Italian international driving permit photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Submission Requirements

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport page describes the international driving permit application^[1]. Check that page and your local office’s instructions for the required submission method.

The cited page calls for passport-size photos but does not state dimensions^[1]. A 35×45 mm crop (1.38×1.77 inches) is a practical estimate; confirm the required size with your local office.

The process also requires careful attention to how many copies you hand in. You must supply two identical passport-size photos for the paperwork^[1]. Furthermore, one of these two identical photos must be officially authenticated by an authorized clerk or office^[1][2].

Background and Lighting Guidelines

The national guidance calls for two identical passport-size photos but does not state a background colour or face-position measurements^[1]. Because the official instructions omit specific hue or shade requirements, choosing a plain, light background is the safest approach. Avoid patterns, textured walls, or dark colors that might blend with your clothing or hair.

Good lighting makes a major difference in the final quality of your printed image. Face a bright window to light your face evenly from the front, which helps eliminate harsh shadows under your chin or nose. Avoid standing directly under overhead lamps that create dark circles under your eyes. If possible, have another person take the picture using a standard camera or smartphone placed at eye level.

Head Measurements and Positioning

Head height measurements are not set by the authority^[1]. Since the official guidelines do not mandate specific distances from the top of the head to the chin, you should aim for a standard centered framing. Keep your body straight and square to the camera lens without tilting your head to either side.

Maintaining the correct camera distance keeps facial proportions natural and realistic. Keep the camera about one to one and a half meters away from your face. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the common 35×45 mm dimensions easily.

Proper positioning also means relaxing your shoulders and maintaining a natural posture. Avoid looking up or down into the camera, as angle distortions can change your facial features. A straightforward, level gaze provides the most accurate representation for identification purposes.

Glasses, Expression, and Head Coverings

Official guidelines do not specify rules for glasses, expressions, or head coverings^[1]. Even though explicit restrictions are not listed in the official text, adopting standard passport best practices is wise. Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and your eyes open and looking directly at the lens.

The cited guidance does not specify rules for glasses or head coverings^[1]. Check with your issuing office if you need guidance on these details.

Checking these small details helps prevent unexpected rejections at the counter. Make sure your hair does not fall across your eyes or obscure the sides of your face. Clear visibility of your facial features is essential for proper identification.

Printing Your Photos for Submission

Your application requires printed copies rather than digital files^[1]. You need two identical passport-size photos, and one must be officially authenticated^[1][2]. Preparing these photos correctly at home saves you time and money compared to visiting a traditional photo studio.

You can arrange your cropped 35×45 mm photo onto a standard 4×6-inch template. Take this digital image file on a USB drive or phone to any local photo kiosk and print it as an ordinary 4×6-inch photograph. Once printed, use scissors to cut out the individual photos along the marked borders.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Applications can face delays if your printed photos do not meet practical expectations or if authentication is missing^[1][2]. Common issues include low print resolution, blurry details, or incorrect paper finishes that make the image unclear. Always print your photos on genuine glossy or matte photo paper rather than ordinary printer paper.

Another frequent problem involves failing to meet the exact count or authentication requirements^[1][2]. Remember that you need two identical photos, and one requires official authentication before submission^[1][2]. Double-check these requirements with the issuing office to keep your application moving forward.