ICA | Photo Guidelines

Home >

Common > Photo Guidelines

Photo Guidelines

Things to note

A new photograph must be submitted when applying for a new passport.
Your photograph must meet ICA’s requirements (see details below). Failure to meet these requirements can delay your application or result in its rejection.
Your photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way. This includes the modification of facial features and/or the usage of photo editing software.

Q1:	Can I use a photograph taken with my mobile phone for a passport or identity card application?
A1:	We recommend that you download and use mobile apps that are specifically designed to take photographs for passport or identity card applications. These apps usually come with features that will help you take photographs in the required dimensions. Some suggested search-words you can use on the Android Play Store or Apple App Store are ‘Singapore Passport’, ‘Singapore IC’ and ‘Photo’. The photograph will be accepted if it complies with our photo guidelines. Possible Apps include “IC Photo Singapore”, “Passport Size Photo Maker” or “Passport Photo ID Maker Studio – ID Photo Editor”. Please note that your photograph must not be altered or enhanced in any way. This includes the modification of facial features and/or the usage of photo editing software. These apps are based on customers’ feedback, who found them useful. They are not endorsed by ICA in any way.

Q2:	Can I take a selfie with my mobile phone for a passport or identity card application?
A2:	We do not recommend selfie as the result is usually not ideal and will cause delay to your application. We recommend that that you ask someone to help you take the photo if you are using your mobile phone camera. Do familiarise with our photo guidelines first.

Requirements

Taken within the last 3 months
Clear and in focus, 35mm wide by 45mm high, without any borders
In colour taken against a plain white background without shadows
Avoid white headgear and plain white clothing (headgear worn in accordance with religious or racial customs is acceptable but must not hide any facial features)
Full face with the upper shoulders visible, facing forward with eyes open
Hair must not cover the eyebrows or the eyes
Even exposure (must not be taken under direct lighting)
Spectacle frames must not cover part of the eyes
Spectacle lenses must not reflect or glare
You must look at the camera with a neutral expression and with mouth closed.

Additional requirements

Function	Image file format	File size no more than
Application for passport	jpg, jpeg or png file extension	2 MB
Re-registration for identity card	jpg, jpeg or png file extension	2 MB
Application for permanent residence	jpg or jpeg file extension	1 MB
All other applications	jpg file extension	60 KB

Dos and Don'ts

Have an even exposure (must not be taken under direct lighting)
Hair must not cover eyebrow or eyes
Spectacle frame should not cover part of the eyes. Lenses should not have reflections/glare
Full face with upper shoulders seen, facing forward with eyes open
In colour taken against plain white background without shadows
You should face the camera directly