Taiwanese ID Photo

Updating the Face in Taiwan’s Household-Registration Identity Record

The national ID card in Taiwan is administered through household registration, and the photo rules allow either a qualifying printed photograph or a digital image. The household-registration guidance also allows an existing image recorded within the previous two years to be reused when it still matches the person. The key question is therefore whether the record provides a current recognisable likeness, not whether every transaction must start with a new set of prints.

When changing the photograph, the applicant must attend personally for the replacement. That identity check connects the new portrait with the underlying civil record. Prepare a digital photograph through the designated upload service if using that option, and keep the framing consistent with the national ID specifications. The card’s image is reproduced from the supplied record, so inspect photo quality before submission rather than relying on how a small preview looks.

A clear background, natural facial expression and adequate image resolution help the portrait remain useful in everyday identification. Bring the identity documents and registration documents required for first issue, replacement or exchange; these transactions do not necessarily have identical paperwork. If your appearance has changed, a new photograph may be more appropriate than reusing an eligible stored image. The detailed photo requirements below complement the household-registration office’s directions for the service you need.