Document photo online

Photo for ID card or passport – information:

• The photo must be up-to-date – taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the application,
• You may not wear head coverings, dark glasses, or other items that make identification difficult,
• 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 person should have a neutral facial expression (no gestures) with mouth closed.

Vision impairment

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

If applying online – attach the certificate as a digitally signed document or scan. Show the original upon collecting the document.

Facial hair

• If beard/mustache/stubble does not hinder recognition – it is allowed,
• To avoid issues – it is recommended to take the photo without facial hair.

Head covering

• If you wear a head covering for religious reasons – it is allowed if your face is visible. Attach confirmation of belonging to a religious community registered in Poland. For online applications – attach a digitally signed document or scan; show original upon collection,
• The face oval and ear line must be visible.

Jewelry

• Jewelry is allowed if it does not cover the face and does not distort the uniform background,
• To avoid issues – it is recommended to take the photo without jewelry.

Face on the photo

• The face must look straight into the camera, without tilt,
• The entire face oval must be visible (no profile),
• Natural facial expression (no gestures), mouth closed, eyebrows uncovered,
• Eyes must be open, pupils visible, not covered by hair, looking at the camera,
• No red-eye effect,
• Ears do not have to be visible,
• Hair may extend beyond the photo frame.

If due to health condition you cannot meet these requirements – you may be photographed with closed eyes, open mouth, or unnatural expression.

Background and lighting

• The background must be white, evenly lit, without shadows or decorations,
• The face must be evenly lit (no reflections on skin/hair/face),
• Only one person may appear in the photo.

Sharpness, contrast and quality

• The photo must be sharp (no visible pixels), with natural contrast,
• Head contours must be clearly visible (no overexposed background),
• The photo must have neutral color and proper brightness (not too light 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