Taiwan International Driving Permit Photo Requirements and Size
Getting a Taiwan International Driving Permit requires specific photos, but the exact rules can change depending on which office you visit. This guide explains the official photo guidelines and how to prepare your prints.
Official Size and Office Variations
The Highway Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications oversees the issuance of the Taiwan International Driving Permit[1]. When you apply for this document, the official rules state that you need recent photos[1]. However, the exact size requirements and quantities can differ depending on the specific motor vehicle office you visit[2][1]. The Highway Bureau page specifies two recent two-inch glossy photos with a plain background[1]. On the other hand, the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office specifies one 30 by 25 mm photo[2]. Because these instructions differ between motor vehicle offices, you must check your local processing office before you start your application[1]. The tool above provides a common size of 35 by 45 mm, which equals 1.38 by 1.77 inches, so always confirm what your specific office accepts.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The official guidance from the Highway Bureau requires a plain background for your IDP application[1]. You should avoid textured walls, patterned wallpaper, or objects visible behind you when taking your picture. Good lighting helps the office staff clearly see your features without glare or dark shadows. When you take the photo at home, face a bright window to capture natural, even light across your face. Keep the camera steady at eye level, placing it roughly one to one and a half meters away from your position. Ask a friend or family member to snap the picture instead of holding the camera yourself to prevent awkward angles or distorted facial proportions.
Expression, Headwear, and Glasses Rules
Official regulations state that headwear is not permitted in your Taiwan International Driving Permit application photo[1]. You must remove hats, caps, and any other head coverings unless you wear them daily for religious reasons. Your entire face must remain clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, though the exact head height measurement is not set by the authority. Make sure your hair is brushed back and does not cast shadows or cover your eyes. If you wear glasses, check that the frames do not obscure your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses from lights or windows.
Children and Special Applicant Rules
Applying for driving documents usually applies to adults, but family travel and international permits involve various requirements. The official sources for the Taiwan International Driving Permit do not list special infant or minor rules because drivers must meet legal age limits to hold a license[2][1]. If you are preparing photos for other household members or different applications, always check the specific authority guidelines for that document type. Children who need passport or visa photos often have different rules regarding eyes open and head support, but IDP applications follow standard adult driver regulations[2][1].
Printed Submission and Preparing Your Photos
The Taiwan International Driving Permit requires physical printed submissions rather than digital file uploads[1]. The Highway Bureau page specifies two recent two-inch photos for your paperwork[1]. Because you need physical copies, printing them correctly at home or at a local store is essential for your application. You can use the tool above to crop your image and arrange it onto a standard 4 by 6-inch photo template sheet. Take this digital image file on your phone or USB drive to a local retail store kiosk and print it as an ordinary 4 by 6-inch photograph. Carefully cut out your printed pictures using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter before submitting them to the motor vehicle office.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Motor vehicle offices frequently refuse application photos that fail to meet their precise physical or background standards. If you bring a photo with the wrong dimensions, a busy background, or visible headwear, the office staff will ask you to provide new prints[1]. Always confirm the required dimensions with your specific motor vehicle office because instructions differ between branches[2][1]. Wearing hats or unauthorized accessories will cause immediate rejection of your application materials[1]. Check all local office guidelines and inspect your printed photos closely before you visit the office to submit your paperwork.
Preparing with the Tool
You can use the tool above to crop your passport, visa, and ID photos directly in your web browser. Your photo never leaves your device, keeping your personal images completely private and secure on your own hardware. While the tool helps you format your pictures easily and create printable sheets, remember that the issuing authority makes the final decision on photo acceptance. Use the tool to prepare your prints, format your files, and rehearse your photo setup at home before printing your final copies.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Taiwan International Driving Permit?
Can I wear a hat or headwear in my IDP photo?
No, headwear is not permitted in your application photo[1].
Do I need digital files or printed photos for my application?
The Taiwan International Driving Permit submission requires printed photos[1].
Can I wear glasses in my driving permit photo?
Where can I print my IDP photos cheaply?
You can arrange your cropped photos onto a 4 by 6-inch sheet using the tool above and print it as an ordinary photo at a local retail kiosk.