Mexican Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – SRE Módulos de Pasaportes

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall — the ICAO standard used across Latin America, Europe, and most of the world.
• Head height: Chin to crown must measure 32–36mm within the 45mm frame. The face must be centred horizontally.
• Background: Plain white, uniformly lit. No patterns, shadows, or gradients.
• Expression: Neutral, relaxed. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open, looking directly into the lens.
• Glasses: Not permitted. Mexico follows the ICAO biometric requirement prohibiting all eyewear in passport photos.
• Recency: Photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Print quality: Glossy or semi-gloss photo paper, minimum 300 DPI. Sharp focus, well-lit, free of shadows on face or background.
• No retouching: Digital filters, skin smoothing, or any alteration to facial features or background are not permitted.

Mexico introduced its biometric ePassport — the Pasaporte Electrónico — in 2009. The document contains an RFID chip storing the holder's biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) in line with ICAO Doc 9303 standards. The chip enables automated border control at international airports.

Applications are processed at SRE Módulos de Pasaportes offices throughout Mexico. Appointments are required and can be booked through the official SRE website (gob.mx/sre). Mexican citizens living abroad can apply at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate.

Unlike Germany, Mexico does not require passport photos to be taken at a professional studio. SRE evaluates the photo on its technical merits — the result must meet all requirements regardless of how it was produced.

Children under 18 require their own passport (Pasaporte para Menores) with a compliant photo. The same ICAO requirements apply — 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses. Additional considerations for children:

• The child must be photographed alone — no parents, hands, or objects in frame.
• Eyes must be fully open and looking toward the camera.
• For infants, place the baby on a plain white surface or use a white sheet and photograph from above.
• Both parents or legal guardians are generally required to consent to a child passport application. Check SRE requirements for single-parent applications.

The Cédula de Identidad Ciudadana (CIC) is Mexico's national civil identity document, issued by RENAPO (Registro Nacional de Población). Unlike the passport, the CIC photo is captured digitally at RENAPO offices during the registration appointment — applicants do not submit a separately printed photo.

For international travel, the CIC is not a travel document in most countries. A separate Mexican passport (Pasaporte Electrónico) is required, along with a compliant 35×45mm passport photo.