Ask them if you prefer to defy the rule.

But jeez, there is a photo machine in every single metro, RER and train station as well as quite a few other places. Why can't you show your passport instead of having a photo on your drivers licence or Navigo pass?

What rule am I defying??

BTW, we tried to use the photo machine at a metro about 2 years ago and obtained about 6 pictures - all about 3" X 5". Too big for the Navigo. We pealed the pictures off our expired Navigo & attached them to the new Navigo.

Stu Dudley

My recipe for various sized pictures for various travel purposes: At least one pharmacy chain will print pictures from a digital upload. I have digital head shot photos of myself and my wife on my computer. I go to the on line print photo page, choose a format that has space for 8-9 photos on an sheet, load my face and my wife's onto multiple spaces, adjust the individual picture sizes up and down, and they print me a sheet of head shots of various sizes for a buck. Cut apart and take on trip.

Stu, the same thing happened to us last fall when we tried to renew our Navigo. I didn't even try for a new photo, just used the old one.

They don't care how much you trim off those photos as long as they can see eyes, a nose and a mouth.

Anyone can buy these cards. The picture requirements sound severe, but in reality as kerouac says, if they can sort of see your face, they're OK. You can get them done at any supermarket.

Uh oh! I had forgotten Navigo Cards expire at 10 years. Lord knows how old mine is. I guess I need to dig it out and see if it has an expiration date on it before July.

I think the expiration dates of Navigo cards are approximate. It's just that the chip wears out after awhile.

Ah, so the chips are like my knees, wearing out over time!