Mauritius driving licence photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Authority Guidelines

The Mauritius Police Force, Traffic Branch requires one recent passport-size photo for your driving licence application^[1]. However, it is important to note that the authority publishes no single official size for the picture^[1].

The authority does not publish exact dimensions. A 35×45 mm crop is common studio practice, not an official requirement. Confirm the size with the issuing office before applying.

Background and Image Specifications

The authority does not specify a background color or precise photo dimensions in their official notes^[1]. Instead, they simply ask for a recent passport-size photo^[1].

Since no specific background color is mandated, a plain, light-colored background is standard practice for official identification documents. Make sure your image is sharp, clear, and printed on good quality photo paper without any creases, smudges, or ink marks. A clean background helps the licensing officers clearly see your facial outline without any distracting objects behind you.

Head Height and Framing Rules

The exact head height is not set by the authority for this specific application^[1]. You have some flexibility in how you frame your picture, but keeping your head well-proportioned in the frame remains important for a professional look.

Center your face in the middle of the picture frame so that both cheeks appear balanced. Keep your shoulders level and look straight ahead toward the camera lens with a calm, natural posture. Avoid tilting your head to the side or looking away from the camera during the shot.

Submission and Printing Methods

The Mauritius Police Force requires a printed photo submission for your driving licence^[1]. Digital file uploads are not the standard format specified for this process, so you will need physical copies in hand.

You can easily arrange your cropped 35 by 45 mm image onto a standard 4 by 6-inch photo sheet using standard editing methods. Print this sheet at any local photo kiosk to get a physical copy ready for your visit.

The tool above helps you crop and format your picture correctly before you print it out at the kiosk.

Taking Your Photo at Home

You can take your picture at home by setting up a digital camera or smartphone on a steady surface or a small tripod. Position the camera about one to one and a half meters away from your face to prevent any lens distortion or strange facial angles.

Stand facing a bright window to get natural, even lighting across your face. Avoid harsh shadows behind your head by stepping slightly away from the background wall. Turn off any overhead lights that create unwanted glare on your skin.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Ask a trusted friend or family member to take the photo for you instead of attempting a selfie. Never use the front-facing camera on your phone for official photos, as it can distort your facial features and lower the image resolution significantly.

Check that your eyes are visible in the photo.

Final Preparation Steps

Taking time to prepare your photo properly helps you avoid delays at the licensing office. You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the 35 by 45 mm size that studios commonly use^[1].

Always remember that final acceptance rests entirely with the Mauritius Police Force, Traffic Branch^[1], and checking your local office guidelines is always a wise step to take before you go.