French international driving permit photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Dimensions

Your application requires a photo that measures 35x45 mm, which is about 1.38x1.77 inches^[1].

The cited Service-Public page gives the photo requirement for the application^[1].

Crop the image to the required proportions before submitting it.

Even though head height is not set by the authority, you should always keep your head centered and straight within the frame so your facial features remain clearly visible.

Check the image dimensions before submitting your application.

Always verify these details with the issuing office or organisation if you have any doubts about your specific application type.

Background and Lighting Requirements

The photo must meet French identity-photo requirements. The application page does not name a background color^[1].

Because the guidelines do not mandate a single solid color name, it is safest to use a plain, neutral background without patterns, textures, or shadows.

Good lighting plays a major role in achieving this neutral backdrop.

Stand a short distance away from the wall to prevent your shadow from casting behind your head.

Face a large window during daylight hours to catch soft, even light across your face, avoiding harsh overhead lights that create dark patches under your eyes or nose.

Good preparation here reduces editing needs later.

Glasses, Expression, and Headwear Rules

When it comes to wearing items on your face or head, you must follow strict official boundaries.

Glasses are allowed conditionally. The frames must not obscure the eyes, and the lenses must not show glare^[2].

If your glasses have tinted lenses or thick rims, it is much safer to take them off for the photo.

Furthermore, headwear permitted is restricted to religious-medical-only exceptions^[2].

Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons^[2].

Checking these details beforehand avoids frustrating mistakes.

Application Submission and Requirements

Submitting your picture correctly depends entirely on how you file your paperwork.

One identity photo is required for the application and is mailed with the confirmation documents; online application also requests photo-signature data^[1].

Whether you live in mainland France or French Guiana, the rules remain consistent because the French international permit is issued by the national authority^[1].

Follow the official instructions for submitting the photo and photo-signature data^[1].

Check the submission instructions before sending your application.

The authority reviews the photo as part of the application.

You can use the tool above to crop your image to 35×45 mm.

Taking Your Photo Step by Step

Taking your photo at home requires patience and a careful setup to meet official expectations.

Find a helper to take the picture for you, as selfies often distort facial proportions and make your arm visible in the frame.

Place the camera or smartphone at your exact eye level, standing about one to one and a half meters away from the lens.

Keep your posture upright and look straight at the camera.

Choose a clear, focused photo that meets the stated requirements.

Natural lighting works best for these amateur sessions, ensuring your skin tones look completely normal and true to life.

Preparing and Printing Your Sheet

Once you capture a clear image, you can use the tool above to crop your picture to the correct dimensions quickly.

The tool helps you adjust the framing precisely to fit the 35x45 mm requirement without altering the original quality of your file.

After cropping, you can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard four by six inch template sheet.

Take this digital sheet to any local photo printing kiosk and print it out as an ordinary matte or glossy photo.

If your application instructions require a print, check its size before mailing it with the confirmation documents^[1].

The online application also requests photo-signature data^[1].