Spanish Passport: How to Get one and Requirements in 2025

Photos for Local Documents (INE, DNI)

Photos used in Spanish local-document processes are treated as biometric identification and must meet official size and composition rules; the passport photo specifications provided in official guidance state color photos measuring 32 mm x 26 mm with a clear, front-facing view, a neutral expression, and a plain background

When you apply for national documents or renewals at police stations, consulates, or embassies you will be asked to provide recent passport-sized photos that meet the official requirements; bring printed photos that match the 32 mm x 26 mm specification unless told otherwise by the issuing office

For renewals and some appointments the guidance explicitly asks you to bring one biometric passport photo sized 32 x 26 mm with a white background, so ensure at least one print copy matches that dimension and background color exactly

Even when a government official will capture biometric data during your appointment (digital photos and fingerprints), you are still required to bring recent passport-sized photos that conform to the published rules, so prepare both digital readiness and printed photos in advance

Actionable step: before your appointment, obtain at least one printed color photo sized exactly 32 mm x 26 mm, showing a clear, front-facing view, neutral expression, and a plain (preferably white) background to avoid rejection at the counter

Actionable step: check with the appointment location (local police station, Spanish consulate or embassy) whether they require additional copies beyond the one biometric photo — bring extra compliant prints to be safe and save time during your visit

Bring your Spanish National ID (DNI) to the appointment along with the biometric photo(s); the DNI is often listed among the required documents for passport procedures and renewal appointments where photos are validated

Practical tip: have your printed photos produced by a vendor experienced with Spanish document sizes—confirm they can produce 32 x 26 mm prints and a plain/white background so your photo meets official dimensions and composition

Common mistake to avoid: submitting a photo that is not the required 32 mm x 26 mm size — size mismatches are a frequent cause of rejected applications, so measure prints with a millimeter ruler before you leave for your appointment

Common mistake to avoid: using non-color (black-and-white) photos or photos with patterned or non-plain backgrounds; the official requirements specify color photos and a plain background, and white is explicitly requested for renewals

Common mistake to avoid: bringing photos with expressions that are not neutral or with a non-front-facing pose; the rules call for a clear, front-facing view and a neutral expression to ensure biometric compatibility

If your original document is lost or you are renewing under special circumstances, consular offices may need to confirm your citizenship with authorities back home; still bring the biometric photo(s) and your DNI if available to streamline processing

Practical step: when booking your appointment (online or by phone), confirm the exact photo requirements for that office — while the standard is 32 x 26 mm and a white/plain background, specific consulates or police stations may provide additional instructions

Actionable step for minors: although additional documents are required for minors, ensure the recent passport-sized photos you bring meet the same 32 x 26 mm, color, front-facing, neutral and plain-background criteria unless told otherwise by the issuing authority

If officials take digital biometric photos during the appointment, they will still compare them with any printed photos you provided, so ensure both digital and printed versions conform to the single standard described (32 x 26 mm, color, neutral, plain background)

Practical tip: avoid last-minute photo errors by preparing files and prints ahead — have at least one compliant printed photo (32 x 26 mm, white background), extra copies, and digital versions ready in case the issuing office requests them during your appointment

Before leaving home, review the list of required documents (including your DNI) and the photo rules again so you arrive on time and with compliant photos; this reduces the risk of rebooking and delays in getting documents processed

If you are abroad and using a Spanish embassy or consulate, follow their instructions on the number and type of photos to bring and the precise background requirement, because for renewals the guidance explicitly requests one biometric passport photo (32 x 26 mm, white background)