Singapore IC Photo Requirements: Size, Format and Rules

Short answer: The Singapore IC photo requirements are simple to state. ICA asks for a recent passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months, uploaded through its e-Service. ICA's photo guidelines recommend 400 x 514 pixels for upload, in jpg, jpeg, heic, heif or png format, with a maximum file size of 8MB. The photo must not be altered or enhanced in any way, including changes to facial features.

This guide is for Singapore citizens and permanent residents who need an IC photo: teenagers registering at 15, adults re-registering at 30 or 55, and anyone replacing a lost or damaged IC or changing their name or race. Every rule below comes from ICA's own pages and its answers on Ask.gov, checked in October 2026.

When do you need a new IC photo?

ICA asks for a fresh photo at each of these points. A new coloured photograph must be submitted for every new application, according to the photo guidelines.

For a lost, damaged or changed IC, ICA explains why it wants a recent photo: "facial verification will be done to verify your identity when you collect your new IC." An old photo makes that check harder, so don't reuse one from years ago.

For re-registration, ICA sends a digital notification by SMS or the Singpass app. You then have one year from the date of that notification to re-register at the subsidised fee. The fee is S$10 for Singapore citizens and S$50 for permanent residents, the same as for registration at 15. Teenagers registering at 15 also have their biometrics enrolled, usually at school on a designated day. Our guide to IC registration at 15, 30 and 55 covers those steps in more detail.

What size and file format does an IC photo need?

IC registration and re-registration are done online with Singpass, so you upload a file rather than hand in a print. ICA's photo guidelines give these specifications for online submission:

If your photo is the wrong size, ICA's guidelines say you can use image editing software on your computer to resize it. Resizing is fine. Changing how you look is not: the guidelines rule out "the modification of facial features and/or the usage of photo editing software" to enhance the photo.

What should the photo itself look like?

ICA says its passport photo requirements are based on specifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the IC pages point to the same photo guidelines. ICA's printed checklist in its overseas passport application form spells out what that means in practice:

1. A plain white background. If your hair is white, the background must be light grey.
2. Full face, looking straight at the camera, head straight and eyes open, with no hair across your eyes.
3. Both edges of your face and the top of your shoulders clearly shown.
4. A neutral expression with your mouth closed.
5. Only headgear or head coverings habitually worn for religious or racial custom, and not in white.
6. If you wear glasses, the frames must not cover any part of your eyes, with no flash or light reflected off the lenses. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.

That form also gives a printed size of 35 mm x 45 mm, with the face between 25 mm and 35 mm from chin to crown. You only need those print measurements for paper forms; an IC application online needs the digital file described above.

Can I use my passport photo for my IC?

Yes, if it's recent enough. ICA's answer on Ask.gov is: "You may use the same photo if the photo is taken within 3 months from the date of application." A passport photo you took for a renewal last month can go straight into your IC re-registration. One from last year can't.

How do you take an IC photo with your phone?

ICA allows phone photos. On Ask.gov, ICA says it recommends mobile apps designed for Singapore passport or IC photos, and that the photograph "will be accepted if it complies with our photo guidelines." A few practical points follow from ICA's answers:

1. Ask someone else to take it. ICA says not to take a selfie, "as the photo image will be flipped."
2. Stand in front of a plain white wall with even light, so there are no shadows on your face or behind you.
3. Don't touch up the photo. Crop and resize only.
4. Export a file that fits the spec: 400 x 514 pixels, in jpg, jpeg, heic, heif or png, under 8MB.

You can't get a photo taken at ICA itself. ICA says there are no photo-taking services at ICA Services Centre, so have the photo ready before you apply. Our guides on taking a passport photo at home and where to take a passport photo in Singapore compare the at-home, studio and booth options.

What happens if your IC photo doesn't meet the rules?

ICA's photo guidelines warn that failing the requirements "can delay your application or result in its rejection." For re-registration, ICA normally processes applications within seven working days, which can take longer at peak periods, and says your application will be delayed if the photograph doesn't meet the requirements. Once approved, you're notified by SMS and email and need to book an appointment to collect your IC within three months. Checking the photo against the guidelines before you upload is the easiest way to avoid a delay.

How IC Photo Singapore can help

IC Photo Singapore (icphotosingapore.com) outputs photos sized to ICA's published spec of 400 x 514 px for online submission. You upload a phone photo on the make-photo page, and it works from a phone or computer with no studio visit. You see a watermarked preview before checkout and get the digital file after checkout. ICA still assesses every photo against its guidelines. IC Photo Singapore is an independent service and is not affiliated with ICA.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Singapore IC photo requirements?

ICA needs a recent passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months. For online upload, the recommended size is 400 x 514 pixels, in jpg, jpeg, heic, heif or png format up to 8MB, and the photo must not be altered or enhanced.

Do I need a new photo to replace a lost IC?

Yes. ICA says you must submit a new photograph taken within the last 3 months, because facial verification is done when you collect your new IC. The same applies to a damaged IC.

Can I use the same photo for my IC and passport?

Yes, as long as the photo was taken within 3 months of the date of application.

Can I take my IC photo with my phone?

Yes. ICA recommends using an app designed for Singapore passport or IC photos and says the photo will be accepted if it complies with its guidelines. Ask someone to take it for you rather than taking a selfie.

Is a png or heic file accepted for an IC photo?

Yes. ICA lists jpg, jpeg, heic, heif and png as accepted file formats for online photo submission, with a maximum file size of 8MB.

How much does IC re-registration cost?

The fee is S$10 for Singapore citizens and S$50 for Singapore permanent residents, paid online.

Requirements were checked against ICA and Ask.gov pages in October 2026. Check ICA's photo guidelines before you submit, because ICA decides whether your photo is accepted. More guides are on the IC Photo Singapore blog.