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South Africa ID Card Photo

35 × 45 mm (413 × 531 px at 300 DPI)

Create a compliant ID Card photo for South Africa with the exact dimensions required. Free, no signup, processed in your browser.

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ID Card Photo Requirements

Size	35 × 45 mm
Pixels	413 × 531 px
Background	White background only
Glasses	Not recommended; remove if possible
Submission Type	Printed photo

Printing Your Photo

Print on glossy or matte photo paper at 300 DPI minimum. Most home inkjet printers produce sufficient quality at this resolution. Cut the photo to exactly 35 x 45 mm (1.4" x 1.8") — any deviation beyond 0.5 mm can trigger rejection.

A standard 4x6 inch (10x15 cm) print sheet holds 8 photos at this size — a cost-effective option at any photo kiosk or home printer. Leave a small margin between cuts.

The background must be White background only and completely uniform — any gradients, shadows, or patterns are grounds for rejection.

Submitting Your ID Card Photo

South African Smart ID and passport applications at Home Affairs offices require photos taken on-site. For online applications, you can upload digital photos created with our tool.

South Africa ID Card photos are typically submitted in person at a government office. Staff may photograph you on-site, but bringing a printed photo prepared to spec can speed up the process.

Photo recency requirement: Must be taken within the last 6 months.

Common Rejection Reasons

Background not white
Photo blurry
Shadows on face
Wrong dimensions
Non-neutral facial expression or wide smile
Red-eye or flash glare on face or glasses
Head tilted or turned away from camera
Eyes closed or partially closed

If your photo is rejected, most authorities allow resubmission with a corrected photo at no additional charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a South Africa ID Card photo?

The required size for a South Africa ID Card photo is 35 × 45 mm (413 × 531 px at 300 DPI). At 300 DPI, this equals 413×531 pixels.

Can I create my ID Card photo at home?

Yes. Use our free online tool to upload your photo, select South Africa and ID Card, and download a compliant photo in seconds.

What are common reasons for ID Card photo rejection?

Common rejection reasons include wrong dimensions, incorrect background color, glasses worn when not allowed, head size outside the required range, and shadows on the face.

How much does a ID Card photo cost?

Our tool is completely free. Professional photo services typically charge $10–$15, but you can create and print your own at home for free.

Ready to create your ID Card photo?

Upload your photo and get a compliant ID Card photo for South Africa in seconds — free and private.

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