Preparing Your Caribbean Netherlands Driving Licence Photo
Dutch ID photo rules set requirements for photo size, framing, background, lighting, and expression[1]. Bonaire’s rijbewijskaart page lists the documents to bring but does not mention a photo[2].
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official size for your driving licence photo is 35x45 mm, which equals about 1.38x1.77 inches[1]. When you crop your image, you must measure your head carefully. The head height must be between 26 and 30 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head[1].
Check the crop against the stated dimensions before saving. A correct crop can help you prepare a photo that follows the published criteria.
Keep your shoulders straight and do not tilt your head[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo must have a plain, even light grey, light blue, or white background[1]. There must be sufficient contrast with the head so your outline stands out clearly[1]. Do not use patterned walls or textured curtains behind you.
Set up your lighting so it falls evenly across your face. Face a bright window to get soft, natural light and avoid harsh shadows. Turn off any overhead lights that might create dark spots under your eyes or nose.
Stand away from the background wall to help reduce shadows. Use even lighting and avoid reflections or shadows on the face or background[1].
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed when the photo is taken[1]. Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes open and fully visible. Do not smile, frown, or tilt your head in any direction.
Glasses are allowed if your eyes remain fully visible, the glasses are transparent, and reflections or shadows do not obscure your eyes[1]. Head coverings are allowed for religious or belief-related reasons, or after hair loss due to medical treatment. The face must remain fully visible[1].
Practice your neutral expression in a mirror before taking the picture. Keep your lips pressed together naturally without clenching your jaw. If you wear glasses, take a test shot and look closely at the lenses to check for glare from windows or lamps.
Rules for Children
Children under 6 are exempt from the rules on horizontal eye alignment, head tilt, straight shoulders, neutral expression, looking at the camera, and closed mouth[1]. Any support must not be visible in the photo.
The rules for photo size and background still apply to young children. Make sure the child’s face is visible and the photo meets the stated background criteria[1].
For a young child, any support needed must not be visible in the photo[1].
Submission and File Details
Bonaire’s rijbewijskaart page says applicants apply in person at Burgerzaken and lists the documents to bring. It does not mention a photo or file-size limit[2].
The official page does not describe an image upload process[2].
Check with Burgerzaken what to bring when you make your appointment.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
Stand or sit in front of a plain background that meets the stated criteria. Ask someone to take the picture and keep the camera at eye level[1].
Check that your entire head and shoulders fit comfortably inside the frame. Leave a little extra space around your hair and shoulders so you have room to crop the image down to the exact 35x45 mm dimensions later.
Take a few photos with even lighting, then choose one that meets the photo criteria.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
When you finish cropping your image to 35x45 mm, check the final proportions once more. Make sure the head height stays firmly between 26 and 30 mm[1].
The Bonaire page does not say whether you need to bring a printed photo. Check with Burgerzaken before printing one[2].
Before your appointment, check Bonaire’s page for the documents to bring[2].
Frequently asked questions
What size must my Caribbean Netherlands driving licence photo be?
The official size is 35x45 mm, with a head height measuring 26 to 30 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
What background colours are allowed?
Your photo background must be plain, even light grey, light blue, or white, providing sufficient contrast with the head[1].
Can I wear glasses in my driving licence photo?
Glasses are allowed if your eyes remain fully visible and reflections do not distort them[1].
Are children under 6 subject to the same pose rules?
No. Children under 6 years old are exempt from specified pose and expression requirements[1].
Who issues the Caribbean Netherlands driving licence?
Applications and issuances are managed by Burgerzaken, Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire[2].
Where do I submit my application?
Applications for your Rijbewijskaart are made in person at Burgerzaken, Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire[2].