Preparing Your Spanish International Driving Permit Photo
You need a specific photo size for your Spanish international driving permit. Follow the official rules to get your application right.
Official Size and Document Basics
The official size for your Permiso Internacional de Conducción photo is 26 by 32 millimeters, which equals about 1.02 by 1.26 inches[1][2]. The Dirección General de Tráfico requires you to submit a printed photo when you pick up your permit in person[1][2]. You can choose to start your application online or handle the process fully in person, but a physical copy remains mandatory for collection[2].
The authority does not set a specific rule for your head height within this small frame[1][2]. Because the overall dimensions are compact, you must measure your final print carefully to match the required width and height.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your picture must be a color photo featuring a plain background[1][2]. The current guidance published by the Dirección General de Tráfico does not specify an exact background color[1][2]. Plain white or off-white walls usually work best for official identification documents.
Good lighting helps the office staff see your facial features without obstruction. Face a natural light source like a window or set up soft lamps to eliminate dark shadows behind your head and under your chin.
Glasses, Expression, and Headwear Rules
The official rules are unspecified regarding whether you can wear prescription glasses in your driving permit photo[1][2]. To prevent any risk of rejection due to glare or thick frames, many applicants choose to take off their glasses.
The official guidance also leaves headwear permissions and facial expression rules unspecified[1][2]. Even without strict rules on expression, keeping a neutral face with your mouth closed is a safe practice for any official ID. Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and your head level.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your ID photo at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Ask a friend or a family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie. Holding the camera yourself often creates an unnatural angle and distorts your facial features.
Position the camera at your exact eye level. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens to capture your head and shoulders properly. Make sure you stand straight and relax your shoulders.
You can use the tool above to crop your digital image to the exact 26 by 32 millimeter dimensions required by the traffic office.
Printing Your Photo for Submission
The Dirección General de Tráfico requires a physical, printed photo for your international driving permit collection[1][2]. You cannot submit a digital file by itself for the final pickup.
To make printing easy, you can use the tool above to arrange your cropped 26 by 32 millimeter photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet. Save this template file to your phone or a USB drive.
Take the file to a local photo printing kiosk or use a home color printer with glossy photo paper. Cut out your photo carefully using sharp scissors or a paper cutter along the precise border lines.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Traffic offices frequently reject photos that fail to meet basic quality standards. A blurry image, incorrect dimensions, or poor lighting will often cause the staff to turn down your application. Printing your photo on regular printer paper instead of glossy photo paper is another common mistake that leads to rejection.
Check your printed cutout with a ruler to confirm it measures precisely 26 by 32 millimeters before you travel to your appointment[1][2].