The Turkish nüfus cüzdanı (national identity card, also called T.C. Kimlik Kartı) requires a 50×60mm photo with a white background. That's 15mm taller and 15mm wider than the 35×45mm standard used by most of Europe. A photo printed for a German passport won't fit. Turkey uses one of the largest identity photo formats in the world, and if you bring the wrong size to your NVI appointment, you'll be sent back out to find a studio.
Turkish Kimlik Kartı Photo Specifications (50×60mm)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size (print) | 50×60mm |
| Digital (at 300 DPI) | 591×709px |
| Standard | ICAO 9303 biometric |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head position | Centred, facing camera |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smile |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Coloured lenses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
Turkey's ID card photo requirements are confirmed by the Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (NVI) — the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship. The FAQ at nvi.gov.tr/sss specifies ICAO 9303 biometric compliance. This is the same international standard used for machine-readable travel documents, applied to a non-travel ID card.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Can You Wear Glasses in a Turkish Kimlik Kartı Photo?
Turkey does not permit glasses in nüfus cüzdanı photos. Not even clear-lens glasses without visible glare. The NVI FAQ is explicit: glasses of any kind are prohibited in line with the ICAO biometric standard. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, and fashion frames.
This is more restrictive than many EU countries, where clear glasses without reflections are often accepted. If you normally wear glasses, remove them for the photo. The ID card is valid for 10 years — your photo will be on it for the full decade without any mid-term update.
Why Does Turkey Use 50×60mm Instead of 35×45mm?
Turkey adopted the 50×60mm format decades before the global move toward ICAO standardisation. Rather than switching to 35×45mm when ICAO 9303 became widespread, Turkey retained its larger format while applying ICAO biometric rules on top of it. The result: a large photo with strict biometric compliance requirements.
The practical consequence is significant for travellers and immigrants. A photo taken for a UK passport (35×45mm), a Schengen visa (35×45mm), or a German residence permit (35×45mm) cannot be used for a Turkish identity document. The aspect ratio differs. A 35×45mm photo is 7:9; the Turkish 50×60mm is 5:6. They're not compatible crops of the same image.
One 50×60mm Photo Standard Across All Turkish Documents
The Turkish passport, nüfus cüzdanı, sürücü belgesi (driving licence), and ikamet izni (residence permit) all use the same 50×60mm format. One compliant photo session covers every Turkish document you need. This consistency is deliberate — Turkey centralised its ID production at NVI to enable a single photo standard across all issuance.
If you're an expat applying for an ikamet at the same time as your Turkish ID card, one set of photos serves both applications. Bring at least three to four prints per document — the NVI counter may request extras, and having spares avoids a return visit.
Getting Your Turkish Kimlik Kartı Photo
Professional studios (fotoğrafçı). The most reliable option. Any fotoğrafçı in Turkey knows the 50×60mm NVI format — it's the standard for every Turkish document. Expect to pay ₺60–120 for four to six prints. Digital files are usually included. Confirm the studio outputs 50×60mm before sitting down.
Self-service kiosks. Available in some shopping centres and PTT (postal service) locations. These are calibrated for the Turkish format. Still confirm before paying.
Outside Turkey. This is where people get stuck. Photo booths and studios in Germany, the UK, France, and most countries default to 35×45mm. If you're applying for a nüfus cüzdanı abroad via a Turkish consulate, find a studio that can produce 50×60mm explicitly. Most will, but not by default.
Applying for a Kimlik Kartı at NVI
Citizens apply for the T.C. Kimlik Kartı at their local NVI office. Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens or who have acquired citizenship also apply at NVI. Required documents vary by situation — check nvi.gov.tr for current lists. The card is valid for 10 years and is issued free of charge for citizens.
Appointment availability varies by city. Istanbul offices run longer waits than Ankara or İzmir equivalents — plan ahead if you're in a major urban centre. Book via the e-devlet (e-government) portal or through the NVI appointment system directly. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
Common Turkish Kimlik Kartı Photo Rejections
Glasses present. Any glasses — clear, tinted, thick-framed, barely visible — will fail. Turkey's NVI system rejects them automatically.
Background not white. The ICAO standard requires pure white. A slightly warm or off-white tone from a studio that calibrates for warmer skin tones will fail scanning.
Smile or teeth visible. The neutral, mouth-closed expression is strictly enforced. A slight upturn at the corners can be flagged by facial geometry checks.
Photo too old. The six-month rule is consistent across all Turkish documents. A photo you used for a recent Schengen visa may still be within six months — but verify the date before submitting.
Check your photo with the passportsize-photo.online compliance checker before your NVI appointment — it validates the 50×60mm Turkish standard, white background, and ICAO face proportion automatically.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Kimlik Kartı Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned without exception, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — women may wear hijab; full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Turkish Document Photo Comparison: Kimlik vs Passport vs DL
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimlik Kartı | 50×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Turkish Passport | 50×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Sürücü Belgesi | 50×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| İkamet (Residence Permit) | 50×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
All four Turkish identity documents share the same 50×60mm specification. One photo session covers every Turkish document application. The unified format is consistent — unlike some countries where different documents use different sizes. Turkey's 50×60mm is also significantly larger than the 35×45mm European standard, so photos from EU countries cannot be reused for Turkish applications. Always specify "biyometrik vesikalık fotoğraf, 50×60mm" when ordering prints from a Turkish studio.
Quick Checklist for Turkish Kimlik Kartı Photos
- Size: 50×60mm
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- NVI appointment booked at nvi.gov.tr
- Current kimlik or previous ID ready
- Application fee ready
Also see: Turkey passport photo size | Turkey passport photo background requirements | Full Turkey guide
