Compare the two photos below to see what an acceptable ID photo looks like — then check the three quick tips at the bottom so you get it right the first time.
Why one passes and the other doesn't
Why this one passes
- Looking straight at the lens, head not tilted
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open naturally
- Even light on both sides of the face — no shadows
- Face is sharp and not covered by hair, glasses or a hat
Why this one fails
- Eyes looking downward (often a side-effect of taking a selfie)
- Shadows on the face from uneven lighting
- Hair covers the face, or wearing a hat or hair accessory
- Shoulders tilted, not level. Head tipped back or down toward the floor
3 tips to nail it on the first try
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Lighting
Stand facing a window during the day, 1–2 meters away. Avoid ceiling lights and back-lighting — both sides of your face should be evenly lit.
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Expression
Eyes open naturally, mouth closed, no smile. Look straight into the lens with a relaxed, neutral face — like an ID card.
-
Posture & framing
Head upright, shoulders level, back straight. Camera at eye level, 0.5–1 meter away. Use the rear camera, not selfie.
Want your ID photo to look better?
You can use AI or built-in phone tools — pick whichever fits you from the options below:
- Beautify your ID photo with free ChatGPT — studio-grade lighting in 60 seconds.
- Beautify your ID photo with free Gemini — Google's AI, no Gemini Advanced needed.
- How to remove face shadow on iPhone — Vivid filter + Shadows/Contrast/Brightness sliders.
- How to remove face shadow on Samsung — one-tap AI Erase Shadow (One UI 6.1+).
Ready to create a compliant ID photo?
Upload your photo to anhthe.io — AI removes the background, adds a white backdrop and exports the right size for passports, ID cards, driver licenses and visas.
Create ID photo now