Lost IC in Singapore: Replacement Steps, Fee and Photo

Short answer: If you've lost your IC in Singapore, report it online with Singpass straight away. You don't need a police report. Then apply for a replacement within 14 days of the report, upload a new digital colour photo taken in the last 3 months, and pay S$100 for a first loss (S$300 for a second or later loss, S$60 if the card is only damaged). ICA processes the application within 7 working days, and you collect the new card by appointment. These rules are on ICA's Loss/Damage of Identity Card page.

The part that slows most people down isn't the form. It's the photo. ICA asks for a brand-new one even if your old IC photo is recent, and the file has to meet its online spec. This guide covers the whole process, with the photo step in detail.

What should you do first?

Report the loss as soon as you notice the card is gone. ICA says to report a lost or damaged IC "immediately". You only need to log in to the ICA e-Service with Singpass; ICA says you do not need a police report.

If you don't have access to Singpass, ICA's FAQ says you can report the loss in person at the ICA Services Centre instead. Online is the route ICA encourages.

How to replace a lost IC, step by step

1. Prepare your documents. Singapore citizens need a recent passport-sized, digital, colour photo taken within the last 3 months. Permanent residents need the same photo plus a copy of the personal particulars page of their current passport.
2. Report the loss and apply. Use the ICA IC e-Service and choose "Report & Replace Lost IC". You can report and apply in one go, or report first and apply later, but the replacement application must be made within 14 days of the report.
3. Pay the fee online. ICA accepts Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, AMEX credit cards, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered) and PayNow.
4. Wait for processing. ICA processes the application within 7 working days, and longer during peak periods.
5. Book a collection appointment. You'll get an SMS and email once it's approved. Make an appointment to collect the new IC within 3 months of approval.

How much does it cost to replace a lost IC?

The fees are from ICA's lost and damaged IC page. The photo isn't included, so budget for that separately if you plan to use a studio.

Why do you need a new photo for a replacement IC?

ICA's FAQ answers this directly: you must submit a new photograph taken within the last 3 months, because facial verification is done to check your identity when you collect the new IC. So the photo on your lost card, or one you used two years ago for your passport, won't do.

The same photo can serve two applications, though. ICA says on Ask.gov that you can use the same photo for your IC and passport if it was taken within 3 months of the application date (ICA answer). If you renewed your passport last month, that photo may still work.

What the replacement photo has to look like

The ICA photo guidelines set the file spec for online uploads, and the e-Service adds the background rule:

A few practical points from ICA's own answers:

• Don't take a selfie. ICA says a selfie from a mobile phone will be flipped, and asks you to get someone to take the photo for you (ICA on selfies).
• There's no photo booth at ICA. ICA says there are no photo-taking services at the ICA Services Centre (ICA answer), so sort the photo out before you apply.
• A phone photo is allowed if it meets the spec. ICA recommends apps designed for passport or IC photos to get the dimensions right.

The rest of the rules (expression, glasses, hair, lighting) are the same as for any IC photo. Our Singapore IC photo requirements guide goes through them, and the glasses and smiling guide covers the two questions people ask most. If you're taking it at home, see how to take a passport photo at home for light, distance and background.

If ICA isn't happy with your photo after you apply, the e-Service has a "Resubmit Photo" option, but a rejected photo still costs you time. ICA says a photo that meets the guidelines helps avoid delays.

What if you lose your IC overseas?

Report the loss online immediately, even while you're abroad. ICA says you can apply for the replacement IC when you return to Singapore, because you must collect the new card in person. That also means a fresh photo taken overseas is fine, as long as it's still within 3 months when you apply.

What if you find your IC after reporting it lost?

Timing matters here. If you find the card after reporting the loss but before applying for a replacement, ICA asks you to contact it through the enquiry form and attach copies of the front and back of the recovered IC. Once you've submitted a replacement application, ICA says a new IC will be issued and no refund will be given.

Can someone else report it for you?

Only in limited cases. ICA accepts proxy reporting and replacement only if the IC holder has no Singpass account and can't go to the ICA Services Centre for medical reasons. The proxy applies through ICA's FormSG form, linked on the ICA page. For an elderly parent who can't travel, the photo usually has to be taken at home.

Collecting your new IC

If you applied online, ICA emails you when the card is ready. According to the IC collection page, you can collect at participating SingPost outlets (if that option is offered) or at the ICA Services Centre, 2 Crawford Street, Level 2, from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Book the appointment within 3 months of approval. Your face is checked against the new photo at collection, which is why ICA wants a recent one.

Quick checklist

• Report the loss online with Singpass (no police report needed)
• Apply for the replacement within 14 days of the report
• New colour photo, taken within the last 3 months, white background, not a selfie
• 400 x 514 pixels, JPG/JPEG/HEIC/HEIF/PNG, up to 8 MB, no filters
• PRs: copy of your current passport's personal particulars page
• Fee ready: S$100 first loss, S$300 repeat loss, S$60 damaged
• Book collection within 3 months of approval

Getting the photo done online

If someone can take a clear photo of you against a plain wall, IC Photo Singapore (icphotosingapore.com) works from a phone or computer and outputs photos sized to ICA's published spec of 400 x 514 px for online submission. You upload your photo, check the watermarked preview, and download the digital file after checkout, ready to attach in the ICA e-Service. IC Photo Singapore is an independent service and is not affiliated with ICA.

If your IC is fine but you'd like a new picture on it, that's a different process: see our guide to changing your NRIC photo.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a police report for a lost IC in Singapore?

No. ICA says you do not need a police report. You only need to log in to the ICA e-Service with Singpass to report the loss.

How much is the fee to replace a lost IC?

S$100 for a first loss and S$300 for a second or later loss. Replacing a damaged or defaced IC costs S$60.

How long do I have to apply for a replacement after reporting?

You must apply for the replacement IC within 14 days of reporting the loss.

Can I reuse the photo from my old IC?

No. ICA requires a new photo taken within the last 3 months, because your face is verified against it when you collect the new IC.

How long does it take to get a replacement IC?

ICA processes the application within 7 working days, and it may take longer in peak periods. You then book an appointment to collect the card within 3 months of approval.

I lost my IC while overseas. What should I do?

Report the loss online right away. Apply for the replacement when you're back in Singapore, because the new IC must be collected in person.

Steps, fees and photo rules checked in November 2026 against ICA's Loss/Damage of Identity Card page, IC collection page, photo guidelines and ICA answers on Ask.gov. Fees and procedures can change, so check the ICA page before you apply.