Turkish National ID Card (Kimlik Kartı) Photo Requirements

Overview

The Turkish National ID Card (Kimlik Kartı) is the primary identification document for all Turkish citizens. NVI requires specific 50×60 mm photos for new issuance, renewals, and updates.

Photo Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 50 × 60 mm (width × height)
• Face height: 32–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
• Face-to-photo ratio: 70-80% of total height
• Position: Centered horizontally and vertically

Technical Requirements

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Digital format: High-quality JPEG
• File size: 100 KB to 2 MB
• Color: Full color required
• Background: Plain white
• Quality: Sharp, clear, and professionally taken

Facial Requirements

• Expression: Neutral, serious expression
• Eyes: Open, looking directly at camera
• Mouth: Closed, no smiling
• Head position: Straight, facing forward
• Recent: Taken within last 6 months

Turkish ID Card Types and Uses

Standard Kimlik Kartı

• Citizens: All Turkish citizens from age 15
• Validity: No expiration (updated periodically)
• Uses: Banking, healthcare, employment, voting
• Fee: Free for citizens

Temporary ID (Geçici Kimlik)

• Emergency situations: Lost or damaged cards
• Validity: 3-6 months
• Uses: Limited official purposes
• Fee: ₺50-100

Updated ID Card

• Address changes: New residence registration
• Name changes: Marriage, legal name changes
• Photo updates: Significant appearance changes
• Fee: ₺50-150 depending on changes

Application Process

Required Documents

• Birth certificate: For first-time issuance
• Previous ID: If updating or renewing
• Address registration: Residence certificate
• Photos: Two identical 50×60 mm photos
• Parental consent: For minors under 18

Application Locations (NVI Offices)

• Istanbul: All districts have NVI services
• Ankara: Central and district offices
• Izmir: Konak, Bornova, Karşıyaka, Çiğli
• Antalya: Muratpaşa, Kepez, Konyaaltı
• Bursa: Osmangazi, Nilüfer, Yıldırım

Processing Times

• New issuance: 7-14 business days
• Updates: 3-7 business days
• Urgent cases: Same day (additional fee)
• Peak periods: Up to 21 days

Photo Guidelines and Standards

Acceptable Requirements

• Natural appearance: Minimal makeup, natural look
• Prescription glasses: Clear lenses, no reflections
• Religious head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons
• Medical devices: Hearing aids, medical patches

Prohibited Elements

• Facial expressions: Smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions
• Sunglasses: Any tinted or dark glasses
• Hats or caps: Except religious head coverings
• Heavy makeup: Dramatic appearance changes
• Digital editing: Filters, beauty apps, retouching

Background Requirements

• Color: Plain white only
• Uniformity: No patterns, textures, or shadows
• Lighting: Even, professional lighting
• Contrast: Clear distinction from subject

Where to Get Photos in Turkey

Professional Photo Studios

• ID photo specialists: Found near NVI offices
• Shopping centers: Photo services in major malls
• Camera shops: Professional photography services
• Cost: ₺40-80 for ID photos

Instant Photo Services

• Photo booths: Available in malls and government buildings
• Convenience stores: Some locations offer photo printing
• Online services: Upload and print services
• Cost: ₺20-50 for instant photos

Recommended Locations by City

Istanbul

• Kadıköy: Multiple photo shops near NVI office
• Beyoğlu: Taksim area photo services
• Şişli: Business district studios
• Üsküdar: Asian side photo services

Ankara

• Çankaya: Government district photo shops
• Kızılay: Central area services
• Keçiören: District photo services
• Mamak: Local photo studios

Izmir

• Konak: Near NVI office photo shops
• Alsancak: City center services
• Bornova: University area services
• Karşıyaka: Residential area studios

Other Major Cities

• Antalya: Tourist and residential areas
• Bursa: Industrial and university areas
• Adana: Southern region services
• Gaziantep: Southeastern region services

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Wrong size: Not exactly 50×60 mm
• Poor quality: Blurry, pixelated, or low resolution
• Incorrect background: Not white or has patterns
• Bad lighting: Shadows, glare, or uneven lighting

Facial Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expressions
• Eyes: Closed eyes, looking away, red-eye effect
• Hair: Covering face, eyes, or creating shadows
• Accessories: Inappropriate glasses or jewelry

Special Considerations

For Minors (15-18)

• Parental presence: Required for applications
• School enrollment: May require school documentation
• Address registration: Must match family address
• Photo requirements: Same as adults

For Military Personnel

• Active duty: Standard civilian ID process
• Officers: May need additional documentation
• Conscripts: Standard process
• Military ID: Separate from civilian ID

For Citizens Living Abroad

• Consular services: Available at Turkish consulates
• Address registration: Special procedures for overseas residents
• Document verification: Additional steps for verification
• Processing time: Extended due to international processing

For Religious Communities

• Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons
• Modesty requirements: Accommodated within guidelines
• Community liaisons: Available at some offices
• Special appointments: Available during religious observances

Fees and Payment (2024)

ID Card Fees

• New issuance: Free for citizens
• Updates: ₺50-150 depending on changes
• Replacement: ₺100-200 for lost/damaged cards
• Express service: Additional ₺100-200

Photo Costs

• Professional studio: ₺40-80
• Photo booth: ₺20-50
• Online printing: ₺30-60
• Additional copies: ₺5-15 each

Payment Methods

• Cash: Accepted at all NVI offices
• Credit cards: Most locations accept cards
• Debit cards: Widely accepted
• Bank transfer: For online services

Turkish Administrative Context

Government Integration

• Healthcare: Social security registration
• Banking: Account opening requirements
• Employment: Work authorization verification
• Education: School enrollment
• Military service: Conscription registration

Digital Services

• e-Devlet portal: Online government services
• Digital ID: Electronic identification services
• Mobile apps: Government service applications
• Biometric data: Fingerprint and facial recognition

Security Features

• Chip technology: Modern IDs include electronic chips
• Security printing: Anti-counterfeiting measures
• Digital verification: Online verification systems
• Privacy protection: Data protection protocols

Tips for Successful Application

Preparation

• Document gathering: Collect all required documents
• Photo preparation: Ensure compliance before appointment
• Appointment booking: Schedule during less busy periods
• Address verification: Ensure current address registration

At the NVI Office

• Arrive early: Allow time for processing
• Bring originals: All documents in original form
• Photo verification: Ensure photos meet standards
• Biometric capture: Cooperate with fingerprint/photo capture

After Application

• Status tracking: Monitor application progress
• Collection: Arrange for ID pickup or delivery
• Verification: Check all details on received ID
• Safekeeping: Store ID securely and make copies

Need compliant photos for your Turkish ID card? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all NVI requirements for quick approval.