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New passport photo regulation from May 2025 - everything you need to know
No more paper passport photos: an overview of the change in the law
From May 1, 2025, a new legal regulation will come into force that changes the creation of biometric passport photos for ID cards and passports. Paper photos will no longer be accepted - instead, passport photos must be digitally captured and securely transmitted to the relevant authorities. At PicturePeople, you can continue to have professional passport photos taken even after the change in the law.
Here you can find out what exactly is changing and where you can have your passport photo taken in future.
Here you can find out what exactly is changing and where you can have your passport photo taken in future.
Why are there new regulations for passport photos?
The new regulation was introduced to increase the security of ID documents. In the past, there have been repeated cases of identity fraud through manipulated passport photos, in particular through so-called morphing techniques. This involved combining several facial images into a single photo so that several people could share the same ID card. Digital transmission to the authorities is intended to prevent manipulation and increase protection against forgery.
Where can you still have your passport photo taken after May 1, 2025?
From May 2025, there will only be two official options for your biometric passport photo:
1. passport photo directly at the citizens' office
- Some citizens' registration offices are equipped with self-service terminals.
- There you can take your photo directly on site and it will be automatically integrated into the application.
- Not all Citizens' Offices will have this technology, which can lead to longer waiting times.
2. passport photos at PicturePeople - simple & professional
- We remain your contact for biometric passport photos.
- Our photo studios meet all new security and quality standards.
- Your passport photo is sent digitally and securely directly to the authorities.
This method is ideal if you value professional quality, optimal lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.
Important: Self-taken photos or photos from non-certified photo booths will no longer be accepted from May 2025.
Important: Self-taken photos or photos from non-certified photo booths will no longer be accepted from May 2025.
How to get your new passport photo - easy and stress-free
1. Visit us at one of our 70+ PicturePeople photo studios.
2. Get your photo taken professionally - no complicated machines.
3. We take care of the secure digital transmission to the authorities.
No stress, no complicated technology - simply drop by and have your biometric passport photo taken in just a few minutes.
2. Get your photo taken professionally - no complicated machines.
3. We take care of the secure digital transmission to the authorities.
No stress, no complicated technology - simply drop by and have your biometric passport photo taken in just a few minutes.