How to make a South African passport or ID photo
- "South Africa: passport" is already chosen. Check the rules shown under it.
- Add a photo taken against a plain light grey or cream wall.
- Drag and zoom so the top of the head and the chin touch the two lines.
- Tap "Make my photos", then have the 10 × 15 cm sheet printed at a photo shop. Home Affairs says home-printed photos are unlikely to be accepted.
Good to know
In centimetres the photo is 3.5 × 4.5 cm, and in inches about 1.38 × 1.77. In pixels it is 413 × 531 at 300 dpi (dots per inch), or 827 × 1,063 at 600 dpi, which is the version you download here.
Home Affairs offices with live capture take your photo at the counter, and Smart ID card photos are always taken there, so check whether you need printed photos before you make them. Other offices, and South African missions abroad, ask for 2 printed photos.
The photo may not be more than one month old. The rules shown in the tool link to the Home Affairs photo requirements and its travel documents page.
Questions
What size is a South African ID photo in pixels?
413 × 531 pixels at 300 dpi, or 827 × 1,063 pixels at 600 dpi. Printed, both are 35 × 45 mm. The photo you download here is the 600 dpi version.
Do I need photos for a Smart ID card?
No. Home Affairs takes the photo at the office when you apply.
Do I need photos for a passport?
Not at Home Affairs offices with live capture, where the photo is taken at the counter. Other offices and South African missions abroad ask for 2 printed photos.
Where can I print it?
At a photo shop or kiosk, using the 10 × 15 cm (4 × 6 inch) sheet. Home Affairs says home-printed photos are unlikely to be accepted.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Your photo is placed, cropped and laid out by your browser on your device. Nothing is sent to us.
Page last reviewed 21 October 2026.