Icelandic identity card photo (35×45 mm)

Official Guidelines and Office Appointments

You must attend a photo appointment at a District Commissioner office^[1].

The cited authority page does not specify a photo size^[1]. The 35×45 mm size is a common studio size, not a size stated by the authority. Check with the office if you need to know what it expects.

Iceland issues travel-document and non-travel identity cards. You will need to check which type you are requesting when you start your application. Because the office takes the photo during your appointment, knowing what to expect can help you feel ready.

Rules for Children and Family Members

Children, like adults, must attend a photo appointment^[1].

Children as well as adults must attend a photo appointment^[1].

If you are bringing a young child, you may want to plan around their usual routine.

How the Tool on This Page Helps You

You can use the tool on this page to crop and format practice pictures.

You can use it to prepare practice images and arrange them on a sheet for printing.

Practicing at home gives you a clear idea of how your face looks in a standard frame. You can test different angles and lighting setups before you visit the official service desk.

Taking a Practice Photo at Home

You can take a practice photo at home to check your framing. Use even light and check for shadows on your face.

Position your camera or phone strictly at your eye level to keep proportions natural. Ask a trusted friend or family member to take the photo rather than trying to stretch your arm out for a selfie. Keep the camera about one to one and a half meters away from your face to prevent any facial distortion.

Wear plain clothes that contrast nicely with your background. A solid-colored wall works best as a backdrop. Make sure there are no distracting patterns or objects behind you when you snap the practice shot.

Managing Expression, Glasses, and Hair

For a practice photo, face the camera with your head straight.

The cited authority page does not specify rules for glasses, headwear, or facial expression^[1].

Keep your posture upright and relax your shoulders. If you wear glasses day to day, you can test how they look in your practice framing to check for glare on the lenses.

Printing Your Practice Sheet at a Kiosk

You can save a practice image sheet and print it if you want a personal copy.

You can keep any practice prints for personal use.

When you print your practice sheet at a local kiosk, check that the dimensions match standard photo paper sizes. Use matte paper if possible to reduce glossy reflections when you look at your trial prints.

Checking Details and Final Preparation

Before you head out to your official appointment, take a few moments to review all your preparations. Gather your current identification documents, appointment confirmation details, and any required paperwork requested by the office. Double-check that you understand all instructions provided by the authorities.

Running through a quick rehearsal at home with your practice photos helps build your confidence. Being well-prepared helps your visit to the office proceed calmly and efficiently.

If the Office Takes the Photo

Since the authority captures your image at the office, you do not need to bring a finished photograph from home^[1].

Follow the staff’s instructions during the photo appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake during home practice is standing too close to the camera, which makes your nose and forehead look too large. Always keep a proper distance of at least one meter.

Another mistake is relying on dim indoor bulbs. Natural light from a window gives a much cleaner result for your practice framing.