Preparing Your Estonian Driving Licence Photo
The Estonian Transport Administration uses a current photo from the identity-document database or Traffic Register for a driving licence[1].
Official Size and Measurements
The photo specification for identity documents gives a size of 40 by 50 mm (about 1.57 by 1.97 inches), a head height of 35–40 mm from chin to crown, and an eye line 25–35 mm from the bottom of the photo[2]. The Transport Administration uses a current photo from the identity-document database or Traffic Register for a driving licence[1].
Background and Lighting Specifications
The background behind you must follow strict visual rules to help your features stand out clearly[2]. You need a flat, uniform, light-coloured background contrasting with the face and hair; no specific colour is prescribed by the official rules[2]. Avoid busy patterns, textured walls, wallpaper, or dark colors that blend into your clothing or hair. To light your face evenly, stand facing a soft light source like a large window during daylight hours. Do not use a harsh direct flash that creates dark shadows on the wall behind you. Clear, even lighting helps the digital system see the exact edges of your face against the light background.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
The identity-document photo rules require a neutral expression and closed mouth. Glasses are allowed conditionally, and headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[2].
Official Photo Submission and Authority Rules
The rules for submitting your driving licence photo have unique official requirements managed in Estonia[1][2]. The Estonian Transport Administration, which is also known as Transpordiamet, uses a current photo from the identity-document database or Traffic Register for your licence[1][2]. If your stored photo in the database is over five years old, the authority can take a new one directly at its service bureau[1][2]. Other photos are not accepted by the official state system for your driver card[1][2]. Because of this strict policy, you cannot simply upload any home photo for the official driver licence renewal process[1][2].
Using the Tool on This Page
Even though the official system relies on its own database or service bureau photos, you can still use the tool on this page for various personal needs. The tool above can still help you to rehearse, check a photo or prepare a copy for other uses, without claiming it will be accepted by the transport authority. You can crop your digital image to the correct 40 by 50 millimeter dimensions, check your head height against the 35 to 40 millimeter rule, and make sure your framing aligns with standard document layouts. It gives you a reliable way to practice taking a clear picture at home.
How to Take Your Photo Step by Step
If you want to practice or prepare an image for personal use, set up your camera or phone at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from where you stand. Ask someone else to take the picture instead of using a front-facing selfie camera, which can distort your nose and facial features. Look directly into the camera lens, keep your shoulders square, and maintain a relaxed, neutral posture with your arms at your sides. Once you capture the image, you can upload it to the tool above to check your proportions against the official Estonian sizing guidelines before saving your final digital file.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Understanding why photos get rejected can save you time when preparing your images[1][2]. Common issues include incorrect head height that is either too small or too large inside the 40 by 50 millimeter frame, shadows on the background, or an open mouth showing teeth[1][2]. Other frequent problems involve wearing unauthorized hats, sunglasses, or thick glasses frames that obscure your eyes[2]. Even though your official licence photo comes from the state database, keeping these common rejection reasons in mind helps you capture a clean, professional practice photo at home[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for an Estonian driving licence photo?
Can I submit my own home photo for my Estonian driving licence?
What are the head height requirements for the photo?
The head height must measure strictly between 35 and 40 millimeters from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[2].
Are glasses permitted in the photo?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules, meaning they must not obscure your eyes or cast shadows on your face[2].
What background color should I use when practicing?
You need a flat, uniform, light-coloured background contrasting with the face and hair, as no specific colour is prescribed[2].