Lost NRIC in Singapore: report it and prepare your replacement
Report your lost Singapore identity card to ICA immediately, then apply for a replacement within 14 days of the report. Use ICA's e-Service and prepare the evidence for your circumstances; a stored copy of the missing NRIC does not replace the official card.
Start with the ICA lost identity card service. A police report is not required for ICA's loss and replacement process, and making one does not replace reporting to ICA.
Choose the next action
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Card missing | Report to ICA, then prepare the replacement application |
| Found after reporting but before applying | Contact ICA with front and back copies for assistance |
| Already submitted the replacement application | Follow that application's instructions; ICA issues a new card and does not refund the fee |
Make a short record of what you have already done. Label the report and replacement application separately so that a saved acknowledgement does not make you think both stages are complete.
Prepare the evidence before submitting
Use the official checklist for your status:
| Applicant | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|
| Singapore citizen | Deed poll, marriage certificate or religious-name evidence only where applicable to the particulars requested |
| Permanent resident | Current passport particulars pages; update a changed name on the passport first |
| Both | A recent digital colour portrait taken within three months |
Changes for minors and documents in another language have additional instructions. Read the relevant branch before submitting.
For each requested item, note whether the service asks for an upload, original, translation or retained copy. Check that the holder's details match across the form and evidence. If something differs, ask ICA how to resolve it rather than editing the document image to make it match.
Separate evidence to submit, originals to keep available and acknowledgements received afterwards. Keep other family members' records separate.
Check the photograph separately
Read ICA's photo guidelines before taking a new picture. The guidance recommends 400 × 514 pixels for e-Service uploads and lists JPG, JPEG, HEIC, HEIF and PNG with an 8 MB maximum. Use the live upload instructions if they specify a narrower requirement.
ICA says photographs must not be altered or enhanced and advises getting someone to take the picture rather than using a selfie. Check the framing and background against the official illustrated examples. Do not confuse a photograph of your old NRIC with the new portrait required for the application.
Keep track of the application
Use ICA's e-Services directory to reach reporting, replacement and appointment services. The directory separates reporting a lost passport from reporting an identity card. Check the service name before entering personal details, especially if a wallet contained several documents.
Keep your submitted acknowledgement and any follow-up instructions. Record the next action in plain language, for example “waiting for approval” or “collection appointment booked”. Review incoming messages against your application record so that an old appointment or another family member's notification does not send you to the wrong step.
Before you close the application
- You used the identity card service for the correct holder.
- The report and replacement stages are clearly recorded.
- Your evidence follows the current official checklist.
- Your portrait meets the separate photo requirements.
- The submitted acknowledgement is saved and readable.
- You know where to find the next official instruction.
You can keep personal reference copies in Dokus for iPhone, with encrypted storage and Face ID or Touch ID protection. Check both sides after importing a card copy. Dokus stores your copies; it does not report the loss, submit an ICA application or provide an official replacement. Keep required originals available throughout the process.
If the checklist separately requests an NRIC attachment, the Singapore document tools can prepare an accepted reference copy or reduce a scan. They do not make an ICA application portrait or replace the issued document.
Questions about a lost Singapore NRIC
Must I make a police report before applying?
ICA does not require a police report for its lost identity card replacement process. You must still report the loss to ICA.
What if I find the card after reporting it?
If you have not applied for replacement, contact ICA for assistance with copies of both sides. If you already applied, follow ICA's instructions for that application.
Can a copy on my phone replace the NRIC?
No. A personal scan helps you check details and organise your records, but does not become an official identity card or remove the replacement requirement.