French International Driving Permit Photo Requirements and Guide
Get the exact photo specifications you need for your French international driving permit application. Follow these rules to prepare your photo correctly.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official size for your French international driving permit photo is 35 by 45 millimeters, which translates to about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1][2]. Within this frame, your head must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head[2]. Getting these measurements right helps you meet the standards set by the issuing office.
If your head is too small or too big inside the 35 by 45 millimeter box, your application can experience delays or refusal. Measuring from the exact bottom of the chin to the crown of the head helps make sure you hit the target range correctly. Always double-check these proportions before you finish preparing your application materials.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo background must strictly follow the French identity-photo standard, which means it must be plain light blue or light gray[2]. Any use of a white background is strictly forbidden and will cause your application to be rejected[2]. Check that your background is completely solid without any patterns, textures, or shadows cast by your body.
Lighting plays a practical role in capturing this background cleanly. Face a window or use soft, even room lighting so the background color shows clearly without dark spots or bright glares. Avoid standing too close to the wall, as this creates shadows behind your head. Good, even lighting also keeps your face clearly visible and naturally toned.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
You must maintain a strict neutral expression with your mouth completely closed when the photo is taken[2]. Do not smile, grin, or part your lips, as any deviation from a neutral face causes immediate rejection[2].
If you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible, and the lenses must not be tinted or have reflections[2]. Headwear is not permitted[2].
Submission and Application Process
You submit a recent photo-signature code as part of the online request[1].
The international driving permit is a paper booklet. Follow the application instructions for submitting your photo[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can easily take your photo at home by following a few clear steps before you print it. First, set up a camera or phone at eye level, placing it about one to one and a half meters away from where you will stand. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of attempting a selfie, because selfies distort facial proportions.
Stand in front of a plain light blue or light gray wall with good natural lighting from a nearby window. Look straight into the lens, keep your shoulders square, and maintain a neutral face. Once you capture the image, you can use the tool above to crop your photo to the exact 35 by 45 millimeter size and check your head height.
Preparing Your 4x6 Photo Sheet for Printing
After you crop your picture to the official size, you need to arrange it properly for printing. You do not need expensive specialty photo labs to get a valid copy because you can prepare an ordinary 4 by 6-inch sheet containing your cropped photo.
The tool above helps you place your image onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template so you can print it at home or at any retail kiosk. Save the finished image file to a USB drive or transfer it to your phone. Take it to a local store with a photo printing kiosk and print it out on standard glossy or matte 4 by 6-inch photo paper. Cut along the borders carefully to get your final 35 by 45 millimeter print.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The photo rules require a neutral expression and a plain light blue or light gray background; white is forbidden[2]. Follow these rules when preparing your photo.
Other common issues include camera glare on glasses, shadows behind your head from poor lighting, and incorrect head measurements that fall outside the 32 to 36 millimeter range[2]. Reviewing your photo against these specific rules before you submit your paperwork saves you time and prevents frustrating application delays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my French international driving permit photo?
Glasses are conditional. Your eyes must be clearly visible, frames cannot block your eyes, tinted lenses are forbidden, and there must be no glare[2].
What background color must I use?
You must use a plain light blue or light gray background, and white is forbidden[2].
What size does the photo need to be?
How do I submit the photo?
You submit a printed photo for your request, and the authorities mail your international permit booklet after you apply online[1].
Can I smile in the photo?
No, you must keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed[2].