Photo Requirements for a German International Driving Permit
You need a photo for your Internationaler Führerschein application. Check the photo requirements before applying.
Official Size and Submission Requirements
For the Thuringia service described in source[1], you must apply in person and provide a current photo. It must be 45×35 mm, portrait format, unbordered, and a frontal biometric photo[1].
The Thuringia service requires a current, unbordered, portrait-format frontal biometric photo measuring 45×35 mm[1].
You need to provide one current photo if you are applying for an international driving licence by itself[1]. However, if your application also includes an exchange for an EU card driving licence, you will need to supply two photos instead[1]. Always check your local office requirements before you submit your paperwork.
Background and Lighting Standards
The Thuringia service requests a frontal biometric photo and links to the official photo model board[1]. Follow that model board’s guidance for the photo’s composition.
Good lighting is essential to meet the biometric standards of the authority[1]. Make sure the light falls evenly across your face to avoid dark shadows under your nose or chin. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates deep eye sockets, and turn off your camera flash to prevent red-eye or shiny spots on your skin.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
Source[1] specifies a frontal biometric photo and refers applicants to the official photo model board[1]. Follow that board for facial-expression requirements.
Follow the linked official photo model board for the required facial expression[1].
Glasses and Headwear Regulations
The cited service page does not specify whether glasses may be worn. It links to the official photo model board for photo guidance[1].
The cited service page does not specify headwear rules. It links to the official photo model board for photo guidance[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid distortion. Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level rather than tilting it up or down.
Face a bright window to get natural, even light on your face. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie, because holding the camera at arm's length changes facial proportions. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct 35x45 mm size quickly.
Printing Your Photo Sheet
Because the authority requires a physical print, you must prepare a standard print file[1]. You can arrange your cropped 35x45 mm photo onto a standard 4x6-inch photo template using the tool above. This creates a standard photo sheet that you can print cheaply at any local store.
Save the final image file and take it to any local photo kiosk or print shop. Print it as a standard 4x6-inch matte or glossy photograph on ordinary photo paper. Cut out your photo carefully using scissors or a paper cutter before you attach it to your application form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a German international driving permit?
The official size is 35x45 mm[1].
How many photos do I need to provide?
You need one current photo for an international driving licence, but you need two photos if you are also exchanging your EU card driving licence at the same time[1].
Can I wear glasses in my permit photo?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules, provided your eyes are clearly visible through the lenses and there is no glare or flash reflection[1].
Are hats or head coverings allowed?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, and it must not hide any part of your face from your chin to your forehead[1].
Do I need a digital file or a printed photo?
The submission method for this document is printed, so you must bring a physical photo to the local driving licence authority[1].