Everything you need to know about Iraq National ID Card (البطاقة الوطنية) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background rules, pose guidelines, and how to take a compliant Iraqi ID card photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Iraq (العراق) |
| Document Type | National ID Card (البطاقة الوطنية) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Digital Photo Size | 826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photograph (~34.5 mm from chin to top of head) |
| Background Color | Plain white or light-colored |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos Required | 1 recent personal photo |
| Recency | Recent photo (reflecting current appearance) |
The Iraqi National ID Card (البطاقة الوطنية) is governed by Law No. 3 of 2016. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your ID card photo is accepted.
It is strongly recommended to remove glasses for your Iraq ID card photo. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Iraq National ID Card photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take an ID card-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows on your face.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Stand about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or make any exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ID card photos
An Iraq National ID Card photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) in portrait orientation. Your head should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photograph, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
You need to bring 1 recent personal photo (صورة شخصية حديثة عدد/1) when applying for an Iraqi National ID Card at the National ID Card Directorate.
It is strongly recommended to remove glasses. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare and your eyes are fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.
The background must be plain white or light-colored with no patterns, objects, or shadows visible. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with white.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 35×45mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all requirements.
Head coverings are only allowed if worn daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
The Iraqi National ID Card (البطاقة الوطنية) is a unified national identity document introduced under Law No. 3 of 2016, issued by the Ministry of Interior. It replaces the previous civil status identification card and serves as the primary form of identification for Iraqi citizens.
