Preparing Your Sri Lankan Driving Licence Photo
If you need a photo for your Sri Lankan driving licence, you must follow specific requirements from the Department of Motor Traffic. The tool above can help you crop your image to the size most often asked for.
Official Size and Submission Rules
The Department of Motor Traffic handles driving licence applications[1]. Its instructions do not set an exact photo size[1]. This page uses 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in), the size most often requested at studios.
At offices that use the online method, staff take your photo during processing, so you do not need to bring one[1]. “Online method” describes the office service; it does not mean you apply through a digital portal. At offices using the offline method, bring two passport-size black-and-white photos with a white background[1]. The Department does not set a head-height measurement, so frame your face clearly.
Background and Colour Requirements
When you prepare physical copies for an offline application, you must pay close attention to the background of your image. For offline applications the department requires passport-size black-and-white photos with a white background[1]. It is important to note that the department does not state exact dimensions on the cited page regarding the margin or spacing around your head[1].
For a plain background, you can stand in front of a white wall without pictures or patterns. Try to light the scene evenly so shadows do not distract from your face.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can easily take your required picture at home before you print it out. Start by finding a room with plenty of natural light, and face directly toward a window to illuminate your features softly. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of attempting a selfie. Holding the camera yourself often distorts your facial features and changes the proper perspective.
Keep the camera at your exact eye level, and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Have your helper take multiple shots so you can choose the one with the best lighting and focus. Once you have a clear picture, you can use the tool above to crop the image to the standard 35x45 mm dimensions.
Understanding Black-and-White Conversions
Because the department requires black-and-white images for offline submissions, you need to check how your photo looks without color[1]. When you convert a digital color photograph to monochrome, lighting contrasts become much more noticeable. Check that your skin tone looks natural and that your clothing stands out clearly against the white background.
Avoid wearing white clothes, because they will blend directly into the required white background and make your shoulders disappear. Darker shirts or patterned fabrics work much better to create a clean outline of your upper body in a black-and-white print. Check the final monochrome image closely on your screen to confirm that your facial features remain sharp and easy to see.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression
Applicants often wonder about wearing glasses or head coverings in their official identification photos. The official rules for glasses are unspecified by the authority in the current documentation[1]. Similarly, headwear permissions are unspecified by the department guidelines[1].
The Department’s cited instructions do not say whether glasses or headwear are allowed, and they do not specify an expression or mouth position[1]. If you wear glasses or headwear, check with the office before your appointment.
Age Limits and Infant Rules
Infant photo rules do not apply to driving licences. Applicants may register for the written test at 17, but must be 18 to take the practical test[1].
A 17-year-old may register for the written test. The Department’s cited page does not give separate photo-framing rules for teenagers.
Printing and Preparing Your Photo Sheet
For an offline application, prepare two passport-size black-and-white photos[1]. If you want to print them at home, check that the prints are clear and the correct size. The Department’s instructions do not specify a print-sheet format or a 35×45 mm photo size.
If you use a photo kiosk, follow its printing instructions and check that both photos have a white background and are clear before visiting the office[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Sri Lankan driving licence photo?
The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for, which is 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)[1].
Do I need to supply a photo for an online application?
No. Online-service offices take the applicant’s photo during processing and do not require a supplied photo[1].
What do offline offices require?
Offline-service offices require two passport-size black-and-white photos[1].
What background color is required?
For offline applications the department requires passport-size black-and-white photos with a white background[1].
Are there any infant rules for this licence?
Infant rules are not applicable; minimum age for a driving licence is 17[1].