Chinese Resident Identity Card Photo Guide
Learn the official photo details for your Chinese resident identity card and how to prepare your images at home.
Understanding Size and Dimensions
The opened law does not specify photo dimensions[1]. Check with the public security organ handling your application for any photo-preparation instructions.
A commonly used crop is 26 by 32 millimetres, or about 1.02 by 1.26 inches. The opened law does not give a head-height measurement.
The 26 by 32 millimetre crop is commonly used, but the opened law does not specify it as a required size. Check with the public security organ handling your application for instructions.
Official Photo Capture Process
The resident identity card bears the holder's photograph and is issued by public security organs[1]. The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process[1]. Follow the instructions given at the application location.
The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process[1]. Follow the instructions given at the application location.
The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process. Follow the instructions given at the application location.
Rules for Children and Guardians
Citizens under 16 may apply for a resident identity card through a guardian[1].
The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process[1].
Follow the instructions given at the application location.
Preparing with the Tool Above
The public security authority captures the portrait during the application process[1]. You can use the tool above to prepare a copy for other uses, but the opened law does not establish a required crop size.
The public security authority captures the portrait during the application process[1].
The tool can crop an image to the commonly used 26 by 32 millimetre ratio for personal projects or informal printing. This crop is not an official size stated in the opened law.
Steps to Take Your Practice Photo at Home
You can practice taking photos at home to see how your face looks in a proper frame. Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting across your features without harsh shadows. Avoid standing under direct overhead lights that create dark spots under your eyes and nose.
For a practice photo, ask someone to take the picture with the camera at eye level. Stand in front of a plain background.
Wear simple clothes that contrast well with your background. If your wall is white, wear a dark shirt. Keep your shoulders square and look straight into the camera lens. Taking a few test shots lets you check your posture and lighting before you settle on the best practice image.
Submission and File Guidelines
The opened law says the card bears the holder's photograph but does not specify a digital submission method or file-size limits[1].
Check with the public security organ handling your application for any digital file requirements.
The public security authority captures the portrait during the application process[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size of a Chinese resident identity card photo?
The opened law does not specify a photo size[1]. A commonly used portrait crop is 26 by 32 millimeters, or about 1.02 by 1.26 inches. Check with your local public security organ for instructions.
Who takes the official photo for the identity card?
The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process[1].
Can children apply for a resident identity card?
Yes, citizens under 16 may apply through a guardian, and the photo is captured by the public security authority[1].
Can I use the tool above for my application?
You can use the tool above to prepare a copy for other uses. The public security authority captures the applicant's portrait during the application process[1].
What are the file size limits for digital submission?
The opened law does not specify digital file-size limits[1]. Check with your local public security organ for any requirements.