Irish Passport Photo Requirements: Digital Photos, Print Size and Witness Signing
Passport Photo Guide · Ireland
Online Irish passport applications need a digital photo at least 715 × 951 pixels. Paper applications need four identical prints between 35 × 45 mm and 38 × 50 mm, two of them signed and stamped by your witness.
Last checked against the Department of Foreign Affairs on October 14, 2026.
Online or paper: which photo you need
| Passport Online | Paper form | |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | One digital photo, in color | 4 identical printed photos |
| Size | At least 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high | From 35 × 45 mm up to 38 × 50 mm |
| File or paper | JPEG, 9 MB or less, with no compression artefacts or distortion. Scans are not accepted | Photo-quality paper, high resolution, with a white, unglazed back |
| Witness | Not on the photo | Your witness writes the form number on the back of two photos, then signs and stamps them |
| Color | Color; the passport prints it in black and white | Black and white recommended, color accepted |
The Department of Foreign Affairs says you can get your digital photo from a photographer or pharmacy, by email or on a USB key. You cannot take a selfie, and if home photos keep being rejected, the Department suggests using a photo provider instead.
Irish passport photo requirements
These rules on pose and visuals apply to both digital and printed photos.
| Requirement | What Ireland asks for |
|---|---|
| Framing | Head to mid torso, with visible space between your head and shoulders and the edge of the photo |
| Background | Completely plain light grey, white or cream, with enough contrast, and no objects such as door panels or plants |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smile, looking straight into the camera without tilting your head |
| Lighting | In focus, balanced, natural skin tones, no shadows on your face or behind your head, no red eye |
| Eyes and hair | Facial features visible; hair must not cover any part of the eyes |
| Glasses | Clear glasses are allowed if there is no glare or shadow and the frames do not cover any part of the eyes. No sunglasses or dark glasses |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons, with your full facial features visible |
| Clothing | No civil or military uniforms, and no clothing with insignia |
| Editing | No digital enhancements, filters or changes of any kind |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months; you cannot reuse your previous passport photo |
ThisPix · Midtown Manhattan
Get your Irish passport photo in NYCWalk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. A digital photo by email for Passport Online, or four identical prints for a paper form, on a plain light background.
Book your passport photo212-753-4671What your witness does on a paper application
- Form number. Your witness writes the application form number, found in Section 9 of the form, on the back of two of your four photos.
- Sign and stamp. They sign and stamp the back of those same two photos.
- If it is missing. The Passport Service will ask you to submit a new form and new photos.
Babies and young children
- Lying down. A baby or young child who cannot sit up is photographed lying on a plain white surface.
- No hands. Nobody else may appear, including hands or arms supporting the child.
- No soother. Soothers and pacifiers are not allowed, as they hide facial features.
- Natural expression. Make every effort to keep the child from smiling or opening their mouth.
- Cropping tool. For children up to 36 months applying online, the system may ask you to frame the face with its cropping tool.
Common reasons photos are rejected
The Department of Foreign Affairs says poor quality photos are the main reason passport applications are rejected.
- A selfie
- A scanned print uploaded as a digital photo
- A photo older than 6 months, or your old passport photo
- Smiling or an open mouth
- Shadows on the face or behind the head
- A background with objects, or not plain
- Glare on glasses or frames over the eyes
- Cropped too tightly at the head and shoulders
- Filters or digital changes
- Missing witness details on the paper photos
Since 1986
Irish passport photos in Midtown ManhattanFor 40 years ThisPix has photographed New Yorkers to the size and rules of consulates around the world. Tell us whether you are applying online or on paper, and we will prepare the right format.
Get your photo at ThisPix212-753-4671Questions, answered
What size is an Irish passport photo?
For Passport Online, a digital photo at least 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high, JPEG, up to 9 MB. For a paper application, prints between 35 × 45 mm and 38 × 50 mm, showing you from head to mid torso.
How many photos do I need for an Irish passport?
One digital photo online. Four identical printed photos for a paper application, two of them signed and stamped on the back by your witness with the form number.
Can I wear glasses in an Irish passport photo?
Yes, clear glasses, as long as there is no glare or shadow and the frames do not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed.
Can I smile?
No. Your expression must be neutral with your mouth closed.
Can I get a digital photo from a photo studio?
Yes. The Department of Foreign Affairs says a photographer can give you your digital photo by email or on a USB key to upload to Passport Online.
What background color is allowed?
Completely plain light grey, white or cream, with enough contrast and no objects in the background.
Where can I get an Irish passport photo in New York?
At ThisPix, 805 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, at East 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sources. Requirements change, so always confirm with the Department of Foreign Affairs before you apply. Last checked October 14, 2026.