The law on registering for a Turkish Identity Card falls under Article 10 of the Law on Population Services Law. The Interior Ministry Organization and Duties No. 5490 follows the procedures that every citizen needs to follow. Article 41 includes all provisions in the Directive Republic of Turkey Identity Card.

The validity of all identity cards is ten years and must be renewed after the due date. An ID card is made on birth, loss of the original card or on a replacement basis. The application has to be made by the concerned individual to the population directorates within the borders of Turkey. If the Turkish national wishes to apply for an ID card while abroad, he or she needs to contact foreign representatives based overseas.

The Identity Card

Once the ID card is made, no correction can be made on it by hand. You cannot erase anything, scrape off information or write anything additional with a pen. Tampering with a Turkish Government, issued ID card is a crime punishable by law. A complaint can be made against you to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Once the applicant receives the ID card, it is his or her duty to check all the information mentioned on the card to be accurate. In case there is an error in the information, the authorities must be notified immediately. This ID card must be kept with the holder at all times, even when visiting foreign countries.

Biometric Data

Turkish citizens who turn fifteen years of age are required to give their biometric data to the government. Every time a citizen applies for an ID card must also give their updated biometric data with each application. ID card for children under the age of fifteen will not be required to give their biometric data. However, their legal guardians like parents, grandparents, older siblings will be asked to do that for them.

During the application process, the applicant has the option to designate someone else to collect the ID card on his or her behalf. This also requires a written consent so the ID card can be delivered to the chosen person’s address. The person does not need to have a blood relation with them, but to simply mention their identity in the application form.

Temporary Cards

While the identity card is in process, a temporary card is issued to the applicant in order to avoid any complications while staying in Turkey. The same goes for individuals new applicants and for those children who have recently divorced parents. However, the ID cards will be sent to the guardians’ home respectively.

Important Documents Required

Following is the list of documents required for birth registration:

• One black and white biometric photo, which is taken in the last six months and no older than that. Photocopies and computer prints are not acceptable.
• A photo of the newborn baby. This can be taken with the baby lying down on the ground on a white background.

Following is the list of documents required for a replacement ID card:

• Current Turkish ID card
• One black and white biometric photo, which is taken in the last six months and no older than that. Photocopies and computer prints are not acceptable.

For ID card renewal, the old ID card is required to be shown at the application centre. If a person does not possess an ID card, he or she can show their Turkish passport or driver’s licence. If nothing is available and the applicant has just turned fifteen, he or she can go to the application centre with one of his Turkish parents.

Registration Fees

The Consulate General only accepts fees in cash and not cards (such as credit or debit) will be accepted. Headshots can be taken at the Consulate General that costs GBP 6 in cash.