Change NRIC Photo in Singapore: Steps, Fee and Rules

Short answer: To change NRIC photo in Singapore, apply for a replacement Identity Card under Change of Particulars on ICA's e-Service, using Singpass. You upload a colour photo taken within the last 3 months and pay a non-refundable S$60. ICA processes it within 7 working days, and you then collect the new card in person.

This guide covers who can do it, when waiting for re-registration makes more sense, and what to check before you upload. Every rule below comes from ICA and Singpass pages we checked in November 2026.

Can you change the photo on your NRIC?

Yes. ICA's Change of Particulars page says you can apply for a replacement IC "to update your particulars including name, photograph, or race". There's no separate "photo only" service. A new photo means a new card.

For a photo change, the page lists only the photo itself as the document to upload. Permanent Residents must also include a copy of their current passport page(s) showing their personal particulars.

Singpass also notes that people who no longer resemble their NRIC or passport photo for medical reasons, such as surgery, can apply for a replacement with ICA. That keeps the government's record of facial images up to date.

Should you wait for IC re-registration at 30 or 55?

Maybe. Singapore Citizens and PRs must re-register their IC at 30 (before the 31st birthday) and at 55 (before the 56th birthday). Re-registration already includes a new photo, and it costs much less than a replacement.

	Replacement IC (Change of Particulars)	IC re-registration at 30 or 55
When	Any time	After ICA's SMS or Singpass notification; within 1 year at the subsidised fee
Fee	S$60 (non-refundable)	S$10 for citizens, S$50 for PRs
Photo	Digital colour photo, taken within 3 months	Digital colour photo, taken within 3 months
Processing	Within 7 working days	Within 7 working days

Sources: ICA Change of Particulars, ICA IC Re-Registration

Two details matter here:

• A recent replacement can count. ICA says you don't need to re-register if you were issued a replacement IC within the last 10 years.
• Changing your mind later costs S$60. If you want a different photo after you receive your re-registered IC, ICA's FAQ says you must apply for a new IC through Change of Particulars at S$60.

So if your re-registration notice is due soon, it usually makes sense to put your effort into a good photo for that application. If it's years away, a replacement is the only way to get a newer photo now. Our guide to IC registration at 15, 30 and 55 explains each stage.

What you need before you apply

• Singpass, to log in to the ICA IC e-Service.
• A digital colour photo taken against a white background within the past 3 months.
• The right size and file: ICA's photo guidelines say photos uploaded via e-Services must be 400 x 514 pixels, in JPG, JPEG, HEIC, HEIF or PNG, up to 8 MB.
• PRs only: a copy of your current passport page(s) with your personal particulars.
• An online payment method: Visa or Mastercard, AMEX, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB or Standard Chartered), or PayNow.

The full photo rules (background, expression, glasses, headgear) are in our Singapore IC photo requirements guide.

How to change your NRIC photo, step by step

1. Take or get a new photo. ICA advises asking someone else to take it. Selfies taken with a mobile phone "usually do not meet our photo requirements and could delay your application".
2. Resize it to 400 x 514 pixels if needed. ICA allows resizing, but not other edits.
3. Log in to the e-Service with Singpass and choose Change IC Particulars. There is an option for yourself and one for applying on behalf of others.
4. Upload the photo and, for PRs, your passport page(s).
5. Pay the S$60 fee online.
6. Wait for approval. ICA processes the application within 7 working days, longer in peak periods, and notifies you by SMS and email.
7. Book a collection appointment within 3 months of approval. You can collect at a participating SingPost outlet (if offered on the e-Appointment page) or at the ICA Services Centre, 2 Crawford Street, Level 2. Bring your current IC.

At post offices you have 4 days from your appointment date to collect in person. The ICA Services Centre is open 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Why the photo in Singpass may differ from your card

The Singpass Digital IC automatically shows the latest photo you gave ICA, for example when you renew your passport or re-register your NRIC. So your app may already show a newer face than your physical card.

That doesn't change the card itself. Only a replacement or re-registration puts a new photo on the physical NRIC. After a change, Singpass says the updated photo can take time to appear in the app.

Check before you submit

• [ ] Taken within the last 3 months, in colour
• [ ] Plain white background
• [ ] 400 x 514 pixels; JPG, JPEG, HEIC, HEIF or PNG; 8 MB or less
• [ ] Not a selfie
• [ ] No filters, no smoothing, no changes to facial features (ICA forbids altering or enhancing the photo)
• [ ] You look the way you'll look at collection, because officers verify your face against the photo

That last point comes from ICA itself: when you change your name or race, ICA asks for a new photo because facial verification is done when you collect the new IC. Practical tip: keep glasses, hairstyle and make-up close to your everyday look. Our what to wear guide covers clothing and accessories.

An unsuitable photo delays the application. The e-Service has a Resubmit Photo option if ICA asks for a new one.

How IC Photo Singapore can help

If you have a clear photo taken by someone else, IC Photo Singapore (icphotosingapore.com) outputs photos sized to ICA's published spec of 400 x 514 px for online submission. It works from a phone or computer, so there's no studio visit. You upload your photo, choose Singapore Passport Photo, check the watermarked preview, and get the digital file after checkout. It doesn't replace ICA's own checks. IC Photo Singapore is an independent service and is not affiliated with ICA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to change my NRIC photo?

S$60, non-refundable. That's ICA's fee for a replacement IC due to change of particulars. Re-registration at 30 or 55 costs S$10 for citizens and S$50 for PRs.

How long does it take?

ICA processes it within 7 working days, longer in peak periods. After approval, you book a collection appointment within 3 months.

Can I change my NRIC photo while overseas?

You can apply online, but you must collect the card in person. ICA asks you to replace your IC only if you plan to return to Singapore within the next 6 months.

My IC is damaged. Is that the same application?

No. A damaged IC is a separate application on ICA's Loss/Damage page. It also costs S$60, and you should apply within 14 days of reporting the damage. It also needs a recent photo.

Do I need a new photo when I change my name on my IC?

Yes, ICA says you should provide a photo taken within the last 3 months, because your face is verified when you collect the new IC.

Will my Singpass Digital IC update too?

Yes, the Digital IC shows the latest photo you gave ICA. Singpass says the update can take some time to appear.

Rules were checked against ICA's Change of Particulars, IC Re-Registration, IC Collection and Photo Guidelines pages and Singpass answers on Ask.gov in November 2026. Check the official ICA page before you apply.