Preparing Your Bahraini Driving Licence Photo
You need recent photographs when you apply for a Bahraini driving licence[1][2]. The tool above can help you prepare a correct photo sheet.
Official Size and Dimensions
The authority publishes no single official size for a driving licence photo[1][2]. Because of this lack of a strict rule, the 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 in) crop is a common practice estimate used by professional studios[1][2]. You should always confirm the exact size requirements with the issuing office before you submit your application documents.
The regulations do not set a specific head height requirement for your photo[1][2]. You should keep your head centered in the frame and look straight ahead toward the camera lens. The tool above helps you crop your image to this common practice size easily and quickly.
Background and Lighting Rules
The regulation requires recent, matching photographs with your face clear, but it does not publish a specific background colour or dimensions[1]. The listed crop dimensions are only a common practice estimate[1]. Because the rules do not name a colour, a plain light background is usually the safest choice.
When you take your photo, try to use a plain wall so nothing distracts from your facial features. Good lighting helps keep shadows away from your skin, hair, and clothes. Face a bright window or use soft indoor lamps to get even light across your entire face.
Glasses and Headwear Rules
The official regulations do not give specific rules about wearing glasses in your licence photo[1][2]. However, it is always safest to make sure your eyes are fully visible without any glare or flash reflection on the lenses. If your glasses have thick frames or tinted glass, you might want to take them off for the picture.
The rules also do not state specific requirements for headwear[1][2]. If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, make sure it does not hide any part of your face from your chin to your forehead. Your facial features must stay completely clear and visible in every photo you submit.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself to avoid awkward angles. Keep the camera at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens.
Look straight into the camera lens with a neutral expression. Keep your mouth closed and relax your facial muscles so you look natural. Take a few test shots in good light so you can pick the one with the best focus and clarity.
Printing Your Photo Sheet
The regulation requires recent, identical photographs with the application[1]. It does not specify a count or say whether they must be printed[1].
You can use the tool above to place your cropped 35 by 45 mm photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet. Save this image sheet to your phone or computer. Take the file to a local photo kiosk or print shop to print it out as an ordinary photo on glossy paper.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Officials can refuse your driving licence photos if they are old or do not match what you look like today. The regulation requires recent and matching photographs[1][2]. Make sure you take a fresh picture rather than reusing an old photo from past years.
The regulation requires clear facial features[1]. Check that your face is clear in the photographs.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Bahraini driving licence photo?
Does the authority set a specific head height?
Are digital files accepted for submission?
The regulation requires recent, identical photographs[1], but the cited sources do not say whether they must be printed.
How many photos do I need to submit?
Who issues the driving licence regulations in Bahrain?
The General Directorate of Traffic under the Ministry of Interior issues the regulations[1].