Nigeria

Nigerian National Identity Card (35×45 mm)

Required size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in). Your photo is processed on your device.

The issuing authority doesn't publish one photo size for this document, so the studio uses the size most often asked for. Check the current rules with the authority or organisation that issues it before you apply.

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Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

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Photo requirements

  • Size: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
  • Head size: not set by the authority
  • Background: White
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Official specification

Official nameNational Identity Card
How you hand it inDigital upload
Photo size35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)
Head height (chin to top of head)Not set by the authority
BackgroundWhite
GlassesTake them off, unless you can’t for medical reasons
Head coveringOnly for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes open

How to Prepare Your Nigerian National Identity Card Photo

Get ready to apply for your Nigerian National Identity Card by understanding the photo rules and using the tool above to prepare your image.

Understanding Official Size and Enrolment

NIMC captures your face image during enrolment, and you do not provide a separate portrait file[1]. The cited page gives no applicant photo size. A 35 × 45 mm crop is not an NIMC requirement.

NIMC captures the face image during enrolment; applicants do not provide a separate portrait file[1]. You can use the tool above to prepare a photo for personal use.

Head Height and Framing Details

Official photo guidelines often list exact measurements for the distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. For this document, the head height is not set by the authority[1]. Because the agency provides no specific numeric height for the head, you have flexibility in how your portrait is framed during practice sessions[1].

When you set up a practice shot at home, keep the camera steady at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting across your features, and ask a friend or family member to snap the picture so your expression stays relaxed and normal.

Background and Lighting Requirements

Background rules vary greatly between different types of identification documents around the world. For this specific ID, NIMC says it captures a head-to-shoulder facial picture during enrolment but publishes no photo background requirement on the cited page[1].

The cited page does not state a background requirement[1]. For a practice photo, use even lighting and a plain background.

Glasses and Head Coverings

What you wear on your face and head can often cause an application to be questioned or delayed. For this document, glasses are unspecified by the official source[1]. If you normally wear prescription spectacles, you can check with your local office to see if you should keep them on during the onsite capture.

Headwear is also unspecified by the authority[1]. If you wear a covering for religious or cultural reasons, make sure your entire face from your chin to your forehead remains fully visible without heavy shadows hiding your features.

Rules for Children and Dependants

Families need clear information about how registration rules apply to younger members of the household. Citizens and legal residents may enrol from birth[1]. However, children under 16 are not issued a National Identity Card[1].

Citizens and legal residents may enrol from birth, but children under 16 are not issued a National Identity Card[1].

Preparing and Rehearsing Your Image

Preparing ahead of time helps you feel confident when you visit the registration center. Since the agency captures your image onsite, you do not need to bring a printed photograph from home[1].

You can use the tool above to rehearse or prepare a photo for personal use. NIMC does not specify a 35 × 45 mm photo size[1].

What to Expect at the Center

NIMC captures your face image during enrolment[1].

NIMC captures your face image during enrolment[1].

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bring a photo for my Nigerian National Identity Card?

NIMC captures the face image at enrolment; the applicant does not provide a separate portrait file[1].

What size is the photo?

NIMC does not specify a photo size because it captures the face image during enrolment; applicants do not provide a separate portrait file[1].

Can children get a National Identity Card?

Citizens and legal residents may enrol from birth, but children under 16 are not issued a National Identity Card[1].

What are the background rules?

NIMC says it captures a head-to-shoulder facial picture during enrolment but publishes no photo background requirement on the cited page[1].

Are glasses allowed in the photo?

Glasses are unspecified by the official guidelines[1].