A standard 2026 ID photo is a portrait with size and resolution matched to each document type: 4x6cm for chip-embedded CCCD, 4x6cm for Vietnam passport, 5x5cm square for US visa, and 3.5x4.5cm for Schengen visa. Even a 1mm error or wrong background means your application gets returned — wasting time and money on a retake.
This article compiles the complete 2026 ID photo sizes for domestic documents and visas for 8 popular countries. It is updated to the latest regulations from the Ministry of Public Security, the Consular Department, and foreign embassies.
2026 ID Photo Size Table — Domestic Documents
| Document Type | Size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip-embedded CCCD | 4x6cm | Pure white | No glasses, ears visible, no smiling |
| Ordinary passport | 4x6cm | Pure white | Same standard as CCCD |
| Official passport | 4x6cm | Pure white | Same standard, may require printed copy on the spot |
| Driving license | 3x4cm | White or light blue | Blue background may be accepted |
| Personal records (sơ yếu lý lịch) | 3x4cm or 4x6cm | White | Depends on receiving office |
| Student ID | 3x4cm | White | Some schools require uniform |
| Corporate employee badge | 3x4cm | White or brand color | Often includes company logo |
General notes: domestic ID photos must be taken within the last 6 months, with face looking straight forward, no glasses, hair not covering eyebrows, and no smiling with teeth showing.
2026 Visa Photo Size Table — 8 Popular Countries
| Country | Size | Background | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 5x5cm (2x2 inch) | Pure white | Square photo, both print and 600x600px digital file |
| Schengen (EU) | 3.5x4.5cm | Bright white | Face fills 70-80% of frame |
| United Kingdom | 3.5x4.5cm | Light gray or cream | Background must not be pure white |
| Japan | 4.5x4.5cm | White | Taken within last 3 months |
| South Korea | 3.5x4.5cm | Pure white | Digital file 35x45mm 300dpi |
| Australia | 3.5x4.5cm | White or gray | Accompanied by form 1419 |
| Canada | 3.5x4.5cm | White or light gray | Date taken written on back of photo |
| Taiwan | 3.5x4.5cm | White | Taken within last 6 months |
Why a 1mm Error Causes Application Rejection
Visa and CCCD data entry systems verify photos using automated software. The software measures face ratio within the frame, eye position, and head-to-chin distance. Just a 1-2mm deviation returns a “non-compliant photo” error and the officer will request a retake.
The most common cause is taking photos with a phone at home: uneven backgrounds, distortion from wide-angle lenses, or incorrect cropping ratios.
Digital ID Photos — Additional Requirements for Online Applications
From 2026, most visa applications and domestic documents are moving online. Digital photos must meet these additional requirements:
- Minimum resolution: 300dpi for print, 600x600px for US visa, 450x600px for Schengen
- File format: JPEG (not PNG, not WEBP)
- File size: Typically 100KB to 500KB, depending on the receiving system
- No sensitive metadata: Remove GPS and device info before uploading
- No heavy editing: Only light brightness adjustments, no excessive skin smoothing
How to Prepare Before an ID Photo Session
Good preparation saves time and ensures your photo meets standards on the first try:
- Attire: Collared shirt or button-up in solid dark colors (navy, gray, black), avoid busy patterns
- Hair: Neatly groomed, not covering eyebrows, no flyaway strands on forehead
- Accessories: Remove glasses, large earrings; men should avoid chains visible at the collar
- Face: No heavy makeup, no filters, no visible blemishes (apply a face mask the day before)
- Documents: Bring your old CCCD or passport for reference
Where Can You Get Regulation-Compliant ID Photos?
Regulation-compliant ID photos require 3 elements: professional equipment, a photographer who understands the rules, and a pre-print verification process. A professional studio will check the file on-screen against the standard template for each document type before deciding to print.
At Gạo Nâu Profile, every ID photo session goes through 4 verification steps: face ratio measurement, background check, sharpness review, and comparison against the receiving office’s standard template. This process guarantees first-time compliance — no reshoots needed.
Quick Reference by Need
| Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| New or renewed CCCD | Standard 4x6cm white ID photo |
| Renewing ordinary passport | 4x6cm white ID photo, 4-6 prints |
| Schengen tourist visa | 3.5x4.5cm photo + 450x600px digital file |
| US student/work visa | 5x5cm square photo + 600x600px file |
| Job application preparation | 3x4cm or 4x6cm CV photo + digital file |
| Corporate employee badge | 3x4cm photo per company brand guidelines |
Contact Gạo Nâu Profile
If you need regulation-compliant ID photos for CCCD, passport, or visa, contact Gạo Nâu Profile via hotline (+84) 775 243 530 or book at any of our 3 branches: Hanoi — Ho Chi Minh City District 10 — Ho Chi Minh City District 3. The complete 590,000 VND package includes photography, light retouching, same-day printing, and digital file delivery.