BulgariaBulgaria ID Card Photo: Taken Digitally at the Police or Consulate — When You Still Need a Printed Photo
For a Bulgarian ID card the official takes your facial image digitally. Only missions abroad without that equipment ask you to enclose a photograph.
In this article · 5 sections
Key points
5 points- Ministry of Interior: in Bulgaria the official accepts the application, takes your facial image and captures your signature.
- Abroad, equipped diplomatic or consular missions also take the facial image and signature digitally.
- MFA: at missions without that technical capacity you enclose a photograph with the application.
- A proxy with a notarised authorisation may apply only if, among other conditions, the biometric data were captured within 59 months.
- A significant or permanent change of the facial image is a reason to request a new ID card within 30 days.
A Bulgarian ID card photo is taken by the official. The Ministry of Interior’s procedure description says: «The official accepts the application and the attached to it documents. They take the facial image of the applicant and capture their signature.»
In Bulgaria
- Apply in person at the Bulgarian Identity Documents unit of the Metropolitan Police, the regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior or the local police station.
- You get a registration receipt with the place and date of delivery.
- A proxy with a notarised authorisation may apply if there is no change of name, identification number, sex, residence or significant facial change and the biometric data were captured within 59 months before the application.
Abroad
Bulgarian citizens abroad apply in person at diplomatic or consular missions that are technically equipped. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs page (archived on 28 December 2025) says: «Consular official takes a digital image of the applicant’s signature and face.»
And when a printed photo is needed: «At missions where no technical capacity is available for taking digital images of applicants’ signatures and faces upon acceptance of their applications, they shall submit their identity card issuance applications with a photograph enclosed.»
The Identity Documents Directorate answers within 5 working days on the data; an electronic application through the MFA e-services with a qualified electronic signature is possible if, among other conditions, the facial image has not changed substantially.
When your appearance changes
A «significant or permanent alteration of the facial image» is one of the reasons to request a new ID card within 30 days, together with an official document from the competent authorities.
See our Bulgaria ID card photo page if your mission asks for a printed photo.
04Questions
5 answers01Do I need a photo for a Bulgarian ID card?
Usually not. The official takes your facial image digitally in Bulgaria and at equipped missions abroad.
02When do I need to enclose a photograph?
At missions abroad without the technical capacity to take digital images (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
03Can someone apply for me?
A proxy with a notarised authorisation may, if nothing changed and your biometrics were captured within 59 months.
04How fast does the Directorate respond for applications abroad?
Within 5 working days on the consistency of the data.
05Do I need a new card if my appearance changes?
Yes, a significant or permanent alteration of the facial image is a reason to request a new ID within 30 days.
05Official sources
- Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria — Description of the procedure (PDF)
mvr.bg - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria — Identity Card (Internet Archive copy, 28 December 2025)
web.archive.org
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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