Passport Photo — Chile Requirements

Photo Dimensions

Size: 45 × 45 mm

Tips for Getting the Right Size

• Use idpic.app to automatically crop and resize your photo to the exact required dimensions — no manual calculation needed.
• Keep your face centred in the frame with your head fully visible from crown to chin.
• When printing, ensure you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page") to preserve the correct dimensions.
• Your face should fill the correct proportion of the photo. idpic.app shows a face guide overlay to help you position correctly.

Background Specification

Pure white background required. The background must be completely white (#FFFFFF). Off-white, cream, or grey tones are not acceptable.

How to Get the Right Background

• Stand at least 50 cm from the wall to prevent shadows falling on the background.
• Use even, diffuse lighting — a window or softbox pointed at the background helps.
• A plain white or light-coloured wall, a white sheet, or a dedicated photo backdrop all work well.
• Use idpic.app to automatically replace your background with the correct colour — no manual editing required.

Glasses requirements

Glasses are not allowed for this photo. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo. This is the official requirement for Chile.

Tips for Taking Your Photo

• Remove all glasses — including prescription glasses — before taking the photo.
• Contact lenses are fine and do not need to be removed.
• If you wear glasses regularly, check that there are no indentations on your nose from the frames.

Common Rejection Reasons

• Wrong background. Chile Passport photos require a plain White background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Retake the photo against a flat, evenly lit backdrop.
• Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted in Chile Passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
• Head covering. Hats, caps, and other head coverings are not permitted in Chile Passport photos, even for fashion or warmth. Remove any head covering before the photo.
• Face size out of range. Your face must fill between 60% and 70% of the photo height. Move closer to or further from the camera and recrop.
• Photo too old. Chile Passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Take a new photo if yours is older.
• Low resolution or blurry. Your photo must be sharp and at least 300 pixels on its shortest side. Use good lighting and hold the camera steady.
• Shadows. Shadows across your face or on the background — often from overhead lighting or a nearby wall — are a common rejection reason. Use soft, even lighting from the front.
• Wrong expression. Smiling, frowning, closed eyes, or an open mouth can cause rejection. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.

About photo requirements

When applying for a Chilean passport, meeting the strict standards set by the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación is essential for a successful application. These biometric requirements ensure that your identity is accurately captured for state records. Following the official guidelines prevents delays and ensures your travel documents are processed efficiently by the Chilean authorities.

The mandatory size for a Chilean passport photo is 35mm by 45mm, with the head occupying a specific portion of the frame. You must present a clear, neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera. The background must be plain white, and glasses are generally prohibited to avoid reflections. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, provided they do not obscure facial features.

In Chile, the passport application process is primarily handled in person at a Registro Civil office, where biometric data and your photo are captured on-site. However, if you are preparing documents for other official purposes, you may need a high-quality digital file. You can easily create a compliant image using idpic.app to ensure the correct dimensions and lighting before visiting your local office.

Common issues

The most frequent reasons for rejection in Chile include poor lighting that creates shadows across the face or an incorrect head size within the frame. Many applicants are turned away if they wear glasses, as the glare often interferes with the biometric facial recognition software used by the Registro Civil. Additionally, busy backgrounds or uneven expressions often lead to immediate disqualification during the enrolment stage.

Local tips

While you can visit a professional photography studio, most Chileans find it most convenient to have their photo taken directly at the Registro Civil office during their appointment. If you choose a private studio, ensure the photographer is familiar with the 35x45mm biometric standard. For those needing a quick, cost-effective solution for other ID needs, taking a photo against a plain, well-lit wall at home is a reliable DIY method.

Head covering rules

Head coverings, hats, and scarves are not permitted for this photo. An exception is made for head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons, but the face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible with no shadows cast on the face.

Baby and child photo rules

Children under 6 may have relaxed requirements for expression and eye position. Babies can be photographed lying on a white sheet or held upright. The child must be the only person in the photo — no hands, toys, or pacifiers should be visible.

Read our complete guide to baby passport photos