Bhutanese ID Photo

A Bhutanese Cid Photograph Submitted Through an Overseas Representative

For citizens of Bhutan living abroad, the photograph for a first Citizenship Identity Card can be coordinated through a representative. A March 2026 notice from the Department of Civil Registration and Census removes the earlier biometric-enrolment requirement used to cross-check the photograph for this overseas process. The change applies irrespective of age under that notice, making it important to use the updated instructions.

The applicant sends an authorization letter, a recent passport-size portrait as an electronic file and evidence of their stay abroad. The representative then brings a hard copy of the photograph and completes the prescribed undertaking. Keep the digital photograph and resulting prints consistent so the same likeness accompanies both sides of the request.

For this route, review photo quality before emailing the image: a blurred or repeatedly compressed copy gives the representative little to work with. Check the applicable photo requirements, background and framing, keeping the face natural and easily recognizable. The authorization and supporting identity documents establish whose card is being processed; the picture should not be separated from that application context.

The notice specifically addresses citizens abroad. Applicants attending a domestic service centre should follow that centre’s process rather than assuming the overseas arrangement replaces it. Use the embassy and consulate directory if you need official contacts while away from Bhutan, and agree with your representative how the final photograph will be printed and delivered. Retain the original file and application information so a request for another copy can be handled without photographing an already printed image.