In Singapore, registration for the Identity Card (IC/NRIC) is compulsory for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents when they reach age 15, and it must be completed before their 16th birthday. The process involves an online registration and a separate step for biometrics enrolment. 

Who registers and when

All eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are required to register once they turn 15. 

What you need to prepare

ICA requires original documents and official translations (for documents not in English), plus copies for retention. Accepted translations include those issued by an embassy, produced by a notary public, or privately translated and then attested/notarised. 

For Singapore Citizens (digital images):
• Baptism/religious certificate (only if adding a religious name, with NRIC number or date of birth)
• Deed poll for change of name with both parents’ consent (or supporting court order/declaration where applicable)
• Recent passport-sized digital colour photo taken within the last 3 months (per ICA photo guidelines) 

For Singapore Permanent Residents (digital images):
• Recent passport-sized digital colour photo taken within the last 3 months
• Passport page(s) showing personal particulars (and updated name if applicable)
PRs changing their name must first update their passport before updating the name on their IC. 

How the registration works

1) Online registration
Applicants submit their registration online via ICA’s e-Service. 

2) Biometrics enrolment (required)
• Students in government/government-aided schools: Biometrics enrolment is conducted in school on a designated day. ICA sends a notification about two weeks before the school enrolment date, and the online registration must be completed before that appointment date. Students are asked to bring their Student Identification Card (Ez-Link Card). 
• Not in government/government-aided schools, or missed the school day: Notification is issued on the 15th birthday. After completing the online registration, applicants will be prompted to book an appointment to enrol biometrics in person at the ICA Services Centre. Applicants should bring their Student Identification Card (Ez-Link Card) for identity verification. 

Fees
• S$10 for Singapore Citizens
• S$50 for Singapore Permanent Residents 

Where biometrics are enrolled (ICA route)

ICA Services Centre
2 Crawford Street, Level 2, Singapore 207218
Applicants collect a queue ticket at the Self-Service Ticketing Kiosk. Operating hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm (Mon–Fri), closed on weekends and public holidays. 

Collection and retention period
• If registered at schools: Collection arrangements are made through the school after registration is completed. 
• If registered at ICA: After biometrics enrolment, applicants book an appointment to collect the IC at designated post offices (participating outlets listed by SingPost). 

ICA will hold the IC for three months from the registration date. Uncollected ICs after three months are destroyed, the fee is not refunded, and a new application is required.