Documents & rules

CCCD / Citizen ID Card Photo: Rules & Size 2026

Updated: 27/06/2026 · 7 min read · Written by the Ảnh Thẻ Gạo Nâu team

Whenever we hold an identity card, we all want the face on it to look neat and fresh. But the story of a CCCD photo is different from a passport photo or a regular document portrait: you do not bring a pre-shot photo to submit. This is what confuses many people, especially after the card name changed in mid-2024.

At Gạo Nâu, we often hear a very real question from clients: “I want a beautiful photo for my citizen ID card. Can the studio take it for me?” To help you understand the process and avoid wasted effort, this article explains the latest CCCD and citizen ID card photo rules under the 2024 Identity Law. It also shows how Gạo Nâu can support you — not by taking the photo printed on the card, but by helping you prepare your best appearance and by taking standard portraits for all other documents.

Citizen ID card 2024: new name, new rules

One important change to know: from 01/7/2024, under the 2024 Identity Law, the term “Căn cước công dân” (CCCD) was officially renamed “thẻ Căn cước” (citizen ID card). This is more than a name change; it comes with adjustments to how information is shown on the card.

Because the name has changed, many people searching for “CCCD photo” are actually asking about the photo on the current citizen ID card. These two terms refer to the same identity card in practice, so Gạo Nâu uses both in this article to make the topic easier to follow.

The key point to remember is this: the portrait printed on the citizen ID card is taken directly by the police authority at the place where you complete the procedure. You do not submit a photo taken at an outside photo shop or studio. This is the biggest difference from passport photos or photos attached to regular application forms.

Who takes the CCCD photo and how is it taken?

When you go to the police authority to apply for, renew, or replace a citizen ID card, the receiving officer takes your portrait on site, along with fingerprints and other biometric information. The process follows a standardized set of requirements so the photo works well for identification.

According to the rules, the portrait on the citizen ID card should meet these basic requirements:

• White background, straight-on photo, bare head.
• Face the camera directly, with the face, both ears, and eyebrows clearly visible.
• No glasses, no hats, and no object covering the face.
• Serious expression, closed mouth, and clear identifying features.

So whether your citizen ID card photo looks good depends heavily on your preparation before you arrive: hair, outfit, skin, and posture. This is exactly where a professional studio like Gạo Nâu can help, even though it is not the place taking the photo printed on the card.

What can Gạo Nâu do for your citizen ID paperwork?

Let’s be direct and honest: Gạo Nâu does not take photos for you to submit to be printed on the citizen ID card, because that photo must be taken directly by the police authority. Any place advertising “citizen ID photo ready to submit” is not aligned with the current procedure, and you should be careful.

So where can Gạo Nâu support you? In two very practical ways:

First, preparing your appearance before you go for the card. Many clients come to Gạo Nâu for guidance on neat hair that shows the forehead and ears, light natural makeup, and a suitable collared shirt — all so that when you sit in front of the police camera, you are already at your most polished. Good preparation can make a visible difference on a card you will use for many years.

Second, taking standard 4x6 portraits for other applications. In daily life, you need many ID photos beyond the citizen ID card: photos for personal résumé forms, job applications, scholarships, notarization, bank cards, exam registration, and more. For these needs, Gạo Nâu’s 590.000đ (VND) ID photo service provides white or blue backgrounds, cuts files to each required size, delivers in 15–30 minutes, and is ready the same day.

For every order, the studio delivers two photo versions: one edited to strict official-document standards, and one subtly beautified for CVs, avatars, or internal profiles. Retouching is always light and never changes the face shape, eyes, nose, or mouth — exactly the spirit of identification photography, so scanners can still recognize you.

Difference between citizen ID card photos and ID photos for other documents

To avoid confusing the photo you “cannot submit yourself” with photos a studio can freely take, Gạo Nâu summarizes the difference below:

If you are unsure whether to choose a white or blue background photo for your application, follow the receiving office’s requirement: many administrative bodies prefer white, while some older forms still use blue. When unsure, confirm before shooting.

How to prepare your look for a better CCCD photo

Because the citizen ID card photo is taken once by the police authority and used for a long time, preparation matters. These are the points Gạo Nâu often shares with clients.

Hair

Hair should be neat, tucked behind the ears, and show the forehead and both eyebrows — this is a basic identification requirement. Women should tie the hair back or clip it so the ears are visible; if you have bangs, sweep them to the side so no strands cover the eyes. Men should cut hair a few days before, use matte styling product if needed, and avoid shiny gel that can reflect light.

Clothing

Wear a collared, neat, simple shirt. A shirt is the safest choice. Avoid very wide necklines, collarless tops, or overly bright patterns. A polished outfit helps the face look brighter and more formal even under the lighting of an administrative photo room.

Skin and expression

Sleep enough before the appointment to avoid dark circles and a tired complexion. Use light makeup to even the skin tone and control oil so the face does not shine. When photographed, keep your back straight, shoulders even, and look into the camera with a relaxed but serious expression. One deep breath before the shot will make your eyes look more alive.

These principles also apply to other document photos. For more detail on photo sizes, see standard ID photo sizes 2026, or read the stricter requirements in our standard passport photo guide if you are preparing for travel.

Why prepare document photos at a professional studio?

For the citizen ID card itself, a studio cannot replace the police authority. But for all other ID photos in your life, the difference between shooting at home and shooting in a studio is significant. Home lighting is often weak and creates messy shadows; automatic background apps can cut into hair and clothing edges, making the image look fake and more likely to be rejected.

Ảnh Thẻ Gạo Nâu is not positioned as a cheap-photo option, but as a premium service: flattering + compliant + optimized for approval. Since 2021, the studio has served more than 5,000 clients across over 15,000 shoots, with a team of 15 photographers who keep up with ID photo rules for many countries. If a photo fails because of incorrect size or background requirements, the studio will reshoot or fix the file free of charge.

A polished document photo not only helps applications move smoothly; it is also a way to show respect for yourself. And when you prepare well before taking your citizen ID card photo, the card you carry for years will be one you feel satisfied showing.

Ảnh Thẻ Gạo Nâu is open 08:00 – 20:00 daily. Need advice on your appearance or standard 4x6 photos for paperwork? Message Zalo Ảnh Thẻ Gạo Nâu or call Hotline (+84) 775 243 530. You can also visit one of our three branches, or use the contact page if you need to book in advance:

• Hà Nội: Tầng 4, 83 Nguyễn Khang, Phường Yên Hòa, Hà Nội.
• TP.HCM Quận 10: 436A/71 Đường 3/2, Phường Hòa Hưng, TP. Hồ Chí Minh.
• TP.HCM Quận 3: 351/45 Lê Văn Sỹ, Phường Nhiêu Lộc, TP. Hồ Chí Minh.

Frequently asked questions