Do you have questions about hair and outfit for college application photos?

October 23, 2026 October 23, 2026

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Have you already taken your ID photo for college entrance exams?

Wondering what to do about your hairstyle and clothing? Is it okay to take the photo in your high school uniform? Should you use different photos for the Common Test and private university exams? Are there any differences between recommendation-based and general entrance exams? You might be asking yourself these types of questions.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about ID photos for college applications!

First, check the rules in the application guidelines!

Be sure to look up the application guidelines published by each university or the National Center for University Entrance Examinations.

You might think reading through the guidelines is tedious because they are long, but understanding these rules thoroughly is very important. Make sure to avoid any unexpected issues that could affect your entrance exams.

Information regarding ID photos is often listed under the item "Regarding the Admission Ticket", so keep this in mind when reading the guidelines.

For example, the guidelines for the Common Test, which many test-takers use, are as follows:

Common Test

Photo Requirements for Application Upload (As of October 2026)

・Taken on or after July 1, 2026
・Two identical photos showing upper body, uncovered head, plain background, and without a mask
・Unprocessed and unretouched photos
・Write your name on the back
・Either black-and-white or color is acceptable
・Clear and sharp image
・If you wear glasses during the exam, take the photo wearing your glasses

The photo used for your application may also be used for your student ID!

Depending on the university, the ID photo used for your application may be used as is for the student ID card handed to you after passing the exam.

Therefore, pay close attention to your clothing. Unless specified in the guidelines to "take the photo in uniform," it is recommended to take the photo in casual wear, assuming it will later be used for your student ID.

Since you will have opportunities to use your student ID card both on and off campus, it is best to avoid overly casual attire like t-shirts, even when wearing casual clothes.

Remember, it is primarily for "identity verification"!

You might want to enhance your photo if it becomes your student ID! However, the main purpose is identity verification on the exam day.

Make sure your decision to wear glasses matches your state during the exam.

Hairstyles that cover your face are not allowed. Make sure your eyes are clearly visible so that you are easily recognizable.

Is it okay to reuse ID photos?

As long as the photo meets the specified guidelines, reusing it is OK! Once you have narrowed down your target universities, check the rules for the photos before shooting.

Having to retake ID photos during a busy exam preparation period is a hassle, so it is a good idea to check the rules properly so that one session is enough.

Get the digital data for your ID photo, too

Nowadays, web applications have become mainstream, so you also need to obtain your ID photo as digital data.
If you use a photo booth, select a plan that allows you to receive digital data.
If you take photos at a photo studio, the service packages vary depending on the studio, so it is best to check with the shop.

At 19Studio, digital data delivery is included as standard. There are no additional option fees, so you can use our services with peace of mind!