Taken at the issuing office
🇦🇪UAE ID Card Photo
For this document the photo is taken in person when you apply, so you can't supply your own. Here's what the official camera checks and how to prepare so you're not turned away.
You don't bring your own photo.
The issuing office photographs you on site at your appointment. There's nothing to upload or buy here — use this page to get ready.
What the office is looking for
What to expect at your appointment
Understanding the ID card photo standard and preparing before your photo is taken at the issuing office.
Read the official requirementsWhat their camera checks
The official photo standard you'll be measured against.
Photo size
35 × 45 mm (1.4" × 1.8")
Background
White
Head height
70-80% of photo height (face takes up majority of frame)
Expression
Neutral expression, natural and not exaggerated
Glasses
Allowed (no glare, eyes visible)
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
How to prepare
Sort these before your appointment and the photo passes first time.
- Wrong background color — UAE ID requires a plain white background, any other color will be rejected
- Low resolution image — Photo must be at least 600 dpi for clear identification
- Digital alterations — Photos edited with software, filters, or AI modifications are not permitted
- Photo too old — Must be taken within the last 6 months showing current appearance
- Colored contact lenses — Eyes must be natural without colored lenses
- Face not fully visible — Hair, accessories, or shadows must not obscure any facial features
- Poor lighting — Shadows or uneven lighting that affects facial clarity will cause rejection
- Head tilted — Face must be parallel to the camera lens without any tilt
Other UAE documents
Some of these you can prepare and print yourself.