Driving licences

What driving licence photos have in common

A clear, front-facing photo helps an authority check that the image shows you. The rules can still differ by document and application route, so use the requirements for the exact document you are applying for. A photo that works for a passport or visa may not fit a driving licence application.

This page covers the DVLA photocard driving licence photo for the United Kingdom. The DVLA allows you to use your passport photo or upload a new one when renewing online; for a postal application, it asks for a recent printed passport-type photo.^[1]

UK driving licence photo size and face position

The listed size for the UK photocard driving licence photo is 35 × 45 mm (about 1.38 × 1.77 inches). The photographer guidance says passport photos should show the face measuring 29–34 mm from chin to crown, but that page gives passport requirements, not DVLA photo rules.^[2]

The supplied DVLA facts do not list an eye-height, top-margin, or face-position measurement. Check your application instructions for the required photo details.^[1]

Background, expression and glasses

The listed background colours are cream and light grey. The photographer guidance says passport photos should have a plain, uniform background without shadows; the supplied DVLA source does not state these background rules.^[2]

The listed expression is neutral, with your mouth closed. Remove glasses unless you have a medical reason to wear them. Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, with your face fully visible. These listed facts are not detailed on the DVLA renewal page.^[2]

Take and check your photo

For an easier photo at home, stand in front of a plain cream or light grey wall in even light. Face the camera straight on and ask someone to take the picture from about eye level. Keep your hair and other objects away from your face, and take several shots so you can choose one that is sharp and well lit. These are practical tips; the official requirements are the size, head height, background and appearance rules above.

Before cropping, check that the image is clear and that your face is easy to see. Avoid edits that change how you look. The photographer guidance sets these image standards for passport photos, not DVLA photos. The tool above can crop the image to 35 × 45 mm; check your application instructions before submitting it.^[2]

Choose the right size and print

Start with the document name and the application instructions. Select the UK driving licence photo size only for the DVLA photocard driving licence photo; do not assume another country’s licence or a visa uses the same dimensions. If your application instructions give a different size, follow those instructions.

For a postal renewal, the DVLA asks for a recent printed passport-type photo.^[1] The tool above can place the cropped photo on a 4 × 6-inch sheet for printing. After printing, check that the picture measures 35 × 45 mm and has not been stretched or cut off. The DVLA decides whether the submitted photo meets its requirements.

Submit it the way your application asks

For an online renewal, the DVLA says you can use your passport photo or upload a new one. For a postal renewal, it asks for a recent printed passport-type photo with the completed forms.^[1] The supplied DVLA facts do not state an exact pixel size or file-size limit. Check the online application instructions for upload requirements.

Use the photo route that matches your renewal method. Before sending a printed photo, check its size, head height, background, expression and glasses. A photo that looks good on screen can still be the wrong printed size, and the authority makes the final decision.

Frequently asked questions