ID Photos

Emirates ID Photo Requirements (ICP)

Emirates ID photo: ICAO 35×45mm, white background, face 70–80%, medical-only glasses, fresh photo. Preview free — HD download $1, 300-DPI print sheet $2

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Official ICP Requirements

  • Size class: ICAO standard — 35–40mm wide, i.e. the 35×45mm class (ICP passport services likewise specify a 3.5×4.5cm photo with a white background)
  • Face: 70–80% of the photo
  • Background: white; high quality, sharp focus, no shadows or reflections
  • Recency: recent — within the last 6 months
  • Expression: face straight, neutral expression, clear facial features and eyes
  • Glasses: medical glasses only, provided they do not cover the eyes; no hats or sunglasses
  • The photo must NOT be identical to the photograph printed on your current ID card

⚠️ Don't Reuse the Photo on Your Current Card

The ICP FAQ explicitly requires a recent photo that is not identical to the one printed on your current Emirates ID. Renewing? Have a fresh photo taken rather than reusing the old file — this is one of the most specific and most commonly missed rules.

Debunked Figures

The 4×6cm claim is NOT supported by ICP — the current official spec is the ICAO 35×45mm class. And the 600×600px upload figure appears only in third-party guides, never in ICP documents.

Where Our Tool Fits In

ICP requires ICAO-compliant photos with no visual distortions, so for an Emirates ID application use Retouch.im for framing and cropping guidance and submit an unedited original. For uses that accept edited photos: preview free, HD download $1, 300-DPI print sheet $2.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • Reusing the photo printed on the current ID card
  • Non-white background
  • Shadows or reflections
  • Sunglasses, or non-medical glasses covering the eyes
  • Photo more than 6 months old
  • Visible distortions or low image quality

Source

Source: ICP FAQ (official): 'The photo must be recent and comply with ICAO specifications... not identical to the current photograph printed on the ID Card'; plus ICP Personal Photo Specifications PDF (https://icp.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/icao_english.pdf) (https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/), verified 2026-07-18.

Related keywords

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FAQ

Can I reuse the photo on my current Emirates ID?
No. The ICP FAQ explicitly states the new photo must not be identical to the photograph printed on your current ID card — have a fresh one taken.
Can I wear glasses in an Emirates ID photo?
Only medical glasses, and they must not cover the eyes. Hats and sunglasses are not permitted.
What size is an Emirates ID photo?
The ICAO standard: 35–40mm wide (35×45mm class), face covering 70–80%, white background, taken within 6 months. The 4×6cm claim seen online is not supported by ICP.