An NRIC photo must be a recent, passport-sized, digital colour photograph taken within the last three months. For online IC applications, upload it at 400 × 514 pixels on a plain white background, following the same ICA photo guidelines as the Singapore passport.
NRIC / IC photo requirements
| Digital size | 400 × 514 pixels |
|---|---|
| File format | JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, up to 8 MB |
| Background | Plain white |
| Colour | Colour photograph |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Pose | Full face, head straight, neutral expression, eyes open |
| Editing | Must not be altered or enhanced |
Everything in our Singapore passport photo guide, including the rules on glasses, headwear and lighting, applies to your IC photo too.
IC registration at 15
Singapore citizens and permanent residents must register for an IC when they turn 15, before their 16th birthday. Registration is done online, followed by biometric enrolment. Students who register through their school do biometrics in school and collect their IC there.
| Who | Singapore citizens and PRs aged 15 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Before your 16th birthday |
| Photo | Recent digital colour photo, 400 × 514 px |
| Fee | S$10 (citizens), S$50 (PRs) |
| Collection | IC is held for 3 months from registration |
IC re-registration at 30 and 55
You must re-register your IC at age 30 and again at 55 so that your photo stays up to date, unless you have been issued a replacement IC in the last 10 years. ICA notifies you by SMS or through the Singpass app, and you need to re-register within one year of the notification, before your 31st or 56th birthday.
- Upload a new photo taken within the last 3 months.
- The fee is S$10 for citizens and S$50 for PRs.
- Processing takes about 7 working days, and the new IC must be collected within 3 months.
Renewing your passport too?
If you are applying for a passport and an IC around the same time, one photo that meets ICA's guidelines and was taken in the last three months can be used for both.
Sample NRIC photos
NRIC photo FAQ
Yes. ICA applies the same photo guidelines to IC and passport applications: a recent colour photo of 400 × 514 pixels with a white background. You can use the same photo for both if it was taken within the last three months.
Singapore citizens and PRs must re-register their IC at age 30 and again at 55, unless they were issued a replacement IC in the last 10 years. ICA sends a notification by SMS or through the Singpass app.
At the time of writing, ICA lists S$10 for Singapore citizens and S$50 for permanent residents.
Official sources
Last checked October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.