Macao SAR Resident Identity Card (BIR) Photo (DSI: 1.5-inch, white, bareheaded, 12 months): size and requirements
The Macao SAR Resident Identity Card size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). In plain white background; head 71 to 80 percent of the photo height. Photo taken within the last 12 months. Last verified 2026-10-10 against Identification Services Bureau (DSI), Macao SAR Government Portal - 'Application for Macao SAR Resident Identity Card (BIR) Renewal' service page, with the DSI 'Photograph Specifications' sheet (DSI-52-M).
For the photograph on a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card (Bilhete de Identidade de Residente, BIR) renewal at the Identification Services Bureau - studio print taken within the last 12 months, the bureau's free on-site photograph, or a contracted studio's upload in 'My Photos' of the Macao One Account. The bureau also takes fingerprints and, under 25, height in person. Not for the Macao SAR Passport or Travel Permit, whose photo may be at most 6 months old.
Let the DSI counter take the free on-site photo or use a contracted 'My Photos' studio: the bureau names a photography studio for submitted prints, so a home-made print may be refused. See all Macao documents.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches)
- Head height
- Head 71 to 80 percent of the photo height (1.5-inch photograph; the same DSI 'Photograph Specifications' sheet as the passport labels a 45mm x 35mm frame with a face height of 32mm-36mm (the other age diagram reads 34mm-36mm))
- Background
- in plain white background
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Allowed without glare or tint
- Head covering
- Not allowed
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 12 months
- Prints needed
- 1
- We deliver
- 413 x 531 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckThe rule for the card: 'Applicant can choose to submit a 1.5-inch, color, bareheaded and full-faced photograph in plain white background which is taken at a photography studio within the last 12 months, or use the photograph taken on-site at no cost' - twelve months here, against six for the passport.
- CheckIn person anyway: 'Applicants have to proceed to DSI offices in person for photo-taking and fingerprint impression.' and under-25s have their height measured on the spot, so the free counter photo is the normal route; kiosk and app applicants 'can choose to use the photograph taken at self-service kiosks or the "photograph for identification documents" in "My Photos" of the "Macao One Account" which is taken by a contracted photography studio within the past 12 months'.
- CheckThe frame comes from the same DSI sheet as the passport: '45mm' by '35mm', face '32mm-36mm' or '34mm-36mm' by age group ('At the age of 10 or above' / 'Below the age of 10'); the sheet's body text could not be read, so the under-10 band is unconfirmed.
- Check'Bareheaded' is the bureau's word and no religious exception is printed on the page we read; ask DSI before the appointment if you wear a head covering.
- CheckUnder-18s renew with a parent or guardian who signs the form and shows identification; married, divorced or widowed applicants bring the relevant certificates, and applicants (or spouses) originally from Japan, France or Taiwan bring household registration transcripts.
Source and verification
Read from the official page. Last checked 2026-10-10 at Identification Services Bureau (DSI), Macao SAR Government Portal - 'Application for Macao SAR Resident Identity Card (BIR) Renewal' service page, with the DSI 'Photograph Specifications' sheet (DSI-52-M).
Applicant can choose to submit a 1.5-inch, color, bareheaded and full-faced photograph in plain white background which is taken at a photography studio within the last 12 months, or use the photograph taken on-site at no cost
Applicants have to proceed to DSI offices in person for photo-taking and fingerprint impression.
45mm35mm32mm-36mm45mm35mm34mm-36mm
At the age of 10 or above
Below the age of 10
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.
Frequently asked questions
