The quality of the facial image depends to a large extent both on the professionalism of the graphic workstation specialist and on the applicant’s appearance.
In order to obtain a facial image that complies with the technological requirements and to ensure an appropriate aesthetic appearance of the photograph on the identity document, a number of recommendations regarding clothing, hairstyle, make-up, accessories and jewellery must be followed.
The following recommendations apply when photographing an applicant for identity documents:
classic (conservative) style. The dress code may be casual or business. Solid colours are preferable, but not white (photographs for identity documents are taken against a white background);
- recommended 
- not recommended
- the facial oval must be completely visible (fringe must not cover the eyebrows – a distinctive facial feature);
- recommended - not recommended
the head must be uncovered (except for religious and medical circumstances, with the presentation of supporting medical documents (where applicable) and the written approval of the head of SEAI. Taking photographs in uniform is prohibited;
- compliant - non-compliant
glasses are accepted in the photograph only for persons who wear them permanently (with transparent lenses, without glare). The glasses and frames must not obscure or distort the contour of the face, and the eyes must be clearly visible;
- compliant - non-compliant
persons with a long neck are advised to wear clothing with a higher collar that covers the base of the neck; otherwise, after cropping the photograph, the clothing may not be visible in the image.
- recommended - not recommended
a child’s facial image must meet the same requirements as those for adults. For children (under 11 years of age), a head size of up to 50% of the photograph height is accepted if necessary to maintain the photographic quality of the image and avoid distortion.
The child’s eyes must be open, the mouth closed and the gaze directed straight ahead.
- compliant - non-compliant
It is not recommended to attend the photo session:
in clothing with a low neckline (according to the technical requirements, the head must occupy 2/3 of the total photograph area – after cropping the photograph, the clothing may not be visible);
- recommended - not recommended
with an excessively high hairstyle (according to technological requirements, up to 10% of the total photograph height is reserved for the hairstyle, while the minimum head height may not be less than 70%);
- recommended - not recommended
with an excessively voluminous and asymmetrical hairstyle (voluminous hairstyles may occupy the entire white background area; if the hairstyle is smaller, identity document photographs will have a neater appearance. It is recommended that the shoulders and clothing be visible);
- recommended - not recommended
It is not recommended to attend the photo session:
- with excessively large accessories or other hair ornaments;
- with striking or excessively pronounced make-up – for women, light daytime make-up is appropriate.
When obtaining an identity card or a passport of a citizen of the Republic of Moldova, it is recommended that the person have clean hands and a nail length that allows fingerprints to be taken.
If, since the issuance of the last identity document, changes have occurred in the physical appearance of the person’s face due to surgery, including plastic surgery, trauma (mutilation, scars), tattoos, as well as other changes that do not allow the person to be identified with certainty, the person must additionally present supporting medical documents.
In the case of a person who is hospitalized in a medical institution and is in a serious condition (unconscious, in a coma), as well as in situations where the applicant’s facial image cannot be captured because the person has serious facial injuries or trauma, or a bandage is applied to the face and it is not possible to provide a recent photograph, on the basis of a medical certificate confirming the respective state of health, the facial image is taken from the person’s profile in the State Population Register, updated upon issuance of the last identity document.