What does Home Affairs require in the photo?

35×45mm, plain background, neutral expression, no head covering (except religious), full face visible. The tool sets the size and background for you.

How many copies do I need?

Applications typically ask for two identical photos — the printable sheet gives you several copies from one cheap print.

Do I still need printed photos if Home Affairs takes my picture at the office?

Often not. Offices with live-capture systems photograph you on the spot for smart ID cards and passports. Printed photos are still required for paper applications, some consulates and many other forms, so check your specific application.

Can I make a passport photo for a baby or small child?

Yes. Lay the child on a plain white sheet or hold them in front of a plain wall, with eyes open and nobody else visible. The same tool sizes the photo and cleans the background.

South Africa Passport Photo (35x45mm) — Free Maker

Make a South Africa passport photo (35×45mm) with a plain background at home — free, private.

Document type

Replace the background automatically (AI, recommended)

Background colour

Drop an image here or click to choose

your photo is processed on your device — never uploaded

Home Affairs wants a 35 by 45 millimetre photograph on a plain white or light background for a South African passport applied for on paper, and the same specification serves for visa applications, driver's licence renewals and bursary forms. It must show your full face, straight on, with a neutral expression and no head covering apart from one worn for religious reasons. This page is set to that format.

A phone photo in front of a plain wall is enough: an AI model separates you from whatever is behind you, puts you on white, and the picture is sized to 35 by 45 at print resolution. You get a digital file for online submissions and a print sheet that puts several copies on a single standard photo print, which a pharmacy or photo kiosk prints for the price of one. The model loads in your browser the first time; the photo itself stays on your device throughout.

Two things to know. Many Home Affairs offices now capture your photo digitally at the counter for smart ID cards and passports, so printed photos are only needed where the form asks for them. And the tool fixes size and background, not posture or light, so shoot in daylight, look straight at the lens and avoid shadows behind your head. Requirements change, so confirm the current ones before applying.

More sizes & options

Frequently asked questions

What does Home Affairs require in the photo?: 35×45mm, plain background, neutral expression, no head covering (except religious), full face visible. The tool sets the size and background for you.
How many copies do I need?: Applications typically ask for two identical photos — the printable sheet gives you several copies from one cheap print.
Do I still need printed photos if Home Affairs takes my picture at the office?: Often not. Offices with live-capture systems photograph you on the spot for smart ID cards and passports. Printed photos are still required for paper applications, some consulates and many other forms, so check your specific application.
Can I make a passport photo for a baby or small child?: Yes. Lay the child on a plain white sheet or hold them in front of a plain wall, with eyes open and nobody else visible. The same tool sizes the photo and cleans the background.

Guides

How to take a passport photo at home that gets accepted The rules that get home-made passport photos rejected are about the photo you take, not the software. Lighting, distance, background, expression and the exact sizes for the US, UK, EU, India and Canada, plus how to print several copies for the price of one.

Related tools

🔒 Your files are processed on your device. This tool runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.