Taiwan National ID Card Photo Guide
Learn the official rules for your Taiwan national ID card photo so you can prepare your picture correctly. Follow these exact size and appearance requirements set by the Department of Household Registration[1][2][3].
Official Size and Head Measurements
When you apply for your national ID card in Taiwan, you must provide a photograph that matches strict official dimensions[1]. The required size for the photo is 35×45 mm, which translates to approximately 1.38×1.77 inches[1]. Getting these measurements right is the first step in making sure your application moves forward without delays.
Within this frame, your head must occupy a very specific vertical space[1]. The distance measured from the bottom of your chin to the very top of your head needs to be between 32 and 36 mm[1]. If your head is too small or too large within the borders, the household registration office will refuse the picture[1]. You can use the tool above to help crop your picture to these exact dimensions.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The Department of Household Registration requires a white background[1].
To achieve clear and even lighting, try facing a large window during daylight hours. Natural light prevents harsh shadows on your face and keeps your skin tones looking natural. If you cannot use window light, set up two lamps of equal brightness on either side of the camera. Always keep the camera at your eye level, standing about one to one and a half meters away from your subject.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Your facial expression must remain completely neutral when the camera snaps the picture[1]. You are required to keep your mouth closed tightly without smiling, frowning, or parting your lips[1]. Look directly into the camera lens with both eyes wide open and your line of sight directed straight ahead.
Wearing glasses in your ID photo is conditional, meaning they are only permitted if they do not obscure your eyes or create heavy reflections on the glass[1]. Tinted lenses and thick frames that hide your facial features are not allowed[1]. Headwear is strictly prohibited unless you wear it for established religious or medical reasons[1]. Even in those cases, your religious or medical head covering must not cast any shadows or block your face from the chin to the forehead[1].
Rules for Children and Reusing Old Photos
Parents often wonder if babies and young children have different photo rules for national identity documents. The official research shows that there are no separate infant photo specifications found for this application[1]. This means that a child's photo must still follow every standard national ID rule, including the background, size, and expression requirements where possible[1].
A previously filed photo may be reused in some cases if it still matches your current appearance[2][3].
Submission Formats and File Limits
Applicants can submit either one printed photo or a digital photo depending on how they apply[2][3]. If you choose to submit your application online, you must upload a digital file that meets strict technical parameters[2][3]. The file format must be either JPG or JPEG[2][3].
There are also strict pixel dimensions and file size caps for online uploads[2][3]. Your digital image must measure at least 413 by 531 pixels in resolution[2][3]. Additionally, the file size cannot exceed 5 megabytes, which is equivalent to 5120 kilobytes[2][3]. If your file is too large or uses the wrong format, the system will block your upload[2][3].
How to Take, Prepare, and Print Your Photo
Taking your photo at home requires patience and a steady hand or a tripod. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid any facial distortion caused by wide-angle lenses. Ask a friend or family member to help you frame the shot so your head is centered correctly and meets the millimeter requirements[1].
Once you have a good digital picture, you can prepare it for physical printing. You can arrange your cropped photo onto an ordinary 4x6-inch template using the tool above and print it at a local photo kiosk. This method gives you a standard 4x6 print containing your ID photo, which you can cut out carefully with scissors to the correct 35×45 mm size.
Frequently asked questions
What size does a Taiwan national ID photo need to be?
The official size is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my ID photo?
Glasses are conditional, meaning they are allowed only if they do not obscure your eyes or cause heavy glare on the lenses[1].
What are the digital file limits for uploading?
Can I reuse an old photo?
Are there special rules for baby photos?
There are no separate infant photo specifications, so children's photos must also follow the standard rules[1].