Turkish ID card photo rules in plain words
The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVI) issues the ID card with a 50x60 mm (1.97 x 2.36 in) biometric photo at 300 DPI. This is larger than the common 35x45 mm format. The background must be plain white, with no shadows.
- Copies: 1.
- Age of photo: taken within the last 6 months.
- Glasses: allowed if there is no glare; tinted glasses are not accepted.
- Head covering: a headscarf is allowed if the face is visible from chin to forehead.
- Head size: NVI does not publish an official head-height range.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Stand in front of a plain white wall and face a window so that the light falls evenly on your face. Hold the phone at eye height and look straight into the lens. Because the format is nearly square, include more of your shoulders than you would for a 35x45 mm photo.
- Check the screen for reflections on the lenses and adjust your head angle slightly if you see any.
- Remove tinted lenses; clear lenses are fine as long as the eyes are visible.
- Stand a little away from the wall so that your head does not cast a shadow on it.
IDPhotoly processes the image in your browser without uploading it, crops it to 50x60 mm, replaces the background with white and checks the framing.
Common reasons for rejection
- Tinted lenses or reflections. Both stop the eyes from being seen clearly.
- Shadows on the background. The white background must be even.
- 35x45 mm instead of 50x60 mm. A photo from a standard passport template does not fit the Turkish ID format.
- Old photo. It must be taken within 6 months.
- Face not fully visible. With a headscarf, the face must still be visible from chin to forehead.
Printing the photo
The Turkish ID card is applied for with a printed photo. Download the file and print 1 copy at 300 DPI at 50x60 mm on photo paper. Mention the size when you order from a print shop, because shops often default to 35x45 mm.
Tips for a clean result
Keep your expression neutral, your mouth closed and both eyes open. Avoid filters and retouching, and keep the same checked file rather than resizing it again.
Payment is one-time, and you receive a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.