Kids-ID Photos in Ghent | A Complete Guide for Parents + Easy Booking at Jaweed Studio

Jaweed Studio · A guide for parents

When do you need to bring your own child’s ID photo, what requirements must it meet and how can you help your child feel relaxed? Here are the current steps for applying for a Kids-ID in Ghent.

ID photos at Jaweed Studio · By appointment only

Applying for a Kids-ID may seem straightforward, but the photo raises questions for many parents. Does the City of Ghent take the photo at the counter? Does a baby need to look straight at the camera? And how much time should you allow before travelling?

This guide combines official information from the City of Ghent and the Flemish authorities with practical preparation tips. You will know when you need to provide a photo and which service suits your child’s age.

The key points

• A Kids-ID is intended for Belgian children under twelve.

• The child must attend the application appointment with a parent who has parental responsibility.

• The City of Ghent usually takes a photo at the counter.

• You must bring your own photo if your child is under three or cannot sit still unaided.

• A photo you bring must be no more than six months old and meet the official requirements.

• ID photos at Jaweed Studio are available by appointment only.

What is a Kids-ID?

The Kids-ID is an electronic identity document for Belgian children under twelve. The card displays your child’s identity details and photograph. It also contains an electronic chip.

A Kids-ID is not compulsory in Belgium. However, your child may need one when travelling abroad. It is accepted in most European countries and some countries beyond Europe, but the exact travel requirements vary by destination.

A Kids-ID is more than a travel document. The ‘Hallo Ouders’ service allows nominated contacts to be reached in an emergency. This service must be activated after you receive the card.

Please note: a Kids-ID does not replace a passport if your destination requires one. Always check the travel document requirements before booking or travelling.

Do you need to bring your own ID photo to the City of Ghent?

The City of Ghent normally takes a photo at the counter for a Kids-ID application. You therefore do not need to arrange a separate ID photo in advance for every child.

According to the City of Ghent, you must bring a recent ID photo yourself if:

• your child is under three;

• your child is over three but cannot sit still unaided.

For a baby, toddler or child who needs extra support, a relaxed studio session can therefore be a practical way to prepare. Before the photo session, also check whether you only need the photo for a Kids-ID or whether you need one for a passport, residence document or visa as well.

Current information from the local authority: applying for or collecting a Kids-ID with the City of Ghent.

What are the photo requirements for a Kids-ID?

A photo you bring yourself must be no more than six months old. It must meet the official standards for identity documents. Your child’s face must be clearly visible and recognisable.

Young children cannot always adopt the same pose as an adult straight away. The child’s age and the requirements of the specific application are therefore considered first. If in doubt, bring the instructions from the local authority or other receiving organisation.

Printed and digital photos serve different purposes

You may be asked for a printed photo when applying to the local authority. For another application, you may also need a digital file. Digital files sometimes need to meet specific pixel dimensions, maximum file sizes or file format requirements.

Please tell us in advance what you will use the file for. Simply asking for ‘a digital ID photo’ does not tell us which technical specifications are needed.

From newborn babies to eleven-year-olds

Newborn babies

A newborn baby cannot yet sit up or follow instructions. They need to be positioned safely, with their face unobstructed. Parents help keep their baby calm.

Babies and toddlers

Short attempts at a relaxed pace work better than taking photos continuously for a long time. A familiar toy can help beforehand, but it must not appear in the final image.

Young children

Simple explanations and a relaxed atmosphere help your child look towards the camera and stay still for a moment.

Older children

An older child can usually follow direct instructions. The photographer checks their posture, gaze, the background, lighting and framing.

Is your child under three, or unable to sit still unaided? The City of Ghent then asks you to bring your own ID photo. Our baby and child ID photo service is designed specifically for these situations.

How to prepare your child for their ID photo

Choose a good time

For a baby or toddler, try to book a time when your child is usually rested and calm. Do not change their normal sleeping or feeding routine just for the photo.

Choose simple clothing

Choose comfortable clothing that does not cover the face. A plain top with enough contrast against a light background usually works well. Avoid high collars, large hats or headwear, and prominent accessories near the face.

