Student ID Photo Tips

Everyone wants to look good in their ID photos, and while student IDs may not be as essential as driver’s licenses, they’re still an important part of your academic life. In many cases, a student ID serves as a valid photo identification, and you’ll likely need to show it outside of university as well. So it’s completely understandable that you’d want to put your best face forward. Who knows — maybe a great ID photo will even bring you some luck during exams!

Table of contents

Read on for tips to help you take the perfect student ID card photo!

General student ID photo requirements

While the specifics may vary depending on where you study, here are some simple guidelines you can use as a checklist:

What to wear for a student ID photo?

The student ID photo dress code may vary depending on your school or university’s policies, but some general guidelines typically apply. If your institution requires a uniform, you may be expected to wear it in the photo. This helps confirm your identity and maintains a consistent appearance across all student IDs. If there is no uniform requirement, aim for neat, school-appropriate clothing. Smart casual attire is usually a safe choice — think a plain shirt or blouse with no distracting patterns or logos. Avoid clothing with slogans, overly bright colors, or low necklines. Your outfit should contrast with the background, so skip white tops if the photo background is also white. Hats, caps, and head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons, in which case your face must still be fully visible. Keep accessories minimal and your overall look clean and tidy, as this photo may be used for exams, official records, or even external identification.

Can you smile in your student ID photo?

In general, student photo requirements are more relaxed than those for official documents like passports or visas, and you're usually allowed a bit more expression. Many schools permit a gentle smile, which helps your student ID look more friendly and personal. However, this still depends on your institution’s specific guidelines, so be sure to check them in advance. In most cases, smiling with visible teeth is not allowed, as it can distort facial features and make biometric identification more difficult. Still, you don’t need to look too serious — a slight, closed-mouth smile is usually acceptable and can soften your expression. You can also smile subtly with your eyes, which helps convey warmth without breaking the rules. Avoid exaggerated facial expressions, frowns, or raised eyebrows, and keep your expression neutral or mildly pleasant. A natural, relaxed look will help ensure your photo is both compliant and flattering.

How to take a student ID photo at home: useful tips

Here are some additional tips for taking your own student ID picture:

Here is an example of a student ID photo:

Student ID photo

Online Student ID Photo Maker

If you need a photo for your student ID that meets specific requirements, you can easily create it with Visafoto. With Visafoto, you don’t have to worry about the background or technical parameters your school might require — we’ve got it covered. Even if your head is slightly tilted or there’s red-eye in the original photo, the tool can fix it for you.

You can turn a regular selfie into a compliant student ID photo with Visafoto. Just upload your image to the tool, and it will be processed instantly — faster and more affordable than any photo booth!

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Visafoto knows the ID photo requirements from the major universities worldwide. Use our service to get a photo for:

If there are no strict photo dimensions for your student ID, you can use a standard photo template such as 35x45 mm or 2x2 inches.

Simply take a picture with your smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly receive a professional-quality photo suitable for your visa, passport, or ID.

Original photo example

You will receive two versions of your photo: a digital version for online applications, and a print-ready version for physical submission.

Student ID photo
Student ID photos for printing

Good luck with your studies!

Last Update: July 2025

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