Turkish Private Security Officer (ÖGG) ID Photo — 50×60 mm, EGM Standard

What Are the ÖGG ID Photo Rules? (2026)

Under Law 5188 on Private Security Services, the Private Security Officer (ÖGG) ID card is issued by the Private Security Department of the General Directorate of Security (EGM). The EGM's official "Required Documents" page states word-for-word: "**2 (two) biometric photos with a white background and light-coloured clothing, taken face-on within the last 6 (six) months**". Four critical rules together: **EXACTLY 2 copies, white background, light clothing, face-on** — uniforms and epaulettes are explicitly banned. Source: EGM — Private Security ID Card Documents.

The photo must be "biometric" — a standard portrait is rejected. Head height in the 32-36 mm band, size 50×60 mm; this is the Turkish biometric standard shared with the Turkish ID card and passport. Yet while the firearms licence photo prefers dark clothing, ÖGG requires **light** — a rule difference specific to these two documents.

Why Does the ÖGG Photo Require Light-Coloured Civilian Clothing?

The EGM "light clothing" rule has two reasons: (1) **objective neutrality of identity verification** — a dark uniform and epaulettes evoking the officer's role can obscure their formal identity on the card; (2) **avoiding merger with the white background** — a light top (light grey, light blue, beige) creates a **soft transition** with the white backdrop and preserves the shoulder line, while a pure white top blends fully into the background and produces a "floating head" effect.

For the firearms licence application that uses the same size, **dark clothing** is preferred because the licence file focuses on biometric facial recognition and dark clothing sharpens the face contour. vesikalik.com.tr's "document mode" handles this automatically: for ÖGG applications the system suggests a light-clothing contrast, for the firearms licence a dark-clothing contrast. Accessory rules are the same in both: no lens glare, no necklaces/earrings/face-cutting accessories.

The Difference Between Armed and Unarmed ÖGG Cards

As shown, the photo standard is **independent** of the armed/unarmed split — both use 50×60 mm biometric, 2 copies, white background and light clothing. The unarmed card is common in malls, hospitals, schools and offices; the armed card is used in banks, cash transport, critical facilities and VIP protection where firearm-carry authority is needed. Upgrading from unarmed to armed requires an additional 20-hour training + a new exam + firearms licence paperwork.

A key article of Law 5188: it is unlawful to work as an officer without a valid ID card. When the card expires you cannot work either — that is why renewal should start **6 months before the card expires** so there is no service gap on the employer's HR file and enough time for EGM to review. Renewal is filed via e-Devlet; a refresher-training certificate, an up-to-date biometric photo and a health report are required.

How Do You Apply via e-Devlet? ÖGNET Automation

Since 2020 EGM has moved all ÖGG ID card applications (first and renewal) to mandatory individual filing via the **e-Devlet Portal**. The **Private Security Information System (ÖGNET)** automatically fills in identity, diploma, certificate, criminal record, health report and payment data during the application; the user only approves. No physical paperwork to hand in. Official notice: EGM — Application via e-Devlet.

Application steps: log in at turkiye.gov.tr — Private Security ID Card Application with your national ID + password, click "New Application", pick Police as the law-enforcement branch, enter the delivery address, choose the card type (Armed/Unarmed), select the reason ("First Application" or "Refresher Training"), confirm the information notice and submit. If ÖGNET automation has issues (missing document, etc.), you can book an in-person slot at your provincial Police Private Security Branch. The photo you prepare with vesikalik.com.tr at home and upload — a PDF/JPEG upload is the only physical document e-Devlet needs.

How Is the Card Delivered and How Does Renewal Work?

After the e-Devlet application is approved, the ÖGG ID card is personalised by EGM and **delivered by PTT post to the residence address**. If no one is at the address, the card is returned to the provincial Police headquarters and can be picked up there. The card is active from the moment you receive it — no activation step. The 5-year validity starts from the first print date; a renewal application should begin **6 months before it expires**.

During renewal, reusing the old card photo is NOT accepted — your appearance today may differ significantly from 5 years ago. A new 50×60 mm biometric photo and a **refresher-training certificate** (60 hours unarmed, 80 hours armed) are required. A health report must be obtained fresh at each renewal. vesikalik.com.tr's 4-language ID/licence photo solution produces separate versions for Turkish ID card, driving licence, firearms licence and ÖGG card from the same source; for the general size background, see the 50×60 mm photo guide. No in-person card collection required — the whole process runs from home.