Overview

• The new digital passport photo system aims to improve security and prevent fraud, such as photo manipulation techniques like morphing.
• Photos must be securely transmitted to authorities via certified systems, either through in-office terminals or registered external providers.
• The Federal Printing Office has offered 8,000 photo terminals to municipalities, but many offices remain unprepared for the transition.
• Smaller municipalities may forgo installing terminals to support local photo businesses, which face higher compliance costs and competition from government-subsidized terminals.
• Temporary exceptions for paper photos will apply until July 31, 2025, especially in areas lacking the necessary digital infrastructure.