Photo for ID or passport – information:

• The photo must be current – taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the application,
• You must not wear headgear, glasses with dark lenses, or other items that hinder identification,
• The photo should show the entire head (from the top) and the upper part of the shoulders,
• The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo,
• The photographed person must have a natural facial expression (no mimic gestures), with a closed mouth.

Vision impairments

• If you wear corrective glasses – you may appear in the photo if your eyes are clearly visible and the frames do not cover the eyebrows, and there is no glare in the lenses,
• If you wear contact lenses – you may appear with them in the photo if they do not change the natural shape or color of your eyes,
• If you have congenital or acquired vision impairments – you may appear in the photo with dark glasses. Attach a certificate of disability or its degree with the ID or passport application.

If you apply for an ID online – attach the certificate as a digitally signed document or a scan of it. Hand over the original to the clerk when collecting the document.

Facial hair

• If facial hair doesn’t obstruct recognition – you may have a beard, mustache, or stubble in the photo,
• To avoid potential issues – it’s best to take the photo without facial hair.

Head covering

• If you wear a head covering due to your religion – you may wear it in the photo, provided your face is still clearly visible. Attach a certificate confirming you belong to a registered religious community in Poland. If applying online – attach a digitally signed document or a scan, and hand over the original when collecting the document,
• The entire face oval and the line of the ears must be visible.

Jewelry

• You may wear jewelry in the photo if it doesn’t cover the face or distort the background,
• To avoid issues – take the photo without jewelry.

Face in the photo

• The face must be facing the camera directly, without tilting,
• The full face should be visible (no profile),
• You must have a neutral facial expression (no mimic gestures), closed mouth, and uncovered eyebrows,
• The eyes must be open and clearly visible with pupils (not covered by hair), looking straight into the camera,
• Red-eye effect is not allowed,
• Ears do not need to be visible,
• Hair may stick out beyond the photo frame.

If your health prevents you from meeting these requirements, you may appear with closed eyes, open mouth, or unnatural expression in the photo.

Background and lighting

• The background must be white, evenly lit, and free from shadows or decorative elements,
• The face must be evenly lit (no reflections on skin, hair, or face),
• Only one person can be present in the photo.

Sharpness, contrast, and quality

• The photo must be sharp (no visible pixels), with natural contrast,
• The head contour must be clearly visible (no background overexposure),
• The photo should have neutral coloring and appropriate tonal density (not too bright or too dark),
• No creases or surface damage allowed,
• The skin tone must be accurately rendered.

Photos of children under 5

• The child may have closed eyes, open mouth, or unnatural facial expression,
• The child's face must be visible (not covered by hair or toys),
• The child should keep their head straight,
• The background must be light and uniform (no other people in frame).

Photo format

Depends on the document you're applying for:

1. ID card:
   • For online application – attach a color photo in electronic form with:
     • Minimum resolution 492 × 633 pixels,
     • Maximum size of 2.5 MB,
     • Proper proportions corresponding to 35 × 45 mm (width × height).
   • If applying in person – attach a color photo on paper of 35 × 45 mm.
2. Passport:
   • For online application (e.g., for a child under 12):
     • Minimum resolution 768 × 1004 pixels,
     • Maximum size of 2.5 MB,
     • Proper proportions corresponding to 35 × 45 mm.
   • If applying in person – attach a color photo on paper of 35 × 45 mm.

Additional information

If the photo meets the formal requirements but due to illness, accident, or facial features your eyes are closed or your mouth is open – the office may accept such a photo.

Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/zdjecie-do-dowodu-lub-paszportu