Portrait-Oriented IDs: What Makes Them Different and How to Verify Them

In March, 2024, Icelandic authorities began issuing a new version of identity cards for the country’s citizens. As the first example of an ID document that complies with the ICAO specifications for additional formatting of TD1 documents, this is also the first-of-its-kind portrait-oriented ID card in the world. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the verification procedures for this unique type of ID card, trends in its development, and what organizations should consider when verifying these documents.

The main reasons were to improve security, make identity checks easier, and support the use of electronic IDs with mobile devices. To address these needs, ICAO updated its specifications in September 2023, introducing additional design options for machine-readable official travel documents (MROTDs) issued in the TD1 format.

Here are the key features distinguishing this new generation of TD1-sized documents:

• A larger portrait of the holder on the front side

• New vertical ID layout options for the front and reverse sides

• Optional document and personal data elements, along with the holder’s signature, are moved to the reverse side

• The Card Access Number (CAN) is presented both as a QR code and as a visual number on the front side

• An optional 2D barcode

According to the ICAO specifications, two main issues motivated these changes. Firstly, some member states are interested in enlarging the holder’s photo to more effectively protect their MROTDs from forgery and photo substitution attacks. Secondly, they want to incorporate access data for RFID chips in electronic identity documents into 2D barcodes, which streamline reading and verification of these IDs both with mobile applications and ID readers.

These changes also make manual identity checks easier. For example, a larger portrait helps inspectors compare the person presenting the ID with the photo in the document. Meanwhile, QR codes make it easier for smartphones to access chip-related data during online enrollment or authentication.

Iceland was the first country to adopt the new portrait-oriented TD1 layout in 2024, followed by Cameroon in 2025 and the Netherlands in 2026. Let's take a closer look at how these countries have implemented the new format.

A vertical ID card issued in Iceland has two official versions:

1. ID card as a travel document: This card (see the image above) can be presented as a travel identity document within the European Economic Area. It includes the nationality text field and a machine-readable zone (MRZ). Since Icelandic ID cards were previously not usable abroad, the current renewal may contribute to the popularity of this document version. 

2. ID card as a domestic document: As an identity document without travel rights, this card has no MRZ or data about nationality. Primarily, it appears to be used as a proof of identity for minors.   

The travel version of the card features a QR code on the front side. It contains the CAN involved in validating an RFID chip. On the reverse side, there is a larger barcode that contains digitally signed visible information from the card, a tiny facial image, MRZ, and full name in Icelandic. Here are more details on the security features utilized in the document.

The travel version of the card is issued in both English and Icelandic. This means transliteration of the unique Icelandic alphabet into Latin is required to correctly verify all data. Reading the barcode from the reverse side can also be a little tricky since the information is encoded in a new format, distinguished from those used in traditional barcodes.  

Interestingly, this is the first renewal for this type of document since 1965. This may be related to the fact that ID cards were an uncommon ID type for Icelandic people, as the majority of them use driver’s licenses as the main proof of identity in the country.

However, the status quo may change. According to National Register statistics, the Icelandic authorities issued 647 identity cards in 2019, 1,555 in 2023, and 1,199 in 2024. Thus, businesses located in Europe can now expect Icelandic IDs in their systems.

Similar to Icelandic IDs, Cameroon introduced the new vertical orientation in early 2025.

The card is made of polycarbonate and includes a machine-readable zone (MRZ), a QR code, and security features designed to protect it against forgery. Personal information is presented in English and French, the country's two official languages.

Cameroon's card serves primarily as a national identity document. Its vertical layout provides more space for the holder's photograph while keeping the card's standard TD1 dimensions.

In April 2026, the Netherlands introduced a portrait-oriented identity document for foreign nationals.

The document is issued to people who have applied for an asylum residence permit and are waiting for a decision. It allows holders to prove their identity, nationality, and legal stay in the Netherlands.

Countries have already been issuing portrait-oriented identity documents for a while. 

In the US, this format is used for driver’s licenses for minors. This type of document is frequently used as a proof of identity in the country. This approach helps inspectors, including non-experts, quickly identify that the document holder is under 21 during age verification.

Several Mexican states, including Queretaro, Baja California, Distrito Federal, Mexico, Puebla, and Quintana Roo, issue such drivers’ licenses.

Kyrgyzstan is another example. In late 2025, the country approved a new design for its driver's licenses, switching from the traditional horizontal layout to a vertical one.

In India, there are portrait-oriented voter identity cards.

Verifying portrait-oriented IDs requires the same core checks as traditional identity documents. However, there are some nuances.

For example, Iceland's travel ID includes a QR code with the Card Access Number (CAN) and a 2D barcode containing digitally signed data. To verify this information, identity verification software must support the relevant barcode format and be able to read the document's RFID chip.

Another challenge is that older horizontal and newer vertical versions of the same document may remain in circulation for years. This means organizations need to recognize and verify both formats without disrupting the identity verification process.

Here is a checklist to ensure your identity verification software is ready to handle portrait-oriented IDs:

• Document recognition: The new layouts are added to the document template database, allowing the system to identify the document type and version correctly.

• Data extraction and validation: The solution can read personal information from both sides of the card, regardless of the position of data fields and other data sources to further compare them.

• Barcode verification: The software can recognize and validate newer barcode formats, including digitally signed data where available.

• NFC verification: The solution supports reading and authenticating data from RFID chips in biometric documents.

• Document authenticity checks: The solution can detect signs of forgery and check security features such as Multiple Laser Images and Optically Variable Ink. For remote verification, document liveness checks can also help detect attempts to submit printed copies, screen images, or AI-generated fakes.

• Photo comparison: the solution can match the main portrait with the secondary ghost portrait and the one stored in the NFC chip.

Regula Document Reader SDK offers the most comprehensive database of identity document templates, supporting portrait-oriented IDs and providing document recognition, data extraction, and authenticity checks. The database covers more than 16,500 documents from 254 countries.

Book a call with our team to learn how it can fit into your verification workflow.