Italy Passport Photo Tool – 35×40mm Official Polizia di Stato Format

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or drag and drop files here

The Challenge

Italy's official passport photo size is 35×40mm (Polizia di Stato), but many consulates abroad accept 35×45mm instead — creating widespread confusion. Using the wrong format for your issuing office = rejection. Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper; digital-only submissions are not accepted for passports.

Italy has TWO passport photo sizes — check your issuing office

Polizia di Stato / Questura (within Italy): 35×40mm — this tool
Many Italian consulates abroad: 35×45mm (EU standard) — use the Visa/ID tool
ALWAYS check with your specific issuing office before printing
The 35×40mm and 35×45mm formats are NOT interchangeable

Italian passport photo requirements

The Polizia di Stato specifies 35×40mm as the official Italian passport photo dimension. Photos must be recent (within 6 months), in colour, with a white or light uniform background. The face must be clearly visible with neutral expression and mouth closed. Two identical photos are required per application. Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper — the Questura does not accept digital-only submissions for passport applications. All photos must comply with ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards.

Italian passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?

35×40mm dimensions (verify with your Questura or consulate)
White or light uniform background, no patterns or shadows
Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
Eyes open and clearly visible
No glasses unless documented medical necessity
No head coverings unless religious (face must remain fully visible)
Hair not covering eyes, eyebrows, or face
No shadows on face or background
Colour photo with natural skin tones
Taken within last 6 months
Printed on photo-quality paper
Two identical photos required
Civilian clothing — no uniforms

Common rejection reasons

Wrong dimensions (35×45mm submitted to Questura requiring 35×40mm, or vice versa)
Wearing glasses without medical documentation
Shadows on face or background
Smiling or mouth open
Photo older than 6 months
Low resolution or blurry
Photo digitally altered or retouched
Head tilted or rotated — portrait-style poses rejected
Background not uniform or has objects visible
Not printed on photo-quality paper

Why Italy has two passport photo sizes

The Polizia di Stato officially specifies 35×40mm for Italian passport photos processed at Questura offices within Italy. However, many Italian consulates and embassies abroad specify 35×45mm (the standard EU/Schengen format) on their application forms. Some consulates even list other sizes like 40×40mm or 30×40mm. This inconsistency is well-documented and frustrates applicants. The safest approach: check the specific requirements published by the office where you will submit your application. If applying at a Questura in Italy, use 35×40mm. If applying at a consulate abroad, check their website or call ahead — many accept 35×45mm.

How to print Italian passport photos

Paper: Photo-quality paper required. Matte or glossy both accepted.
Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: 4R (102×152mm) for multiple photos, or A4.
Cutting: Cut precisely to 35×40mm along grey guide lines. Verify with ruler.
Quality: Photos must be sharp, high-resolution, no visible pixels or printer dots.
Do NOT submit digital-only photos for passport — Questura requires printed photos.
Alternative: Professional photographer or photo booth — specify '35×40mm fototessera per passaporto'.

Good vs bad Italian passport photo examples

Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile

Smiling or mouth open

White or light uniform background, no shadows

Shadows on face or background

Eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses

Glasses causing glare or covering eyes

Face squarely facing camera, both edges visible

Portrait-style pose looking over shoulder

Ears preferably visible

Hair covering eyes or eyebrows

Printed on photo-quality paper

Printed on plain paper or digitally altered

Cost comparison

Professional photographer (Italy): €5–12 for passport photo set
Photo booth (cabina fototessera): €4–8
Tabaccheria photo service: €5–10
This tool: Free — print at home for €0.30–0.60 per sheet
Savings: €4–12 per application

Italian passport processing and fees

Italian passports are issued by the Questura (Police Headquarters) within Italy or by Italian consulates abroad. Processing time within Italy is typically 2–3 weeks; consulates abroad may take 4–6 weeks or longer. Adult passport (10-year validity): €116.86 total (€42.50 booklet + €73.50 government tax stamp + €0.86 admin). Children under 3: 3-year validity. Ages 3–18: 5-year validity. AIRE-registered citizens abroad should apply at their jurisdictional consulate.

Official Italian Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Face Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Print Photo Sheet

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×40 mm (Polizia di Stato standard)
Resolution: 827×945 pixels at 600 DPI
Face Height: ~75% of photo from chin to top of head
Background: White or light uniform colour
Recency: Within last 6 months
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Photos Required: 2 identical colour photos
Paper Type: Photo-quality paper
Valid For: Italian passport (Questura/domestic applications)

Best Practices

Italy officially uses 35×40mm for passports (Polizia di Stato) — but consulates abroad often accept 35×45mm. Verify first.
No glasses unless medically required with documentation
Digital-only photos NOT accepted for passport at Questura — must be printed
Both ears should preferably be visible
No portrait-style poses — face camera squarely
Two identical photos required per application
Photo must be printed on photo-quality paper — not plain printer paper
No digital retouching or filters of any kind
For CIE (electronic ID card), use the 35×45mm tool instead

Frequently Asked Questions

What size are Italian passport photos?

The Polizia di Stato specifies 35×40mm for Italian passport applications at Questura offices within Italy. However, many Italian consulates abroad accept 35×45mm (EU standard). Always verify with your specific issuing office.

Why do different Italian offices require different photo sizes?

The Polizia di Stato officially specifies 35×40mm, but Italian consulates abroad often follow the EU standard 35×45mm. Some consulates list other sizes entirely. This inconsistency is well-known — always check the specific requirements of the office processing your application.

Can I submit digital photos for an Italian passport?

No. The Questura requires printed photos on photo-quality paper. Digital-only submissions are not accepted for passport applications. You must provide 2 identical printed colour photos.

Can I wear glasses in Italian passport photos?

No, unless medically necessary. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, they must be clear with no glare, and frames must not cover your eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are prohibited.

Can I use the same photo for passport and CIE (electronic ID card)?

Potentially not. The passport requires 35×40mm (Polizia di Stato), while the CIE uses 35×45mm (Ministry of Interior). Different dimensions — use the correct tool for each.

How recent must Italian passport photos be?

Within the last 6 months, reflecting your current appearance.

How many photos do I need?

Two identical colour photos for passport applications.

Where can I print Italian passport photos?

At professional photographers, photo booths (cabina fototessera), tabaccherie with photo services, or print at home on photo-quality paper. Specify 'fototessera 35×40mm per passaporto' at photo shops.