Costa Rican Driving Licence Photo Guide
Learn about the photo requirements for your Costa Rican driving licence, known as the Licencia de conducir, and how you can prepare using the tool above.
Understanding the Costa Rican Driving Licence
The Dirección General de Educación Vial is part of the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT). Source[1] describes the in-person process for homologating a foreign licence; it does not describe all Costa Rican driving licence applications.
Official guidance on foreign-licence homologation describes an in-person process and shows a person posing for a licence photo[1]. It does not say who takes the photo or confirm that every applicant has a photo taken at a designated office.
Knowing how the system works helps you prepare for your appointment. You can review the official steps ahead of time so you know what to expect when you arrive at the office.
Official Size and Dimensions
The authority does not publish a single official photo size. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a practical size commonly requested by studios; confirm any photo instructions with the office handling your application.
The standard practical size commonly requested is 35x45 mm, which translates to about 1.38x1.77 inches. You should always confirm the exact requirements with the issuing office or organisation before you submit any application materials.
Head height measurements are not set by the authority for this document. Because exact specifications can vary based on the specific office, checking with local staff is always a smart step.
Background and Appearance Rules
For foreign-licence homologation, official guidance describes an in-person process and shows a person posing for a licence photo[1]. It does not publish photo-size or background rules. Ask the office handling your application whether you need to prepare anything.
Rules concerning glasses are unspecified by the official source[1]. Similarly, headwear permissions are also unspecified in the official guidelines[1].
Because official rules are flexible on these points, keeping a clear and simple appearance is always best. Make sure your face remains clearly visible without any heavy shadows obscuring your features.
Taking Your Own Practice Photos
Even though the official photo is taken in person, practicing at home helps you get used to posing for official documents. You can set up your camera or phone on a stable surface at eye level.
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to avoid distortion. Face a soft light source like a large window to ensure your face receives bright and even illumination.
Ask a family member or friend to help take the picture if possible. Keeping your shoulders straight and looking directly into the camera lens creates a clean, professional look for your practice sessions.
Preparing Prints with the Tool
You can use the tool above to crop your practice photos and rehearse your posture. The tool runs directly in your browser so your photo never leaves your device.
It lets you arrange your cropped image onto a standard sheet that you can print as an ordinary 4x6-inch photo at a local store kiosk. This gives you a physical copy to review at home.
While the authority takes the official photo during your in-person appointment, preparing ahead helps you build confidence. The tool above is a great way to check your framing and test different lighting conditions.
In-Person Appointments and Printing
For foreign-licence homologation, the process is in person. After requirements are approved at an Educación Vial office, applicants make an appointment at Banco de Costa Rica to have the licence printed[1].
The cited guidance does not specify who takes the photo or describe identity checks at the appointment.
Follow all instructions given by the staff during your appointment. Bringing all necessary identification documents along with your completed paperwork will help your visit go forward without delays.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the Costa Rican driving licence?
The licence is issued by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, Dirección General de Educación Vial[1].
Is the photo taken by the authority?
Yes, official guidance confirms an in-person process where the applicant poses for a licence photo taken during the credential process[1].
What is the official size of the photo?
The authority does not publish a single official photo size. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a practical size commonly requested by studios; check with the office handling your application.
Where is the finished licence printed?
The licence is printed through authorized Banco de Costa Rica locations[1].
Can I use the tool above for this document?
You can use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses, even though the authority takes the official photo in person.