Digital vs printed passport photo: what your country wants
When you need a digital passport photo, when a printed one, and where the authority takes the photo itself. Examples and how to be ready for both.
Short answer
It depends on the country and on how you apply. Some applications take a digital photo (for example an online renewal), many counters still want a printed one, and some authorities take the photo themselves. Check the official page for your document before you go.
Examples we checked
| Country | What you bring |
|---|---|
| Sweden | Nothing: the police take the photo at the passport office |
| Switzerland | Passport: taken at the passport office. ID card at the municipality: a paper photo |
| Denmark | A printed photo; some municipalities can take it on site |
The two formats explained
- Printed photo.35×45 mm (or your country's size) on photo paper, handed in at the counter.
- Digital file. A JPEG at the size and resolution for your country, uploaded to a government portal. Only some applications accept it.
When digital is the way
- UK: an online application at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport uses a digital photo, taken in the last month.
- Online renewals in other countries, where offered: check the portal for its file rules.
When you need a print
- An application at the counter where you bring your own photo, such as a US passport at an acceptance facility.
- Many visa applications: check the consulate's page.
The simplest answer
With the digital photo you get the high-resolution file and a print-ready sheet you can print yourself. With Print & Ship we also post printed photos to you. Whichever channel your counter wants, you are covered.
Get both formats from one selfie. The digital photo costs €8.99 in the euro countries, and we set the resolution for your country automatically.
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