Not necessarily. ICP applies a likeness/update rule: the new photo must not be the same image printed in the current passport or Emirates ID. Work through the steps on this page and compare the photo with the official rule on the document page before you re-upload.

Will SurePassportPhoto fix this?

We prepare the file to the official size, head height and background for ICP Smart Services (UAE), and our checklist flags the lighting and framing faults behind this message. The portal and its staff make the final decision; if they reject a photo we made, our guarantee covers you.

Photo must differ from the one in your current document

"Photo must differ from the one in your current document" is a message shown by ICP Smart Services (UAE). ICP applies a likeness/update rule: the new photo must not be the same image printed in the current passport or Emirates ID. First step: Take a fresh photo rather than reusing the file from your last application.

Why it happens

ICP applies a likeness/update rule: the new photo must not be the same image printed in the current passport or Emirates ID. Reusing the old file is refused.

What to do

1.Take a fresh photo rather than reusing the file from your last application.
2.Keep the same standard (35 x 45 mm frame, white background, ICAO framing) so only the image changes.
3.Upload the new file through ICP Smart Services, the ICP UAE app or a typing centre.

Official wording

Reported by users; not a published rule.

Source: https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/

Traced to: spec ae/passport and ae/emirates-id portalQuirks

Affected documents

Frequently asked questions

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.