Morocco National ID Card (CNIE) Photo: Exact Biometric Standard Made Simple

Getting the photo right for the Moroccan Carte Nationale d'Identite Electronique (CNIE) means matching the national biometric portrait standard used by the Direction Generale de la Surete Nationale (DGSN). The portrait is a 35x45 mm ICAO-style biometric image on a light background, with the face precisely framed and a neutral expression. This page shows you exactly what a compliant reference image looks like so you know precisely what to expect.

There is one important peculiarity specific to Morocco's new CNIE. For the electronic card, the photograph is normally captured live at the enrolment centre by the operator, using the official digital equipment. Because the image is taken on-site as part of the secure biometric enrolment, a self-supplied or downloaded photo is generally NOT used for the card itself. The accepted background is light - white, light blue or grey - and the same 35x45 mm national standard applies whether the capture happens at the centre or, in some cases, via a certified photographer with secure upload.

The exact specification for a compliant CNIE portrait:

• Size: 35x45 mm (827x1063 px at print resolution)
• Background: plain light background, pure white (#FFFFFF) is ideal; light blue or grey are also accepted
• Face size: the face must fill 70-80% of the frame height
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera
• Glasses: allowed only if the eyes are fully visible, with no glare, reflection or tint
• Headwear: not permitted, except head coverings worn for religious reasons, which must not hide the face oval
• Recency: the portrait must be recent, taken within the last 6 months

Common reasons photos are rejected in Morocco:

• Using a self-made or printed photo for the new CNIE instead of the mandatory on-site live capture
• A shadowed, coloured or textured background instead of a clean light one
• A smile, open mouth or visible teeth instead of the required neutral expression
• Glasses with glare or tinted lenses, or a religious head covering pulled too far forward over the forehead

To obtain your image, simply upload a clear photo of yourself and it is automatically cropped to the exact 35x45 mm national standard, correctly centred with the right face proportions and a clean light background. Be aware of the honest reality: for the CNIE the DGSN now requires the official portrait to be captured digitally on-site, so a downloaded file is generally not accepted for submission. Use your standard-compliant reference image to see exactly how a correct photo must look, to prepare confidently for your enrolment appointment, or for other identity and visa needs where a self-supplied photo is permitted.