French Driving Licence Photo Requirements and Guidelines
You need a correct photo for your French driving licence application in Martinique. Follow these official rules to prepare your picture.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official photo size is 35 by 45 mm (about 1.38 by 1.77 inches)[1]. Check the size before submitting your photo.
The head height inside the frame is equally important for your application approval. Your head must measure between 32 and 36 mm from the very bottom of your chin to the top of your head[1][2]. If your head is too small or too large within the 35 by 45 mm frame, the office may refuse your photo. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to these exact proportions quickly.
Background and Lighting Standards
The background must be plain light blue or light gray. White is forbidden[1][2]. Use a plain background without patterns or objects.
Lighting plays a major role in how the background and your face appear in the final picture. Face a natural light source like a large window to illuminate your features evenly without harsh shadows[1][2]. Avoid standing too close to the wall behind you, as this creates dark shadows that violate the plain background rule. Check that the light falls evenly across both sides of your face and the background behind you.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
Keep a neutral expression, look at the camera, and keep your mouth closed[1][2].
Your mouth must be completely closed during the photo capture[1][2]. Do not part your lips or show your teeth in any way. Make sure your jaw is relaxed but shut tight enough to keep your lips sealed[1][2]. This specific rule helps maintain consistency across all official identity documents in France[3][1].
Glasses and Head Coverings Policy
Wearing glasses in your driving licence photo is subject to strict conditional rules[1][2]. While glasses are sometimes allowed, it is often safer to remove them to prevent refusal[1][2]. If you choose to keep your glasses on, the frames must never cover your eyes, and the lenses must be completely free of any glare, tint, or reflection[1][2]. Heavy or thick frames that obscure your facial features are not permitted[1][2].
Head coverings are not permitted under the cited photo rules[1][2].
Submission Methods and Official Requirements
Depending on the application route, you provide either an approved digital photo-signature code or a paper photo-signature form[3]. The licence is printed after the administration processes the application[3].
You can prepare your photo correctly using the tool above before you visit an authorized service point or complete your forms online. While the authority makes the final decision on acceptance, having the right dimensions and background prepares you for a successful submission[3][1]. Always follow the specific instructions provided on your application portal regarding whether to submit a digital code or a paper form[3].
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo
Setting up your camera correctly at home makes it easier to capture a compliant image. Place your camera or smartphone at your exact eye level to prevent awkward angles or distorted facial proportions. Ask a friend or family member to take the photo for you instead of taking a selfie, which distorts your facial features[1][2]. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to achieve the correct framing[1][2].
Center your head and shoulders in the camera frame before you take the final shot[1][2]. Review the image to check that your head height falls within the 32 to 36 mm range and that your background is light blue or light gray[1][2]. Keep your expression neutral and your mouth is closed before saving the file[1][2]. You can then check your cropped image to confirm it meets the visual layout expectations[3][1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact official photo size for a French driving licence?
What is the required head height in the photo?
What background colors are permitted?
Can I wear glasses in my driving licence photo?
How do I submit the photo for my licence application?
You must supply either an approved digital photo-signature code or a paper photo-signature form depending on your application route[3].