pass the preview on screen but look soft after printing, especially when a 300 DPI sheet is required.

Use the country preset first, then compare the size, background, and face position against the exact passport, visa, ID, or embassy checklist for your appointment. Some offices update upload limits without changing the public photo size.

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