Sierra Leone Non-National Identity Card Photo Guide
Learn about the photo requirements and biometric registration process for the Sierra Leone Non-National ID Card.
Understanding the Non-National ID Card Photo Size
The National Civil Registration Authority conducts in-person biometric registration for citizens and non-citizens resident in Sierra Leone[1]. It captures the applicant’s photograph during registration, and it does not publish applicant photo dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is only a common-practice placeholder and is not needed for the authority’s photo capture.
NCRA captures the photograph during in-person registration[1]. The sources do not publish applicant photo dimensions or a head-height measurement[1].
How the Registration Officer Captures Your Photograph
Registration must be done in person, and the required biometrics include fingerprints and a photograph[1]. The source does not specify applicant photo dimensions or background.
Because registration is in person and includes a photograph and fingerprints, the published process describes authority capture rather than an applicant-supplied photo[1].
Using the Tool Above for Personal Preparation
Even though the registration officer takes your picture during your appointment, you might want to prepare beforehand[2]. The tool above can still help to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses, without claiming it will be accepted by the issuing authority.
You can use it to practice framing your face or sizing images for your own personal records, photo albums, or unofficial applications. It does not replace the official biometric capture conducted at the registration center by the National Civil Registration Authority[2][1]. Practicing with digital tools helps you get comfortable with how your face appears in a cropped frame.
Taking a Practice Photo at Home Step by Step
If you want to take a practice picture at home for personal use, follow some basic steps to get a clear image. Face a bright window to get even lighting on your face without harsh shadows under your nose or chin. Keep the camera at eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from your face, to avoid wide-angle distortion.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself, because holding it can tilt the angle. Keep your posture straight, relax your shoulders, and look directly into the camera lens with a neutral expression.
Background and Appearance Considerations
The authority captures the photograph as part of biometric registration. No applicant photo dimensions or background are published[2]. However, when practicing at home, choose a plain, light-colored background to keep the focus squarely on your face.
Wear everyday clothing that contrasts clearly with your background so your shoulders are distinct. Avoid wearing hats, headwear, or dark glasses unless required for specific religious or medical reasons, as clear visibility of your entire face is important for accurate identification records.
Understanding Submission and Biometric Registration Rules
The Non-National e-ID is meant for foreign nationals resident in Sierra Leone[2][1]. The standard in-person biometric registration includes capturing your photograph and fingerprints together in one appointment[2][1].
You must attend the registration center in person to complete your application and provide your biometric data under the supervision of staff[2][1]. Following the official procedures helps you stick to the correct path set by the National Civil Registration Authority for residency documentation[2][1]. Always review the latest notices from the agency to stay informed about location changes, scheduling hours, and required documents.
Frequently asked questions
Does the National Civil Registration Authority publish official photo dimensions?
No, the authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for, such as 35 by 45 mm[2].
Who takes the photograph for the Non-National ID Card?
Can I bring my own printed photo to the registration center?
What is the Non-National e-ID used for?
How can the tool on this page help me?
The tool can still help to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses, without claiming it will be accepted by the official issuer.