Getting Your Sierra Leone Driving Licence Photo Right
Learn what you need for a Sierra Leone driving licence photo, including sizing, preparation steps, and submission details.
Official Size Guidelines
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority’s public online application page does not list photo dimensions[1]. The 35 × 45 mm format is common practice, not a published SLRSA requirement. Confirm photo instructions with the licensing office before applying.
A 35 × 45 mm crop (about 1.38 × 1.77 inches) is common practice for passport-style photos, but the authority has not published this as the driving licence photo size. Check with your application centre before preparing a print or digital image.
Background and Lighting Setup
The authority's public online application page and 2024 fee regulations do not specify photo size or background[1][2]. However, white is common practice for passport-style photos in many official contexts. Setting up your shot against a clean, plain white surface helps your portrait look neat and professional.
Good lighting is essential when capturing your image at home. Face a large window to let natural, even light illuminate your face directly. Avoid standing under direct overhead lights that create heavy shadows under your nose or chin. If your room is too dark, use a second lamp to balance the light across your face evenly.
Head Height and Camera Positioning
The exact head height is not set by the authority for this specific licence photo[1][2]. Even without a strict measurement rule, you should centre your head clearly in the middle of the frame. Leave a small amount of breathing room above your hair and around your shoulders so your appearance is easy to see.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie, which can distort your facial features. Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from where you stand. You can use the tool above to adjust your framing and crop the image to the standard 35x45 mm dimensions.
Glasses, Expression and Headwear Rules
The official rules for glasses are unspecified by the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority[1][2]. If you choose to wear your everyday spectacles, make sure the frames do not obscure your eyes and that there is no flash glare on the glass. If possible, taking them off for the photo can prevent any potential issues during review.
The sources do not specify rules for headwear or facial expression[1][2]. For a clear photo, keep your face visible and look toward the camera.
Preparing Your Photo at Home
Taking your own picture requires careful preparation of your environment and posture. Wear everyday clothing that contrasts well with a plain white background so your shoulders stand out clearly. Stand straight, look directly into the camera lens, and keep your shoulders level and relaxed.
If you want a practice crop, the 35 × 45 mm format is common for passport-style photos, but it is not an official SLRSA specification. The public guidance does not say whether to submit a digital photo or a print[1].
Submission Methods and Office Procedures
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority offers online licence applications, but the public guidance checked does not say whether the applicant supplies the portrait or it is captured at an office[1][2]. Because procedures can change, check the official application portal to see how photos are submitted. Some offices may require physical prints, while others accept digital uploads.
The public guidance does not state whether you supply a portrait or have it taken at an office, or whether submission is digital or printed[1]. Check the instructions for your application before preparing a photo.
Frequently asked questions
What size should my Sierra Leone driving licence photo be?
The authority’s public guidance does not give a photo size[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is common practice for passport-style photos, but confirm the requirements with your issuing office.