Getting Your Sri Lankan National Identity Card Photo Right
If you need a photo for your Sri Lankan national identity card, you must follow exact rules set by the government. This guide helps you understand the official requirements for your application.
Official Size and Measurements
The official photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high[1]. The Gazette sets this size for photos submitted under the relevant sections of the Registration of Persons Act[1]. Sri Lankan citizens must apply for a National Identity Card from age 15[2]. The rules do not set a separate head-height measurement[1].
Taking the photo at home
You can take a practice photo at home before you visit a studio. Stand in front of a plain wall, and ask someone to take the picture with a camera or phone at eye level. Use even light so shadows do not fall on your face or the wall.
Background and Lighting
The background must be uniform, plain, non-textured, and light blue[1]. The rules also require even lighting without shadows, glare, or flash reflections[1].
Expression and Glasses
The Gazette requires a neutral expression, open eyes, and a closed mouth, with no smile[1]. If you wear glasses, the lenses must be plain and non-tinted, your eyes must be visible, and there must be no reflections[1].
Checking your photo
Before you submit your photo, check that your shoulders are square to the camera, your head is straight, and your expression and background meet the requirements[1].
Studio Submissions and Prints
For a normal application, get an ICAO-standard photo from a registered photographer[2][1]. The photo must also be printed in colour by a professional printing laboratory[1].
Printing and cutting
The Gazette requires a colour print made by a professional printing laboratory[1].
Preparing with the Tool
The tool can help you preview a 35×45 mm crop. The Department requires an ICAO-standard photo, so follow its current instructions when applying[2][3].
Common Refusal Reasons
The Gazette sets requirements for expression, glasses, background, lighting, and photo size[1]. Applicants must submit an ICAO-standard photo[2][3]. The cited instructions do not give separate infant photo rules[2][3].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a Sri Lankan ID?
The official size for a Sri Lankan national identity card photo is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1].
What background color do I need for the photo?
The official rules state that your photo must feature a uniform, plain, non-textured light blue background[1].
Can I wear glasses in my identity card photo?
Your glasses must have plain, non-tinted lenses. Your eyes must be visible through the lenses, with no reflections[1].
Who takes the official photo for submission?
For a normal application, you obtain a photo from a registered studio, which sends it digitally to the department, and you submit the photo receipt with your application[2].
Are there special rules for children or infants?
There are no specific infant photo rules found, but applicants must submit an ICAO standard photograph[3].