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Ireland irish Passport Card photo requirements

The photo rules set by Department of Foreign Affairs for the Ireland irish Passport Card, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 5 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the Ireland irish Passport Card photo requirements?

The Irish Passport Card is applied for online only. Upload a colour JPEG of at least 715 x 951 pixels, no larger than 9 MB, taken in the last 6 months, against a plain light grey, white or cream background. Selfies are not accepted.

The Department of Foreign Affairs lists one set of photo guidelines for online applications for a Passport Book or Passport Card, so the photo for a card follows the same rules as a passport photo.

The card is available to Irish citizens who hold a valid Irish passport book, and personal details must exactly match those in the book. It is valid for travel to all EU member states, the EEA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, for up to 5 years.

Ireland irish Passport Card photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by Department of Foreign Affairs:[1]

Digital sizeAt least 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels high
Head heightHead to mid-torso
BackgroundCompletely plain light grey, white or cream
ColourColour
Photo ageTaken in the last 6 months
File sizeNo larger than 9 MB
File formatColour JPEG, not scanned

Key requirements

  • Format

    Colour JPEG, not scanned, at least 715 x 951 pixels and no larger than 9 MB.

  • Editing

    No digital enhancement or changes, no compression artefacts or distortion.

  • Pose

    Neutral expression, mouth closed, head straight, head to mid-torso.

  • Who takes it

    Someone else, a photo shop or a photo-code booth. No selfies.

  • Eligibility

    Adults with a passport book with at least 3 months left can apply for a card alone; adults with no book or card can apply for a book and card bundle; under-18s can only get a card as a bundle when the passport is renewed online.

Digital only: the Passport Card is applied for online, with an uploaded photo or a photo code.

Where to submit the photo

Online through Passport Online: choose the Passport Card, upload the photo or enter the photo code, and pay by credit or debit card. A card on its own takes about 10 working days on average (not a guarantee).

How to get your Ireland irish Passport Card photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the Ireland irish Passport Card: completely plain light grey background. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: format; editing; pose; who takes it.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. Digital only: the Passport Card is applied for online, with an uploaded photo or a photo code.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Online through Passport Online: choose the Passport Card, upload the photo or enter the photo code, and pay by credit or debit card. A card on its own takes about 10 working days on average (not a guarantee).

Ireland irish Passport Card photo FAQ

No separate size is listed. You apply online with a digital photo that meets the same photo guidelines: a colour JPEG of at least 715 x 951 pixels and up to 9 MB, taken in the last 6 months.

No. The Department of Foreign Affairs says you must apply online.

Not on its own. Adults with a passport book that has at least 3 months left can apply for a card individually. Adults with no book or card can apply for both together as a bundle, and children can only get a card as part of a bundle when their passport is renewed online.

For travel to all EU member states, the EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Whether you can use e-gates depends on the airport.

Up to 5 years. If your passport book has less than 5 years left, the card expires on the same date as the book. Cards for under-18s are valid for the same period as their passport book.

35 EUR for an adult card on its own, 100 EUR for an adult passport book and card bundle, and 45 EUR for a child passport and card bundle, all through Passport Online. You pay by credit or debit card.

Related photo specifications

Other Ireland documents

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Official sources

  1. Department of Foreign Affairs. Passport card ireland.ie. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. Department of Foreign Affairs. Photo guidelines ireland.ie. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. Department of Foreign Affairs. Passport fees ireland.ie. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. Department of Foreign Affairs. Current turnaround times ireland.ie. Checked 29 October 2026.
  5. Department of Foreign Affairs. Travel advice, United States of America ireland.ie. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with Department of Foreign Affairs before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"Ireland irish Passport Card photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/ireland/passport-card-photo

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