Is the word "selfie" formal enough to be used in official documents?

I was asked to edit a translation and I noticed that the original English sentence is:

Selfie (only) - You will only need to upload a selfie photo.

The context is the process of uploading documents to verify an account on a trading web application. Let's call it high-level financial business.

Now, I am not a native English speaker but this really sounds "wrong" to me. Rather than wrong, not something to write in this kind of context. I don't know how to say, it doesn't sound "serious".

Am I wrong? Is it actually a perfectly fine and professional-sounding word? My guess is no. Moreover, I think that the word selfie is also too generic for what I believe is the purpose of the picture in question. A selfie could be anything (expression, posture, background, etc) as long as it's self-taken.

In case I'm right, what would be a better alternative? Self portrait? Headshot? Passport photo?

Thank you.

Solution 1:

Merriam-Webster offers this definition of selfie: "An image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks."

Technically what is being described in your question is NOT a selfie since it doesn't need to be taken by oneself.

The word "headshot" would be more accurate but not everyone may be familiar with exactly what a headshot is. It's most commonly used among actors and artist types, I think.

In the end there are many options of how to approach the sentence you are trying to write. One example of saying it without using the word selfie: "Please include a clear photograph of yourself from the shoulders up."