Bahraini identity card photo (32.5×43 mm)

Official Size and Dimensions

When you apply for a Bahraini identity card, your photo must match exact physical dimensions. The official guide gives image dimensions of 32.5 × 43 mm, which is about 1.28 × 1.69 inches^[1]. You must make sure your photo meets this standard before you submit your application to the Information & eGovernment Authority.

The authority does not set a specific head height in millimeters^[2]. Instead, you must focus on the overall framing of your face. A close framing of head and upper shoulders is required^[2].

Your face must occupy 70 to 80 percent of the total image area^[2]. You can use the tool above to crop your picture so it matches these exact proportions.

Background and Lighting

The background of your photo must be a plain white color^[2]. The Information & eGovernment Authority requires a colour photo on a white background^[2]. You should avoid patterns, textures, or shadows behind you.

To get the right lighting, face a bright window while someone else takes your picture. Natural daylight helps create a clear image without harsh shadows on your face or the background. Keep the camera at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens.

Glasses, Headwear, and Expression

The photo guide does not specify whether glasses are allowed^[2].

The photo guide does not specify rules for headwear^[2].

The photo guide does not specify an expression or mouth-position rule^[2].

Rules for Children and Residents

Bahrain's identity card is issued to citizens and resident non-citizens^[3]. The same ID card photo requirements are used for citizens and resident non-citizens alike^[2].

If you are taking a photo for a child or an infant, the general framing rules still apply. No separate infant framing rule was verified by the official guidelines^[2].

For babies, you can lay them on a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor and take the photo from directly above. Make sure the lighting is bright and even so the white background looks clean.

Submission Methods and File Limits

You have options depending on how you apply for your card. Applicants provide a printed photo for in-person service or a digital photo for online applications^[3].

The supplied sources do not state a minimum or maximum file size for digital uploads^[3].

If you need a digital copy or a printed sheet, the tool above helps you prepare the file correctly for whatever submission method you choose.

Steps to Take Your Photo at Home

Taking your photo at home saves time and money. Find a plain white wall or hang a clean white sheet in a room with plenty of natural light. Stand a short distance away from the background to avoid casting shadows.

Ask a friend or family member to use a digital camera or smartphone. Instruct them to hold the camera steady at your eye level. Remind them to frame your head and upper shoulders closely so your face fills 70 to 80 percent of the picture^[2].

Take several shots so you can pick the best one. Check that your shoulders are square and your head is centered before you move on to editing.

Printing and Common Refusal Reasons

If you need a physical copy for an in-person visit, you can print your photo easily. You can arrange your cropped image on a standard 4×6-inch photo sheet and print it at any local photo kiosk^[3].

The guide says the photo must be taken within the last six months, have a white background, and show the face at 70–80% of the image^[2].

Always check your photo against these official points before you print or upload it. Taking an extra minute to verify the details prevents your application from being rejected.