Can I take a Germany ID card photo with my phone?

Not for an application in Germany. There the photo must be produced electronically by a photo service and sent securely to the authority, or taken by the authority. A printed photo is accepted only at a German mission abroad that cannot take the photo electronically; the regulation does not say who may take that photo.

Germany

Germany ID card photo size

The published requirements, and how the photo is produced and submitted.

Requirements

Photo size	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) This size applies only to applications at a German mission abroad, when the mission cannot take the photo electronically. For applications in Germany, the photo is produced electronically: by a photo service that sends it to the authority through a secure procedure, or by the authority itself.
Head height	70–80% of the photo height
Background	Plain background required. The authority does not specify a particular colour. Recommended, not required: a uniform grey background between #A1A1A1 and #E1E1E1 (BSI TR-03121).
Retouching	Not allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacement	Not allowed. Shoot against a plain, evenly lit wall.
Where to take it	In Germany: a photo service produces the photo electronically and sends it securely to the authority, or the authority takes it. A printed photo is used only at a mission abroad.

Glasses are allowed, but there must be no glare on the lenses.
Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Source: Bundesministerium des Innern. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

How the ID card photo is submitted

Submission

An authorised photo provider sends the photo to the authority electronically.
in elektronischer Form über gesicherte elektronische Übermittlungswege bereitgestellt wurden bmi.bund.de
The photo can be taken at the application office.
Lichtbilder vor Ort in der Behörde elektronisch aufzunehmen bmi.bund.de
You submit a code or number issued by the photo studio.
Sie erhalten den Ausdruck eines Data-Matrix-Codes personalausweisportal.de
Applications at an embassy or consulate: a printed photo is submitted.
Bei der Beantragung im Ausland dürfen weiterhin herkömmliche, papierbasierte Passbilder bmi.bund.de

If you hand in a printed photo

No border.
im Hochformat und ohne Rand bmi.bund.de

Questions

What size is a Germany ID card photo?: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).
Can I take a Germany ID card photo with my phone?: Not for an application in Germany. There the photo must be produced electronically by a photo service and sent securely to the authority, or taken by the authority. A printed photo is accepted only at a German mission abroad that cannot take the photo electronically; the regulation does not say who may take that photo.

How it differs from other Germany documents

Driving licence — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document
Visa — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document
Passport — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document

Related tools and guides

Applying for a Germany ID card?

In Germany the photo is produced electronically by a photo service or by the authority. PhotoSpec is not used for that route. A printed photo applies only at a German mission abroad that cannot take the photo electronically.

All supported countries