Bring familiar care essentials

For a baby, nappies, feeds, a change of clothes and their usual comfort items can be useful. The aim is to wait for a calm moment. Hands, toys and other people must not appear in the final official photo.

Have the document requirements ready

Do you need a photo for a foreign passport or visa as well as a Kids-ID? Bring the official instructions for that application. One photo format is not automatically suitable for every document.

Practical tip: do not book your appointment with the local authority immediately after the photo session. Allow time for a feed, a nappy change, a break or another photo.

Applying for a Kids-ID in Ghent: step by step

• Make an appointment with the City of Ghent. Applications are handled by the Civil Affairs Department or a local service centre.

• Attend with your child. The child and at least one parent with parental responsibility must be present.

• Bring the required documents. Take your identity card and, if your child already has a Kids-ID, their old card. Bring an ID photo if your child falls within the City of Ghent’s exceptions.

• Wait for the letter containing the PIN. This letter means the card is available at the location where you applied.

• Collect the card. Bring your identity card and the PIN you received. Your child does not need to attend the collection.

According to the Flemish authorities, standard processing usually takes two to three weeks and may take longer during busy periods. Apply for the Kids-ID in good time, preferably well before your trip.

Urgent applications

The City of Ghent offers urgent and very urgent application procedures. The conditions, delivery times and fees differ from the standard procedure. Check the latest information directly with the City of Ghent before relying on these options.

Check the current procedures and delivery times with the City of Ghent.

How long is a Kids-ID valid?

A Kids-ID is valid for three years. The card remains valid until its expiry date, even if your child turns twelve in the meantime. However, if the photo no longer looks sufficiently like your child, you must apply for a new Kids-ID.

Before travelling, check whether your destination accepts the Kids-ID and whether the document must remain valid for a certain period after your return. Some countries also require parental consent when a minor is not travelling with both parents.

Official travel requirements can change. Shortly before departure, check the information for your destination and review all your child’s documents.

Which ID photo service do you need?

Jaweed Studio operates by appointment only. When booking, state your child’s age and the document the photo is for. For foreign applications, you can send the instructions in advance or bring them with you.

Ages 0–17

Baby and child ID photos

For Kids-ID, children’s passports, residence cards, visas and other official documents, with age-appropriate support.

Ages 18 and over

Adult ID photos

For passports, eID cards, driving licences, residence cards, visas and applications where you need to supply your own photo.

You can compare both services on our main ID photos and document services in Ghent page.

Address: Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent. For questions, contact us via WhatsApp or call +32 468 24 11 26.

Read more about children’s ID photos

For their first official photo

Newborn ID photos: safe and well prepared

Find out how to prepare your newborn calmly and why safe positioning matters.

General guidance

ID photos and biometric photos in Ghent

An overview of biometric photos, document requirements and points to consider for Belgian and foreign applications.

You can find all related guides in the ID Photos & Documents category.

Frequently asked questions about Kids-ID and children’s ID photos

No. The City of Ghent usually takes a photo at the counter. You must bring your own photo if your child is under three or if an older child cannot sit still unaided.

A photo you bring yourself must be no more than six months old. It must show your child as they currently look and make them clearly recognisable.

A calm, awake moment is usually helpful because the face and eyes are more clearly visible. The exact requirements and age-related exceptions depend on the application.

A parent can help with safe positioning and reassurance. Hands, other people and supporting aids must not appear in the final official photo.

A Kids-ID is not compulsory in Belgium. However, it may be required for travel abroad. Always check which travel documents your destination requires.

According to the Flemish authorities, standard processing usually takes two to three weeks and may take longer during busy periods. The City of Ghent also offers urgent procedures with different conditions.

Yes. The ID photo service includes printed photos and a digital file. Let us know in advance if the file needs to meet specific technical requirements.

No. All ID photo services at Jaweed Studio are available by appointment only. Book a suitable time before visiting.

Need an ID photo for your child?

Book a relaxed appointment at Jaweed Studio

Tell us your child’s age and which document you need the photo for. This helps us prepare properly for your appointment.

You can find official background information on Vlaanderen.be and from the City of Ghent.