Brunei National ID Card Photo Requirements — Smart IC Biometric Standard

A compliant photo for the Brunei Smart IC begins with the standard set by the National Registration and Immigration Department (NRID) — the authority that issues and manages all national identity documents in Brunei Darussalam. The NRID applies a strict biometric facial standard aligned with international machine-readable document requirements: a 40×52 mm image (945×1228 px) on a pure white background, with the face occupying 63–70% of the total frame height.

One aspect of the Brunei Smart IC that sets it apart from most national ID systems is that the photo and biometrics are captured live at the NRID registration counter by a trained officer using calibrated equipment. Applicants do not bring a printed or uploaded photograph to the appointment — the image is taken on the spot as part of the formal registration process. Your preparation goal is therefore slightly different: arrive knowing precisely what a compliant biometric portrait looks like, so the officer's session is efficient and smooth. A reference image prepared to the exact NRID standard is also directly reusable when applying for a Brunei passport, an e-Visa, or any other document that does accept a submitted photograph.

• Size: 40×52 mm (945×1228 px at 600 dpi)
• Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) — no gradients, shadows, patterns, or off-white tones
• Face coverage: 63–70% of total frame height
• Expression: Neutral and relaxed — mouth closed, no smiling
• Glasses: Not permitted under any circumstances
• Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons only (e.g. tudung, hijab); the full face from forehead to chin and ear to ear must remain clearly visible
• Pose: Full frontal, both eyes open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
• Recency: The on-site capture is always current; for documents where a photo is submitted, use an image taken within the past six months

Common reasons biometric photos fail the NRID standard in Brunei:

• Non-white background — any tint, shadow cast on the backdrop, or off-white tone is non-compliant with the NRID biometric specification
• Glasses present in the image — spectacles are not allowed; applicants must remove them regardless of prescription strength or photosensitivity
• Incorrect face-to-frame ratio — a face below 63% of frame height (too distant) or above 70% (cropped too close) fails the automated biometric measurement check
• Non-religious head covering — hats, caps, and fashion scarves are not permitted; only religiously motivated coverings with a fully unobstructed face are accepted

Our tool automatically adjusts your photo to the exact NRID biometric specification — correct 40×52 mm dimensions, pure white background, and the precise 63–70% face ratio. A free watermarked preview is available before any download, so you can verify the result before committing. Use the ready reference image to walk into your Smart IC appointment fully prepared, or apply it directly when submitting photos for a Brunei passport, visa, or any other official document.