All photo formats / Europe
Irish passport photo for Passport Online
Ireland's Passport Online service requires a digital JPEG photo of at least 715 x 951 pixels and at most 9 MB, in colour, unenhanced and not scanned. The photo must be taken by someone else (no selfies) within the last 6 months, framed from head to mid-torso with space around the head and shoulders, against a completely plain light grey, white or cream background, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, looking straight into the camera. This tool checks and prepares your file on your device - nothing is uploaded.
The official requirements
| Dimensions | At least 715 x 951 px (no published maximum pixel size) |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG, colour |
| File size | 9 MB maximum, without compression artefacts |
| Framing | Head to mid-torso, with visible space between the head, shoulders and the photo edges |
| Background | Completely plain light grey, white or cream - no objects visible |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile, mouth closed, looking straight into the camera, head not tilted |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Alteration | No digital enhancement, no scanning, no red-eye, no distortion |
Checked against the official sources below on 7 Nov 2026.
Passport Online reviews every photo after upload and contacts you if it fails; the portal also offers its own crop and rotate tools. This tool keeps your photo uncropped and simply confirms the published technical rules before you apply. Rules checked against the DFA photo guidelines (checked November 2026).
Glasses are allowed if the frames do not cover the eyes and there is no glare; dark glasses are not permitted. For babies, a plain white surface with no supporting hands visible is the DFA's recommended setup.
How to do it
- Ask someone to photograph you (no selfies) against a plain light grey, white or cream wall, evenly lit, no shadows.
- Stand so the frame covers head to mid-torso with space around you; neutral expression, mouth closed.
- Upload below - the tool checks the dimensions, size and framing rules without cropping.
- Confirm the manual lines, download, and upload it in your Passport Online application.
Common questions
Does the portal crop my photo for me?
Yes - Passport Online includes its own crop and rotate tools, and reviews the photo after upload. The DFA framing rule (head to mid-torso with space) matters more than an exact crop.
Is 715 x 951 px the exact size?
It is the published minimum. Larger photos are fine up to 9 MB.
Can I take a selfie?
No - the DFA requires someone else to take the photo.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, with no glare and frames clear of the eyes; dark glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.