ID Photo API AI is a developer-facing ID photo generation API service. Its core capability is to convert an ordinary portrait photo into a photo that meets the specifications required for documents such as passports, visas, and ID cards through a single API call.
Main capabilities
- Photo processing pipeline: automatically performs face alignment and cropping, adjusting facial position according to output dimensions, head size, and eye-line requirements; processes the background, replacing the original background while preserving natural edges around hair, clothing, and facial details; performs photo quality checks to identify common issues such as head tilt or turning, uneven lighting, insufficient brightness or sharpness, wearing glasses, and non-neutral expressions. Quality checks cover head pose, lighting and sharpness, glasses, and expression.
- Flexible delivery: the final image can be returned through the API response, obtained through a temporary URL, or delivered in a printable layout format.
- Document specifications: one API supports more than 150 photo specifications, covering passports, visas, ID cards, driver's licenses, and application photos for many countries and regions around the world. Specify the document type through the specCode field in POST /v2/makeIdPhoto. Common formats include US passport photos, UK passport photos, China visa photos, Schengen visa photos, and passport and visa photos for Canada, Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Brazil, South Korea, and other countries. Specification data can be queried through the API, and products can dynamically display supported document types. If the required format is not listed, you can contact us to create a custom photo specification.
How to use
- Integration path: a single endpoint completes the entire photo workflow. Send a portrait photo and document specification, and receive a cropped, processed, and correctly sized photo. Authentication, parameters, issue codes, and the complete response schema are maintained in the API documentation.
- Account and credentials: create or access an account in the IDPhoto.ai Dashboard. API credentials and account usage are managed separately. You can create an account in the Dashboard to view trial permissions and account quotas.
- Output and storage options: you can choose Base64 delivery, which does not store photos on the server; or use temporary AWS S3 URL delivery, with documentation stating retention times ranging from 2 hours to 14 days. US or EU API endpoints are supported, and deployments in other regions can be requested as needed. Data transmission is encrypted, and documented practices cover GDPR and CCPA requirements.
Applicable scenarios
- Passport and visa photo applications: consumer-facing photo products, supporting direct generation or watermarked preview workflows.
- Travel and visa platforms: help customers prepare correctly sized photos and, beforesubmission, identify common photo quality issues.
- Photo studios and retailers: automate background processing, cropping, resizing, and printable photo sheet generation at scale.
- HR and identity systems: unify employee badge and avatar photos in onboarding, directory, and access management workflows.
Supporting services IDPhoto.ai also provides focused APIs and services: batch ID photo generation, UK passport photo code API, background removal API, photo enhancement API, badge photo API, real-time biometric verification API, face analysis API, passport photo printing and mailing API, ID photo matching and verification API, as well as unique custom AI or stylized portrait generation for teams, events, and avatar photos.
Limitations and notes The API formats photos according to the selected specification and reports detectable quality issues. Final acceptance is determined by the relevant government agency, application platform, or reviewing organization. For best results, it is recommended to provide a clear, frontal portrait with the face and upper body visible, avoiding strong shadows, blur, extreme head angles, or facial obstructions. Pricing depends on usage volume and workflow requirements. Specific prices are not provided in the materials. You can try a trial account through the Dashboard or contact us for bulk pricing and custom deployments.
