Malawi international driving permit photo (35×50 mm)

Official Size Requirements for Your IDP

When you apply for an international driving permit in Malawi, you must provide two recent photographs with your paperwork^[1]. The Director of Road Traffic, Malawi sets the official size for these required photos at 35 by 50 millimeters, which equals about 1.38 by 1.97 inches^[1]. Official regulations also permit photo sizes up to 50 by 65 millimeters if you choose that dimension^[1].

The rules do not state a specific measurement for your head height^[1]. However, your picture must clearly show your head and shoulders in a full face view^[1]. Because these exact dimensions matter for your paperwork, getting the measurements right helps you avoid delays at the issuing office.

Background and Lighting Guidelines

The official guidelines for a Malawi IDP do not list a required background color^[1]. When you take your picture, you should choose a plain, neutral wall behind you. A simple light background helps your face stand out clearly without any distracting patterns, textures, or household objects in the view.

Your photos must be clear and free of shadows^[1]. Stand facing a window to get soft, even natural light on your face. Avoid standing under harsh overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your eyes, nose, or chin.

Pose, Expression, and Head Coverings

The regulations require the photo to show your full face, head, and shoulders^[1]. They do not specify an expression or head angle.

The rules require the full face to be shown without headgear^[1].

Rules for Glasses and Personal Items

The official regulations do not specify rules about wearing glasses in your IDP photo^[1]. If you choose to wear your prescription glasses, make sure the frames do not cover your eyes in any way. The lenses must also be completely free of any tinted sunglasses shades.

The regulations do not specify whether glasses are allowed^[1]. If you wear them, check that glare does not obscure your eyes.

Printing and Submitting Your Photos

You must supply two printed photographs when you submit your application to the traffic department^[1]. Once your permit is ready, the office will affix one photo directly to the document and stamp right across its edge^[1].

You can prepare your image file at home before you print it out for your visit. You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the exact 35 by 50 millimeter size quickly and easily. Then, you can arrange the cropped photo on a standard four by six inch sheet and print it at any local photo kiosk as an ordinary picture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo at Home

Taking your IDP photo at home is simple if you follow a few basic steps. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from a plain wall inside your home. Make sure you face a large window so natural light illuminates your face evenly.

Ask a trusted friend or a family member to take the picture for you using a smartphone or digital camera. The person taking the photo should hold the camera steady at your eye level. Do not use the camera flash, as a direct flash can cause harsh shadows and red eye.

Upload your photo file to the tool above to check the framing and crop it to the right dimensions. Look closely at the preview to confirm your head and shoulders fit nicely inside the 35 by 50 millimeter border before you save and print your sheet.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

The regulations require recent, clear photos without shadows^[1].

Other common issues include shadows on the face, incorrect sizing, or wearing prohibited headgear^[1]. Taking your time to check every detail before you print your photos saves you time and prevents extra trips to the office.