Spanish passport photo rules in plain words
The Policia Nacional (Portal DNIe) uses the same photo for the passport as for the DNI: 26x32 mm (1.02 x 1.26 in), which is often written as 32x26 mm, at 300 DPI. The background must be uniform and plain white. The photo is printed on good photo paper.
- Copies: 1.
- Glasses: allowed if there is no glare.
- Head covering: religious only, with the face fully visible.
- Head size: not specified officially.
The format is much smaller than the 35x45 mm photo used by many countries, so a template made for another country will not fit.
When you do not need a photo
If your DNI was issued or renewed on the same day as the passport application, no photo is needed. Otherwise bring the printed photo with you.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Stand in front of a plain white wall, and let soft daylight fall on your face. Hold the phone at eye level and look straight into the lens with a neutral expression. Leave a little space around your head so that the small format still shows your whole face.
- Stand a little away from the wall so your head does not cast a shadow.
- Check glasses for reflections.
- Do not use filters or beauty modes.
IDPhotoly processes the image in your browser without uploading it, crops it to 26x32 mm, replaces the background with white and checks the framing.
Common reasons for rejection
- Wrong size. A 35x45 mm photo does not match the small Spanish format.
- Background not uniform. Shadows or patches on the white background are not accepted.
- Poor print quality. The photo should be on good photo paper, not plain paper.
- Glare on glasses. Reflections hide the eyes.
- Face covered. Only religious head coverings are accepted, and the face must stay visible.
Printing the photo
This is a printed-photo document. Download the file and print 1 copy at 300 DPI at 26x32 mm on good photo paper. At that small size, resolution matters, so avoid enlarging or compressing the file before printing. Payment is one-time, and you receive a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.
Tips for a clean result
Keep your head upright and look straight at the lens. Because the print is small, a sharp, evenly lit picture is more important than any retouching.
Final checks before you submit
Because the Spanish photo is so small, a single flaw such as a shadow on one side of the face becomes very visible. Check the file at 100% zoom before printing, look for reflections on glasses, and make sure your whole face is evenly lit. If the print shop trims the photo for you, ask for the exact 26x32 mm size rather than a nearby standard size.