🚗 Driving Licence Photo Requirements by Country (2026)

Quick Reference: Driving Licence Photo Sizes by Country

🇺🇸 United States — Driver's License Photo

In the US, driver's license photos are typically taken at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or equivalent state agency. Most states don't accept outside photos — the photo is captured during your visit.

General US Requirements

• Photo taken at the DMV during your appointment
• Neutral expression, mouth closed
• No glasses (since 2016 in most states)
• No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions apply)
• Face clearly visible, both eyes open

States That Accept Outside Photos

A few states allow you to submit your own photo. If your state does, the photo should be approximately 2×2 inches with a white background — the same as a US passport photo.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Driving Licence Photo

UK driving licence photos follow the exact same rules as UK passport photos. If you have a recent passport photo, you can use it for your DVLA driving licence application.

UK Driving Licence Photo Specs

🇪🇺 EU Countries — Driving Licence Photo

Since the introduction of the EU driving licence directive (2006/126/EC), all EU member states issue a standardised credit-card-sized driving licence. The photo requirements are biometric and closely match passport photo standards.

General EU Driving Licence Photo Specs

Country-Specific Notes

• 🇩🇪 Germany (Führerschein) — Biometric photo required since 2013. Same specs as Personalausweis. Light grey background, no glasses, no smile.
• 🇫🇷 France (Permis de conduire) — Same as passport photo. 35×45mm, light grey or light blue background. Must be ANTS-compliant for online applications.
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Rijbewijs) — Same as passport photo. Light grey background, both ears visible, no glasses since 2007.
• 🇳🇴 Norway (Førerkort) — Same as passport photo. Light grey background, biometric, no glasses.
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland (Führerausweis) — Same as passport photo. Light grey background, ICAO compliant.

🇮🇳 India — Driving Licence Photo

Indian driving licence photos can be either 35×35mm or standard passport size (2×2 inches / 51×51mm) depending on the state RTO (Regional Transport Office). Most states now accept passport-sized photos.

India Driving Licence Photo Specs

🇨🇦 Canada — Driver's Licence Photo

In Canada, driver's licence photos are typically taken at the provincial service centre (ServiceOntario, SAAQ in Quebec, ICBC in BC, etc.). Most provinces don't accept outside photos.

Key Points

• Photo taken on-site at the service centre in most provinces
• Neutral expression, no smile
• No glasses (most provinces since 2018)
• No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions)
• If your province accepts outside photos, use 50×70mm (same as Canadian passport)

🇦🇺 Australia — Driver Licence Photo

Australian driver licence photos vary by state and territory. Most states take the photo at the licensing centre, but some accept outside photos.

General Australian Requirements

State Variations

• NSW (Roads & Maritime) — Photo taken at service centre
• Victoria (VicRoads) — Photo taken at licensing office
• Queensland (TMR) — Photo taken at transport office
• Western Australia (DoT) — Photo taken at licensing centre

Driving Licence vs. Passport Photo — What's the Difference?

In many countries, there's no difference at all. Here's a quick comparison:

Common Rejection Reasons for Driving Licence Photos

1. Glasses worn — Most countries now ban glasses in licence photos
2. Wrong background — Must match country requirements
3. Smiling or expression — Must be neutral
4. Photo too old — Must be recent (3–6 months)
5. Shadows on face — Lighting must be even
6. Head tilted or turned — Must face camera directly
7. Low resolution or blurry — Must be sharp and clear
8. Wrong file size (digital) — Must meet portal requirements

Cost Comparison

Country-Specific Driving Licence Guides

Related Guides