Saudi Driving Licence Photo Guide
Get the right size and details for your Saudi driving licence photo by following the official requirements.
Official Size Requirements
The General Directorate of Traffic sets the official size for a Saudi driving licence photo at 40 by 60 millimeters, which equals 1.57 by 2.36 inches[1]. When you apply for a new permit or update your credentials, you must provide physical copies[1].
Traffic requirements call for six 4 by 6 centimeter photos for a private licence[1]. If you are applying for a heavy-equipment or motorcycle licence, you need four photos[1]. For a temporary permit, the rules require six photos[1]. Checking these exact quantities before you visit the office helps you avoid delays in your application process.
Head Height and Framing Details
The head height is not set by the authority for this specific document[1]. Because the General Directorate of Traffic does not give a strict measurement for the distance from your chin to the top of your head, you should frame your face centrally in the image[1].
Leave a comfortable margin around your hair and shoulders to make sure your entire head is clearly visible within the 40 by 60 millimeter frame[1]. Keeping your face centered helps the officer view your features clearly without any awkward cropping at the edges of the printed picture.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
There is no color or background specification stated in the current driving-licence requirements page[1]. Even though the official guidelines do not mandate a specific backdrop, using a plain, neutral background is standard practice for official identification documents.
When you take your picture at home, stand a short distance away from the wall to avoid harsh shadows. Face a bright window or use soft indoor lighting so your face is evenly lit. Good lighting makes all your facial features clear and distinct on the final print.
Glasses, Expression and Headwear Rules
The official rules do not specify requirements for glasses, headwear, or facial expressions[1]. Because the Ministry of Interior does not list strict restrictions for these items on the driving licence page, you can maintain a natural appearance[1].
If you normally wear prescription eyeglasses, you can keep them on as long as there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are fully visible. Keeping your eyes open and looking straight at the camera lens is always a smart approach for any official ID photo.
Submission and Physical Prints
Saudi driving licence applications require physical photo submissions rather than digital uploads for standard counter processing[1]. Absher renewal is digital and does not state a new photo requirement[1].
For a private licence, the traffic requirements call for six 4 × 6 cm photos; heavy-equipment and motorcycle licences call for four, and a temporary permit calls for six[1]. Check the current requirements for your licence category before applying.
Preparing Your Photo with the Tool
You can take a photo at home and crop it to 40 × 60 mm. Check the resulting image for clarity before printing.
The system runs directly in your browser, so your private photo file never leaves your personal device. After cropping, you can place your pictures onto a standard print sheet. Always double-check your printed sheet with a physical ruler before cutting the photos to verify the final dimensions match the official 40 by 60 millimeter requirement[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a Saudi driving licence photo?
The official size is 40 by 60 millimeters, or 1.57 by 2.36 inches[1].
How many printed photos do I need to bring?
Traffic requirements call for six photos for a private licence, four photos for heavy-equipment and motorcycle licences, and six photos for a temporary permit[1].
Does the authority specify a background color?
There is no color or background specification stated in the current driving-licence requirements page[1].
Is head height regulated for this licence?
The head height is not set by the authority for this document[1].
Are photos required for digital renewals through Absher?
Absher renewal is digital and does not state a new photo requirement[1].