ID Photo Sizes in Japan | mm, Pixel & Ratio Chart for Resumes, Passports & Licenses [2026 Edition]

When preparing an ID photo in Japan, have you ever wondered "What size should it be in millimeters?" or "How many pixels do I need?" Different purposes require different photo sizes — resume, passport, driver's license, and My Number Card each have their own specifications. Get the size wrong, and you'll need to retake the photo. This article covers ID photo sizes with mm, pixel, and aspect ratio charts, plus instructions for resizing, smartphone photography, and printing at convenience stores or at home.

ID Photo Size Chart (By Purpose, mm, Pixels & Ratio)

ID photo dimensions are strictly defined by the submitting authority. Here are the main sizes:

Detailed Specifications for the 4 Most Common Sizes

Resume Photo Size (40×30mm)

The most common resume photo size in Japan is 40mm (H) × 30mm (W) (4:3). JIS-standard resume forms have a photo area matching this size.

• Size: 40mm × 30mm
• Aspect ratio: 4:3
• Recommended pixels: 472×354px (300dpi) or higher
• Face size guideline: Approximately 70–80% of the photo height

Job portal sites and online entry sheets may specify slightly larger pixel sizes such as 560×420px or 600×450px. Residence Cards, TOEIC, and Eiken exams also use the same 40×30mm size.

Passport Photo Size (45×35mm)

Japanese passport photos are 45mm (H) × 35mm (W) (9:7) and follow strict ICAO international standards.

Passport photo specifications:

• Face length (top of head to chin): 32mm ± 2mm
• Space above head: 2mm–6mm
• Background: Plain, light color (white, light gray, or light blue)
• Must be taken within the last 6 months

My Number Card Photo Size (45×35mm)

My Number Card photos share the same dimensions as passport photos (45mm × 35mm), but the detailed specifications differ.

• Size: 45mm × 35mm (9:7)
• Must be taken within the last 6 months
• Front-facing, no hat, plain background
• For online applications: JPEG format, file size 20KB–7MB

While passport and My Number Card photos share the same dimensions, the face size and margin requirements differ. If reusing the same photo, verify it meets both sets of specifications.

Driver's License Photo Size (30×24mm)

Japanese driver's license photos are 30mm (H) × 24mm (W) (5:4) — the smallest of the four main sizes.

• Size: 30mm × 24mm
• Aspect ratio: 5:4
• Pixels: 354×283px (300dpi)
• Must be taken within the last 6 months, no hat, front-facing, plain background

Real estate specialist licenses and health manager licenses also use the same 30×24mm size.

Exam and Visa Photo Sizes

Beyond the four main sizes, exams and visas have their own photo requirements. Here they are grouped by size for easy reuse:

30×24mm group (same as driver's license):

• Driver's license, Eiken (first round), Health manager, Nail technician exam

40×30mm group (same as resume):

• Resume, Residence Card, civil service exams, Administrative scrivener, Real estate specialist (some)

45×35mm group (same as passport):

• Passport, My Number Card, Bar exam, Tax accountant, Social insurance consultant, Judicial scrivener, Electrician

Special sizes:

• Medical/Nursing/Pharmacist national exams: 60×40mm (3:2)
• US Visa: 51×51mm (1:1)
• China Visa: 48×33mm

How to Calculate Pixels from mm

To convert mm-based sizes to pixels, use this formula:

Pixels = Size (mm) ÷ 25.4 × Resolution (dpi)

For example, a 40×30mm resume photo at 300dpi:

• Height: 40 ÷ 25.4 × 300 ≈ 472px
• Width: 30 ÷ 25.4 × 300 ≈ 354px

Pixel Count by Resolution

For printing, 300dpi or higher is recommended. For web-only submissions, match the pixel count specified by the authority.

Recommended Pixels for Online Submission

Job portals and online resumes may specify pixel dimensions rather than mm:

• Typical online resume: 560×420px
• Rikunabi OpenES: 600×450px
• My Number Card online application: 480×480px or larger (square crop)

All follow a 4:3 base ratio. File format is typically JPEG, with a file size limit of 1–2MB.

How to Resize ID Photos

If you need to change an existing photo to a different ID photo size, an online image resizer is the easiest option.

