Sierra Leone national identity card photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Guidelines

The National Civil Registration Authority takes the applicant’s photograph during in-person biometric registration^[1]. It does not publish dimensions for an applicant-supplied photo^[1]. The 35 × 45 mm format is a common-practice placeholder, not an NCRA requirement.

Follow the NCRA’s published in-person registration instructions^[1].

The published instructions do not specify applicant photo dimensions or head height because the photograph is captured during registration^[1].

The published process says NCRA takes the photo during in-person registration; it does not specify whether to bring printed photos^[1].

In-Person Biometric Registration

NCRA takes your photograph during in-person biometric registration^[1]. It does not publish a background or dimensions for an applicant-supplied photo^[1].

The published process says registration is in person and includes a photograph^[1]. It does not describe the camera or lighting equipment used.

The published process requires in-person registration and includes a photograph^[1].

NCRA’s published process says the registration officer enters the applicant’s details and collects biometrics, including a photograph^[1].

Rules for Age and Children

Civil registration accepts applicants from age zero, meaning infants can be registered into the system^[1]. However, national identity cards are specifically for citizens aged 12 and above^[2].

The authority has also described a separate under-12 card as forthcoming^[2]. If you are registering a young child, keep these age distinctions in mind so you know which document to expect.

Check with NCRA for the current registration instructions for each applicant.

Knowing the age rules can help you identify which document applies to each family member.

Using the Tool on This Page

The tool above helps you crop and format images easily right in your web browser. You can use it to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other personal uses.

The tool cannot replace the photo NCRA takes during registration^[1].

Feel free to use it to prepare images for other documents or informal needs.

You can crop a photo to 35 × 45 mm to preview that common-practice size, but NCRA does not require an applicant-supplied photo.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Registration is in person, and applicants must present an identification document for initial registration^[1]. Check NCRA’s instructions for the location and any other documents needed.

Follow the registration officer’s instructions during biometric capture.

Follow any instructions given by the registration officer during photo capture.

Bring the identification document required for initial registration^[1].

Taking Photos at Home

If you want to practice taking pictures at home for fun or personal use, set up your camera in a room with soft light facing your face. Avoid harsh shadows from overhead lamps.

Stand a short distance away from a plain wall so you do not cast a dark shadow behind you. Have a helper hold the camera or phone at your eye level.

Look straight ahead at the lens with a relaxed face. Check your crop on the screen to make sure your head and shoulders fit nicely inside the frame before you save the file.

Avoiding Common Retakes

Follow the registration officer’s instructions during the in-person photo capture^[1].

The published process does not give specific photo-taking instructions^[1].

The published process does not give specific photo-taking instructions^[1].

The published process does not give specific instructions about body position during photo capture^[1].