Getting Your Photo for an Austrian International Driving Permit
You need a printed photo when you apply for your Austrian international driving permit. The tool above helps you crop your picture easily before you visit the office.
Who Issues Your Permit
The international driving licence is issued through authorised motorists’ associations, including ARBÖ and ÖAMTC[1]. The application requires a photograph[1]. Check with the association about the photo format before applying.
Check the association’s application instructions to confirm which documents to bring.
Prepare the photo in the format requested by the association.
Official Size Rules
The official page requires one photograph but does not state its size[1]. A 35 by 45 mm crop is used here as a common practice size.
The official page does not set a head-height rule[1].
When you crop your image, make certain your face points directly at the camera. Avoid tilting your head up, down, or to the side. A neutral, straight-on head position makes your features remain fully visible and easy to identify.
Background and Lighting
The official page requires one photograph but does not state its size or background[1]. The 35 by 45 mm crop is a common practice size, not a stated official requirement.
Good lighting makes your facial features clear and sharp. Face a bright window with soft natural daylight instead of using a harsh direct flash. Natural light illuminates your skin evenly and prevents harsh glares on your forehead or cheeks.
Use even lighting so your face is clear in the photo.
Taking Your Picture at Home
You can easily snap your own picture at home before you print it out. Set your camera or phone on a stable surface like a tripod or a stack of books to prevent blurry shakes. Keep the camera lens right at your eye level for a natural perspective.
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Looking too close can distort your nose and forehead, while standing too far away reduces the usable resolution of your face. Find a comfortable distance where your head and shoulders fit nicely into the frame with room to spare around the edges.
Look straight into the lens with a relaxed posture and a neutral expression. Keep your shoulders square and your body steady. Taking multiple test shots lets you check your posture and lighting before you select the final image to crop.
Preparing Your Photo Sheet
If you use the common 35 by 45 mm practice crop, the tool above can help you prepare it for printing.
If you need a printed copy, you can place the cropped image on a 4 by 6 inch print sheet and print it at a photo shop.
Check the print settings at the kiosk to make certain the photo prints at 100 percent scale without automatic cropping or stretching. Any scaling changes can alter the final dimensions of your 35 by 45 mm picture. Measuring the printed photo with a ruler gives you extra confidence before you head to the motorists association.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
The official page does not list photo quality or rejection criteria[1]. Check the association’s instructions before applying.
Check that the photo is clear before you submit it.
Ask the issuing association if you are unsure whether your photo meets its requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for an Austrian international driving permit photo?
The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for[1], which is typically 35 by 45 mm.
Who issues the international driving permit in Austria?
The permit is issued by authorised motorists associations: ARBÖ, ÖAMTC and VCÖ[1].
What does the rule say about the background?
The official guidance requires one photograph but does not state its size or background; 35 by 45 mm is the common practice crop[1].
Do I need a digital or printed photo?
You need a printed photo submission[1].
How can I format my photo at home?
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct practice size and prepare a 4x6 print sheet.