With sakutto's image resize tool, you can resize to ID photo dimensions in 3 steps:

Step 1: Upload Your Photo

Drag and drop your smartphone photo or select it from your device.

Step 2: Select an ID Photo Preset

Choose from presets like "Passport (45×35mm)," "My Number Card," "Driver's License (24×30mm)," or "Resume (30×40mm)." You can also enter custom pixel dimensions directly.

Step 3: Download

Preview the result and download if it looks good.

How to Take ID Photos with Your Smartphone

You can create ID photos using just your smartphone. Here's how to go from photo to print with a single device.

Smartphone Photography Tips

• Use the rear camera: It has a higher megapixel count than the front camera, producing sharper images
• Use a white wall as background: Choose a plain, bright wall
• Use natural light: Shooting near a window provides even lighting
• Use a tripod or phone stand: Prevents blur and makes it easier to center the shot

After shooting, resize and crop to ID photo dimensions using sakutto's image resize tool.

How to Print ID Photos at a Convenience Store

Resized ID photos can be easily printed at Japanese convenience store multi-copy machines.

For best value, use L-size prints. Arrange 4–6 identical photos on a single L-size sheet (89×127mm) and you'll get multiple ID photos for ¥30–40. Compare that to a photo booth at ¥700–1,000.

How to Print ID Photos at Home

If you have a home printer, you can print as many times as you need for just the cost of paper.

1. Resize the ID photo to the correct pixel dimensions
2. Arrange multiple copies on an L-size (89×127mm) layout using Word or an image editor
3. Print on glossy photo paper
4. Cut out individual photos with a paper cutter or scissors

Print settings:

• Paper size: L-size (89×127mm)
• Print quality: Highest
• Scaling: 100% (actual size) — don't use "fit to page"
• Resolution: 300dpi or higher recommended

Important Notes on ID Photo Sizes and Ratios

• Sizes differ by purpose: A resume photo (40×30mm) cannot be used for a passport (45×35mm)
• Watch the aspect ratio: Resume is 4:3, passport is 9:7, license is 5:4 — all different
• Size tolerance: Generally ±2mm is acceptable, but passport standards are strict
• Background must be plain: White, gray, or light blue. Patterns or shadows can cause rejection
• Expiration: Most ID photos must be taken within the last 6 months

FAQ

What size is a Japanese resume ID photo in millimeters?

The standard resume (履歴書) photo in Japan is 40mm (H) × 30mm (W). JIS-standard resume forms have photo areas matching this size. At 300dpi, that's 472×354px. For online submissions, 560×420px or 600×450px may be specified.

How do I find the pixel dimensions for an ID photo?

Convert mm to pixels using: Size (mm) ÷ 25.4 × Resolution (dpi). For printing, use 300dpi; for online submission, follow the authority's specifications. sakutto's image resize tool has presets that automatically set the correct pixel dimensions.

Can I resize a smartphone photo to ID photo size?

Yes. sakutto's image resize tool works directly in your smartphone browser — no app installation needed. Select an ID photo preset (passport, resume, driver's license, My Number Card) and it resizes to the correct dimensions. Files are never uploaded to any server.

Is there a cheap way to print ID photos at a convenience store?

Arrange multiple ID photos on an L-size photo sheet, then print using a convenience store's network print service (7-Eleven ¥40, Lawson/FamilyMart ¥30). Much cheaper than a photo booth (¥700–1,000).

Are passport and My Number Card photos the same size?

Both are 45mm × 35mm, but the face size and margin specifications differ. Passport photos follow strict ICAO international standards. If reusing the same photo, verify it meets both sets of requirements.

Do different purposes require different aspect ratios?

Yes. Resume is 4:3, passport/My Number Card is 9:7, driver's license is 5:4, and US visa is 1:1. When resizing, you need to crop to the correct ratio, not just resize proportionally.

Summary

ID photo sizes vary by purpose, but the two most commonly needed are resume (40×30mm) and passport (45×35mm). Calculate pixel dimensions at 300dpi for printing, and follow the authority's specifications for online submission. Smartphone photos can easily be resized to ID photo dimensions using online tools. With convenience store printing or a home printer, you can get professional-quality ID photos for as little as ¥30–40.