Everything you need to know about Singapore NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Singapore |
| Document Type | IC / NRIC (Identity Card) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Head Size (Face) | 25–35 mm (from chin to crown of head) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Background Colour | Plain white |
| Digital Dimensions | 400 × 514 pixels |
| Digital Format | JPEG, maximum 60 KB |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Colour | Colour |
| Number of Photos Required | 1 |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has strict requirements for NRIC Identity Card photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is the compulsory identity document issued to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents. You need an NRIC photo for:
Glasses are allowed in Singapore NRIC photos, provided:
ICA recommends using a photo booth or a digital photo tool to ensure your NRIC photo meets their specifications. PassportPhoto.help automatically ensures your photo complies with all ICA requirements — including the exact 400×514 pixel digital size, white background, and 60 KB file size limit.
Source: ICA Singapore — Photo Guidelines
You don't need a professional studio or photo booth. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Singapore NRIC photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) can take an NRIC-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.
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.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the white background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible and the covering is not white.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 metres in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. The photo should capture from the top of your head to your upper body.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable NRIC photos
A Singapore NRIC (Identity Card) photo must be 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Your face should measure 25–35 mm from chin to crown of head. The digital version should be 400×514 pixels at 600 DPI, in JPEG format, and no larger than 60 KB.
All Singapore citizens and permanent residents must register for their NRIC at age 15. You will also need a new photo when replacing a lost or damaged IC, changing your IC after your 30th birthday, or updating your particulars.
Yes, glasses are allowed in Singapore NRIC photos. You must wear clear untinted lenses with thin frames. There must be no reflection on the lenses, and your eyes must be clearly visible through the glasses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. Your head must not be tilted up, down, or to either side.
Yes! You can take your NRIC photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official ICA Singapore IC photo requirements.
The background must be plain white. There should be no shadows, patterns, or objects visible behind you. If you don't have a white background at home, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with a plain white one.
Your NRIC photo must have been taken within the last 3 months and should reflect your current appearance. ICA requires that the photo be a recent likeness of you.
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or racial reasons. The head covering must not be the same colour as the white background, and your full facial features must remain clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead and both sides of your face.
