ID Photos (Printed by Kodak Moments)

South African ID photos: Size, prices & where to get

South African ID photos for passports, ID cards, and driver’s licences must be 45 x 35 mm in size, with a plain white background (free of shadows), and taken no longer than one month before applying. You must provide two colour photographs printed on high-quality paper.

You cannot wear head coverings in your photo, but prescription glasses are acceptable. Ensure you look straight into the camera, with your eyes open and mouth closed (don’t smile). Your face must be evenly lit, and there mustn’t be any hair covering your face, including eyebrows.

Due to strict requirements, ID applications often get rejected because of non-compliant photos. However, you can avoid delays and additional fees by using the right provider.

Read on to find the best places for South African ID photos.

How much are ID photos?

ID photo prices vary depending on the provider and location. Based on our research, here’s what you can expect:

• Online ID photo apps: R100–R140
• Professional studios: R135–R350 (prices are higher in bigger cities)
• Printing ID photos: R50–R80 (e.g., at Kodak Moments)

Where to take ID photos in South Africa

You can get ID photos from several providers depending on your budget, needs, and location. Below, we’ll discuss each service and its pros and cons.

Let’s dive in.

1. Get ID photos online

The most convenient way to secure complaint ID photos is to take them at home. All you need is your smartphone and our ID photo app.

Download the PhotoAiD app for iOS or the PhotoAiD for Android. 

Here’s what you get with our South African ID tool:

1. Automated process

   You don’t need any technical skills—take a self-portrait (our in-app instructions will guide you) and upload it into the app. Our editor will resize the image, crop it to the required ID photo size, and erase the background.

2. Convenience

   Save time and avoid the hassle of calling ahead to find out if a particular outlet provides a compliant ID photo service. All you need is a smartphone and a well-lit room (take a photo by a window, that’s it!).

3. Popular photo options

   Choose between having your photos instantly printed at a Kodak Kiosk or delivered to your doorstep. You will also get a digital ID photo template you can print at home. We recommend getting your ID photo prints at a Kodak Moments kiosk near you if you’re in a rush. Read on to learn more about the service.

4. Manual expert verification

   One of our photography experts will carefully examine your picture to ensure it meets all official requirements for South African ID photos. If anything is wrong (e.g., your face isn’t centred), we’ll email you actionable tips on retaking a photo for free.

5. Round-the-clock service

   Our service is available 24/7. You can use it anywhere and anytime. 86% of our customers receive a compliant photo within 15 minutes of placing an order.

6. Refunds

   Embassies, consulates, and other South African authorities accept ID photos created with our tool. Should an agent reject your photo due to incompliance, we’ll refund 200% of your purchase costs.

Printing ID photos with Kodak Moments

How about printing ID photos near you? Use the digital template we’ll send to your email and print it at a Kodak Moments kiosk. With over 370 locations, you’ll likely have one in your area!

To print your ID photos at Kodak, bring the PhotoAiD template on a USB stick or your phone and upload it to the machine. Select the 10 x 15 cm photo format (4 x 6 inches) and print your photos.

Kodak Moments kiosks are available all over South Africa:

• Bhisho
• Bloemfontein
• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Pietermaritzburg
• Durban
• Polokwane
• Mbombela 
• Mahikeng
• Kimberley
• Cape Town

Is your city not on the list? Try the Kodak Moments kiosk locator.

See what customers say about PhotoAiD

Customers worldwide use our photo editor to create pictures for their identity documents. Read some of our Trustpilot reviews:

2. Professional photo studios

You can get ID photos taken and printed on the spot at most professional photo studios in the country. The photographer will ensure your picture complies with the official requirements and provide printed copies. Simply search for “ID photos near me.” Note that it’s usually the most expensive option.

3. Smart ID Card offices and bank branches

South African citizens eligible for a Smart ID card can take digital photos for the application at designated Smart ID offices and certain authorised bank branches. Your image will be taken on the spot; the photo’s price is included in the ID application cost (R140).

4. Does PostNet take ID photos?

You will need to contact each individual outlet to find out. Most PostNet South Africa stores only print ID and passport photos when you bring a picture on a digital device (memory stick, micro SD, or CD/DVD). In most cases, you can’t print photos from your phone.

Printed PostNet ID photo prices will vary as each outlet is individually owned and operated. 

But don’t worry—

You can also print South African ID photos at any of the 370+ Kodak Moments kiosks including some PostNet outlets.

FAQ

What’s the size of an ID photo in South Africa?

All ID photos must measure 45 x 35 mm.

How many photos for a South African ID?

To apply for any South African ID (passport, national identity card, or driver’s licence), you need two 45 x 35 mm colour photographs. 

Do I need photos for a temporary ID?

When applying for a temporary ID in South Africa, you need two colour photographs. Your photos must be 45 x 35 mm, with a plain white background, and printed on high-quality paper. You can wear prescription glasses, but headwear is prohibited.

Can you take ID photos at Kodak?

You will need to contact each individual Kodak-branded outlet to find out. However, you can save yourself the hassle and print your ID photos on high-quality paper in minutes (no queues). Create your printable ID photo template with PhotoAiD and take it to one of the 370+ available Kodak Moments kiosks.

Where to get cheap ID photos near you?

With PhotoAiD, ID photos cost R140 for six prints at a Kodak Moments Kiosk near you or delivered to your doorstep (delivery charges apply). For the same price, you also get a printable template you can print at home.

Sources: 

1. https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/travel-documents2
2. https://www.sahc.org.au/pdf/dha/Passport_Photo_Requirements.pdf 
3. https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/identity-documents