Norwegian National ID Card Photo Guide
Get ready for your Norwegian national ID card appointment by learning what the police require for your photo. Here is what you need to know about size, lighting, and rules.
Official Size and Requirements
The police take your photo at your appointment[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) crop is a common practical size for personal preparation, not a published applicant photo size.
Knowing what the police expect helps you avoid confusion when you arrive at your scheduled meeting. While you cannot submit your own printed photo for the official national ID card, understanding these dimensions helps you prepare images for other personal documents or preliminary practice sessions. The Norwegian national ID card provides secure identification, and following the official guidelines during your appointment is important for a clear process.
How the Police Take Your Photo
The Norwegian Police take the photo directly at your appointment[1]. This means you do not need to bring a physical print or a digital file to submit to the police station for your official application[1]. Foreign nationals from outside the EU, EEA, or EFTA may qualify for an ID card without travel rights if they meet the strict police eligibility requirements[2].
Even though the police capture your image on-site, you can still use the tool above to practice and prepare your photos for other personal uses. The tool lets you crop images to the common 35×45 mm size right in your browser window. Your photo never leaves your device, keeping your personal files private while you test framing and lighting at home.
Background and Lighting
When taking a photo for practice or other personal documents, you need an evenly lit background[3]. The official police photo guidance does not state any specific background color[3]. However, choosing a plain, neutral wall helps keep the focus entirely on your face.
Make sure there are no harsh shadows falling across your forehead, cheeks, or the background behind you. Good lighting helps the camera capture your facial features clearly without dark spots or washed-out areas[3]. Position yourself facing a soft light source, such as a large window, to get an even glow across your skin. Taking your time with the lighting setup prevents common amateur mistakes that make a photo look unprofessional.
Glasses and Headwear
You cannot wear glasses in your national ID card photo[3].
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[3].
Facial Expression and Mouth
You must maintain a neutral facial expression when your photo is taken[3]. Keep your mouth firmly closed and do not smile, frown, or part your lips[3]. Look directly into the camera lens with a relaxed, natural gaze.
Keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed[3].
Rules for Children
Children must meet the same photo quality requirements as adults[3].
Children must meet the same photo quality requirements as adults[3].
Preparing with the Tool Above
You can use the tool above to crop your personal photos to the common 35×45 mm size for other needs. The browser-based tool allows you to frame your picture correctly without uploading your sensitive images to an external server.
Because the photo processing happens entirely on your device, your privacy remains protected at all times. Use the tool to rehearse framing, check your posture, and prepare clean image sheets for your personal records or non-official applications.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a photo to my Norwegian ID card appointment?
No, the police take the photo at your appointment[1].
Can I wear my glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in your national ID card photo[3].
What background color should I use?
The police photo guidance states you need an evenly lit background, but no specific color is required[3].
Can I wear a head covering?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, as long as it does not hide your face[3].