Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés / National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS) aims to help you fulfill the process of registration, driving license and identity documents related to traveling and daily issues.
You have gone through a lot of training and tests to receive your driver’s license. In order to drive freely around the country, there is a final step – creating an online driver’s license, but first of all, you need to make an ANTS digital ePhoto. In this passage, we will introduce you to what ePhoto is, ePhoto requirements and where to make one.
What is an ePhoto?
An ePhoto is a digital format of a passport-style photo with a signature, which is used to apply for different kinds of permits. Each ePhoto is tied to a unique 22-digit ePhoto code. Whenever you are required to upload a photo online, just input the code and the picture will be inserted automatically. In addition to applying for, renewing or replacing driving license, the ANTS expand the use of ePhoto, covering the application of identity cards and passports in 2022.
Compared with paper photos, digital ePhotos bring more convenience to French citizens. Citizens used to fill in paper documents for permit applications, so they have to print out ID photos, which adds to extra costs. Now, they can use online services. It is also a piece of exciting news for citizens who live abroad and need to apply for or renew their documents. All these can be done online instead of flying back home.
ANTS Digital ePhoto Requirement
ANTS digital ePhotos share similar requirements as paper ID photos. It must clearly show your face, so please use a photo taken within the last six months. It is suggested to learn about the official ePhoto rules (listed as follows) because the authority will not accept the photo or issue the identity document if it does not satisfy the criteria.
- Size: 3.5cm (width) x 4.5cm (height)
- Head dimension: 3.2cm – 3.6cm from the chin to the top of the head, taking up 70% to 80% of the photo
- Quality: sharp and clear, no crease, trace or stains
- Background: plain and light color (light gray or light blue). Don’t use white.
- The photo must be colored.
- The photo must show proper brightness without over-exposure or under-exposure.
- The photo must be well-lit and well-contrasted without shadows on the face and background.
- Keep the head in the center without tilting.
- The subject must not wear hats, scarves and headbands.
- Keep clear of accessories that might hinder facial expressions like earrings, piecing, nose rings, etc.
- Keep the eyes open and look straight at the camera.
- Keep the mouth closed.
- Keep a neutral facial expression without laughing out loud, pouting, sticking your tongue out, etc.
- The hair should not cover eyes, ears and cheeks.
- Glasses are not recommended. If you have to wear them, please avoid thick frames and colored/reflective lenses.
Where to Take ANTS Digital ePhoto?
When applying identity certificate on the ANTS website or related official website, a 22-digit ePhoto code is required to retrieve the photo. Therefore, the photo must be taken by authorized photo booths or professional photographers who could offer the code. ANTS launched a search tool to help citizens find nearby licensed photographers and certified photo booths. There is detailed information like addresses, tele numbers and email addresses. Please contact and ask about opening hours and costs before you go.
Take ePhoto in a Photo Booth
Photo booths are common self-photography places set up in shopping malls and on the streets. However, digital ephoto service is not available in every kiosk. An ANTS-approved photo booth is featured with a blue ANTS logo.
The photo cabinet, equipped with cameras and screens, allows you to take a picture on your own. Users could see themselves on the screen, which is convenient to preview and adjust before pressing the shooting button. Most cabinet allows 3 tries and you can select the most beautiful one. That is a great invention for those who feel uneasy in front of strange photographers.
Take ePhoto in a Photo Studio
If you are not good at taking photos on your own in a photo booth, what about going to the photographer’s house? They are more skillful at background, lighting, and photo quality. Moreover, they can tell you how to pose and look at the camera so as to make a qualified ePhoto. The problem, however, is that they usually charge more and have shorter working hours than a photo booth.
Take ePhoto with a Smartphone iD App
If you are too busy to visit a photo booth or photographer, there is a more convenient method that allows you to make ANTS digital ePhoto without stepping out of the house. Smartphone iD App is available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store. It is equipped with multiple photo templates of different countries. Just take a photo with your phone and choose “France” for the Country and desired document type with “ePhoto”. Then you could sign on the screen. The verified photo and ANTS code will be sent to your email. The whole process takes only a few minutes.
Comparison Among Different Methods
| Photo Booth | Photo Studio | Smartphone iD | |
| Make an ANTS Digital ePhoto from any place? | No | No | Yes |
| Make an ANTS Digital ePhoto at any time? | No | No | Yes |
| Who takes the photo? | Yourself | Employees | Yourself/friends/family or whoever holds your phone |
| Digital copy available? | It depends. | It depends. | Yes |
| Printed copy available? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How much does it cost? | It depends on location (usually more expensive) | It depends on location (usually more expensive) | €2-€5 (Usually affordable price) |
Summary
In a word, digital ePhoto is different from common life photos, so please make sure it complies with certain requirements no matter where you are going to take the photo. If you choose a photo booth or photographer’s house, check the ANTS certificate first in case of fail to provide a photo code and are rejected. Once the picture is taken and your digital signature is attached, note down the ePhoto code which would be used for the ANTS online application of driving license, passport or other permits. Next, just get ready for your trip.
Dolores Xiao