Sri Lanka NIC Photo Specifications

Sri Lanka NIC Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Sri Lanka NIC Photo Requirements

The Sri Lanka National Identity Card (NIC) is a compulsory identity document issued by the Department for Registration of Persons. All Sri Lankan citizens aged 16 and above must obtain an NIC. The new e-NIC (electronic NIC) contains biometric data for enhanced security. You must carry your NIC at all times once obtained. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your NIC photo is accepted.

About the Sri Lanka NIC

• The NIC is compulsory for all Sri Lankan citizens aged 16 and above
• Issued by the Department for Registration of Persons
• The new e-NIC contains biometric data including fingerprints
• Must be carried at all times once obtained
• Required for voting, opening bank accounts, obtaining passports, and many other essential services
• You need 2 identical photos with your NIC application

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
• Must be a recent photo that reflects your current appearance
• The photo must be sharp and in focus, with no blurriness, visible pixels, or printer dots
• No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must show a full-face frontal view from the shoulders up

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Chin-to-crown distance: approximately 32–36 mm
• Minimum 3 mm space from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo
• Face should occupy 70–80% of the photo height
• Head and top of shoulders must be fully visible
• Printed on high-quality photo paper (matte or glossy)

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted, turned, or rotated
• Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling, frowning, or showing teeth
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, with pupils and irises visible
• Keep your shoulders squared and visible in the frame
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• No red-eye effect from flash

Background

• Use a plain white background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended for Sri Lanka NIC photos. If you must wear them, the following rules apply:

• Only clear lenses are permitted — no dark glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses
• No glare or reflections on the lenses that obscure your eyes
• The frame must not cover your eyes or eyebrows
• No shadows cast by the frame on your face
• Removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious or medical reasons
• If worn for permitted reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing and Appearance

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious attire worn daily
• Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
• Hair must not cover your eyebrows or facial features
• Both ears should be visible, or both edges of the face visible if hair covers ears

Children and Young Applicants

• Sri Lankan citizens must apply for an NIC upon reaching 16 years of age
• First-time applicants aged 16 should follow the same photo requirements as adults
• The photo must show the applicant's full face from chin to top of head

How to Take a Sri Lanka NIC Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Sri Lanka National Identity Card photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a NIC-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. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.

3

Dress Appropriately

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.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyebrows, eyes, or cast shadows on your face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible, with your shoulders also in the frame.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is permitted for Sri Lanka NIC photos.

Good and Bad Examples of Sri Lanka NIC Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Sri Lanka NIC photos

Frequently Asked Questions