How to Prepare Your Belgian Driving Licence Photo
Need a photo for your Belgian driving licence? Find out when a photo is needed and what local guidance says about it.
Official Size and Guidelines
The cited authorities do not specify a single photo size for a Belgian driving licence[1][2]. The research identifies 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches) as a commonly used crop, but the cited sources do not establish how widely studios or municipal offices use it.
Furthermore, the exact head height is not set by the authority[1][2]. Because rules can vary slightly depending on your location, you should always confirm the exact photo dimensions and expectations directly with your local municipal office before you begin your application process[1][2].
Using Your Identity Card Photo
In the Walloon procedure described by source[1], the photo on your identity card is used by default, but a recent photo is needed if you have a paper residence permit[1]. Check your municipality’s procedure.
The Walloon guidance says the photo on your identity card is used by default in the cases it describes[1]. Ask your municipality whether this applies to your application.
When You Need a New Photo
In the Walloon guidance, you need a recent photo if you have a paper residence permit[1]. The cited sources do not establish this as a rule for every Belgian municipality.
The Walloon source does not specify an appearance-change rule for driving licence photos[1]. Ask your municipality whether it needs a new photo.
Background and Appearance Rules
The Walloon guidance calls for a recent photo in some cases, including when the applicant has a paper residence permit[1]. The cited research reports that one municipal authority specifies a white background when an existing document photo is not sufficiently similar; check that authority’s instructions for details[2].
The cited sources do not set photo rules for glasses, headwear or facial expression[1][2]. Check with your municipality about the size and format it needs before cropping a photo.
Taking Your Photo at Home
If your municipality asks you to provide a photo, check its instructions before taking one at home. They do not specify a required background or camera distance.
The cited sources do not give lighting or expression rules for this photo. Check your municipality’s instructions.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
The Walloon guidance asks for a recent ID photograph for the procedures it describes[1]. It does not specify a print format or photo dimensions; check your municipality’s instructions.
If you crop your image to 35x45 mm on your computer or phone, place several copies on a standard print sheet before sending it to a photo printer. Cut the printed photos carefully using a sharp paper cutter or scissors with a ruler to get straight edges.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The cited sources do not list common reasons for refusing driving licence photos. Check your municipality’s photo instructions.
The cited sources do not list reasons why a driving licence photo might be refused. Ask your municipality what it requires before you bring a photo.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a Belgian driving licence photo be?
Can I reuse my identity card photo?
The Walloon guidance says the photo on your identity card is used by default in the cases it describes[1]. Ask your municipality whether this applies to you.
When do I need to submit a new photo?
The Walloon guidance asks for a recent photo if you have a paper residence permit[1]. Check your municipality’s instructions for other cases.
What background color is required?
The research reports that one municipal authority specifies a white background in a particular case[2]. Check that authority’s instructions to see whether it applies to you.
How do I submit the photo?
The Walloon source asks for a recent ID photograph in the procedures it describes but does not specify its format[1]. Check with your municipality whether you need to bring a print.