Italy Passport Photo Online: 35x45 mm Fototessera Standards
Create official fototessera portraits for Passaporto Italiano, Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE), and Permesso di Soggiorno.
The Polizia di Stato and Ministero dell’Interno mandate a 35 x 45 mm color portrait (fototessera) taken within the last 6 months. The face from chin to vertex must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm (occupying 70% to 80% of the image) against a uniform, plain white or very light background with zero shadows.
How to Create Your Italian Passport Photo (Fototessera) in 3 Steps
From your couch in under 2 minutes using your phone.
Upload Front-Facing Photo
Snap a portrait looking directly into the camera lens with even, shadow-free frontal lighting.
Choose Background & Suit
The studio automatically applies official plain white backdrop and lets you add a formal suit and tie.
Download 300 DPI & Print
Download your individual digital photo and a 4x6” print sheet with 6 photos ready for Walgreens, CVS, or home printing.
Official Requirements Checklist (Italian Passport Photo (Fototessera))
Verified technical specifications compliant with government biometric standards.
| Requirement | Standard | Technical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Image Format | 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (Fototessera) | Face centered vertically. Face height from bottom of chin to crown must be 31 mm to 36 mm. |
| Background Standard | Plain, uniform white (Sfondo bianco uniforme) | Monochrome white background. Shadows on the background or face are strictly prohibited. |
| Facial Expression | Neutral expression with mouth closed | No smiling, no visible teeth. Eyes looking straight into the camera lens with natural focus. |
| Eyeglasses Rule | Frames must not cover eyes; no tinted lenses | Eyeglasses cannot produce reflections or flash glare. Many Italian consulates recommend removing glasses. |
| Headgear Policy | Religious coverings permitted | The face must be clearly identifiable from the chin to the top of the forehead and from ear to ear. |
| Clothing Contrast | Dark clothing recommended | Avoid white shirts that blend into the white background. Collared formal shirts or suits contrast best. |
Common Passport Photo Mistakes to Avoid
Smiling with open lips
Issue: Italian police stations (Questura) reject photos with smiles or visible teeth.
Solution: Maintain a calm, neutral facial expression with lips naturally together.
Flash reflection on eyeglasses
Issue: Reflections over pupils prevent optical biometric matching.
Solution: Remove eyeglasses before capturing your portrait.
Uneven room shadows
Issue: Lamps and ceiling fixtures create halos behind ears on domestic walls.
Solution: IdSnapAI isolates your silhouette and replaces the wall with a certified white backdrop.
Overpaying for photo booth prints
Issue: Train station and street fototessera booths charge €8–€12 for low-quality prints.
Solution: Download our 4x6" template and print 6 photos at any local print shop for under €0.35.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers regarding Italian Passport Photo (Fototessera) processing and printing.
Fototessera is the standard Italian name for a 35x45 mm passport-size portrait used for official identity documents.
Related Tools & Formats
International Passport Photo Size Directory
Consult official specifications and requirements for other major countries:
IdSnapAI calibrates measurements, background uniformity, and DPI resolution strictly in accordance with official biometric specifications. Always check destination-specific embassy guidelines prior to official submission.