Official ID photos: ID card, passport, driver's license, visa... we do it all!
- 31 juil.
- 6 min de lecture
Do you need an ID photo for an official procedure, a foreign document, or a school file?
We take ID photos for all ages and all types of documents , directly in our studio in Andrézieux-Bouthéon.
Our professional software is regularly updated to comply with the standards required according to the document and the country concerned.
We also work in partnership with many local councils, who regularly refer their users to our studio.
For which documents do we take ID photos?
Pretty much anything that requires a very serious little photo where you absolutely mustn't smile 😄
We take photos for, among other things:
national identity cards;
French passports;
driving licenses with ANTS code;
international driving permits;
all residence permits;
visa applications for all countries;
foreign passports and identity documents;
health insurance cards;
professional cards;
transport cards;
school records;
student cards;
registrations in sports clubs;
sports licenses;
competitions and exams;
CVs and administrative files;
babies, children and adults.
Each document may require a different format, framing, background, or number of photos.
During your appointment, simply tell us the document in question and the destination country. Our software will allow us to select the corresponding standards.
If you have received a form or specific instructions from an administration, consulate, embassy, school or club, remember to bring them.
Printed photo or photo with ANTS code?
Depending on your approach, you will need either traditional printed photos or a digital photo signature with a code.
For a French identity card or passport
You need a printed official passport photo .
The photo must be less than six months old, be a good likeness and comply with official French standards.
For a standard application for an identity card or passport, you do not need an ANTS code.
For a driver's license
For most permit applications completed online, you will need a digital photo signature , also known as an e-photo .
We take your photo and create your digital signature. You leave with a sheet containing an e-photo code , which you will need to enter during your online application on the France Titres website, formerly known as ANTS.
This code allows the administration to automatically retrieve your photo and signature.
For a residence permit
We take the photos required for various residence permit applications.
Depending on the approach, you may need a classic printed sheet or an e-photo with a digital code.
Simply show us the instructions you received so that we can provide you with the correct format.
For a visa or foreign document
We take photos for visa applications and foreign identity documents, regardless of the destination.
Standards can vary greatly from country to country: dimensions, framing, face size, background color, or number of copies.
Please specify the country concerned during your appointment. If the embassy or consulate has given you any specific instructions, please bring them with you so that we can verify them.
For a school, club or sports license
We also take photos for school records, student cards, competitions, registrations, licenses and sports clubs.
If a specific format is required, bring the document or instructions provided by the institution.
What exactly is the ANTS code?
The "ANTS code" is the name commonly used to refer to the e-photo code .
It is required for many procedures related to a driver's license, for example:
registration for the driving test;
the production of a first permit;
the renewal or replacement of a permit;
a request following a loss or theft;
certain procedures following a suspension;
an application for an international driving permit.
The code is printed directly on the sheet we give you after the photo shoot.
Please note: the code is personal and can only be used for a single request . Once used, it cannot be used again.
Where is the filming taking place?
ID photos are taken in our studio:
Mademoiselle Hirondelle, 13 rue d'Urfé, 42160 Andrézieux-Bouthéon
The studio is located on the first floor of Villa Rudy Fournier. The building has an elevator and there is ample parking directly opposite.
When you arrive, go around the building and then ring the bell at Mademoiselle Hirondelle's house.
ID photos are taken by appointment only .
How to prepare for an official ID photo?
The rules are strict and must be followed to avoid the photo being rejected.
For your appointment:
come with your head uncovered;
avoid hats, beanies, scarves and headbands;
Keep your face well clear;
place your hair behind your ears;
avoid very high collars;
choose a top that stands out against the light background;
Plan to remove your glasses to avoid reflections.
You will need to look at the goal, keep your head straight, your eyes open and your mouth closed.
The expression must be neutral. For once, we're going to ask you not to smile — it's rare enough for Mademoiselle Hirondelle to warrant mentioning 😄
Can I keep my glasses on?
Glasses are not prohibited, but they can cause reflections or obscure part of the eyes.
If you wish to keep them:
the frame should not be too thick;
It should not cover your eyes;
the lenses must not be tinted or colored;
No reflection should appear.
To simplify the shooting process and limit the risk of rejection, we will generally advise you to remove them.
Can you keep bangs?
Yes, provided it doesn't cover your eyes.
Your face must be fully visible and your ears must be uncovered. We will help you reposition your hair if necessary before the shoot.
The mini FAQ about ID photos
Do you take the photos using an ANTS code?
Yes !
We are equipped to produce digital signature photos, also known as e-photos.
You leave with a sheet containing the code needed for your online application.
Simply remember to select the appointment corresponding to a photo with an ANTS code .
Do I need an ANTS code for my identity card?
No. For a standard application for a national identity card, you must provide an official printed photograph that is less than six months old.
The e-photo code is mainly used for digital procedures concerning driver's licenses and certain residence permits.
Do I need an ANTS code for my passport?
No. For a standard French passport application, you must also provide an official printed photograph taken within the last six months.
Do you take the photos for all residence permits?
Yes. Simply specify the title requested and bring, if possible, the instructions received.
We will check whether your application requires printed photos or an e-photo with a digital code.
Do you take photos for foreign visas?
Yes. We take photos for visa applications from all countries.
Please specify the destination so that we can use the appropriate format and standards.
Do you take photos for schools and sports clubs?
Yes !
We take photos for school records, student cards, registrations, licenses and sports clubs.
Simply remember to tell us the format required or to bring the instructions provided by the establishment.
Why can't we smile in an official photo?
Official photos must comply with specific rules allowing for facial identification and recognition.
The expression should therefore be neutral, the mouth closed and the gaze directed towards the camera.
We promise, we haven't become less friendly: it's simply the rule!
Can I reuse an old photo?
The photo provided must be less than six months old and be a good likeness.
So avoid reusing a photo from an old document, even if you feel you haven't changed since — the administration might not share your optimism 😄
Can the ANTS code be used multiple times?
No. The e-photo code can only be used for a single application.
If you have already used it for a procedure, you will need to take a new e-photo in order to obtain a new code.
Do you take ID photos for children?
Yes, we take the official photos of the children.
As with adults, their face must be uncovered, their head straight, their eyes open and their mouth closed.
We take the necessary time to make them feel comfortable and get a suitable photo, without turning the appointment into a world championship of immobility.
Do you take ID photos for babies?
Yes, we also take ID photos of babies, even very young ones.
The official standards remain demanding. We therefore adapt to their pace and take the necessary time to obtain a compliant photo.
Try, if possible, to choose an appointment at a time when your baby is usually awake, calm, and has just eaten.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
We take the photos in compliance with the standards corresponding to the requested document.
If you still encounter a problem with a photo taken by us, contact us with the precise reason for the refusal so that we can check the situation and help you.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, ID photos are taken by appointment only.
This allows us to welcome you without waiting and to take the necessary time, especially with children and babies.
Any questions before you come?
Send us a text message, a WhatsApp message or even a voice message to 07 87 25 57 49 .
When we are in session, we cannot answer the phone and easily miss calls. Therefore, a message is the easiest way to reach us.
See you soon at the studio!
Mademoiselle Hirondelle – Elsa & Maureen Photographers in Andrézieux-Bouthéon