Tanzanian driving licence photo (35×45 mm)

Size and Paper Requirements

Your photo for a Tanzanian driving licence must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm long, which equals about 1.38 by 1.77 inches^[1]. For both first grants and later licence renewals, the regulations require you to provide two recent unmounted head-and-shoulders photos^[1].

These pictures must be printed on normal photographic paper^[1]. You can prepare your digital image using the tool above to fit these exact dimensions before you print them out. The head height is not set by the authority, but keeping a standard head-and-shoulders framing keeps your face as the main focus of the image^[1].

Headwear, Glasses, and Facial Appearance

The official regulations require a full-face photo without a hat^[1]. They do not state an exception for religious or medical head coverings.

If you wear everyday eyeglasses, it is best to remove them for the picture to avoid any risk of glare or reflection on the lenses. Keeping your eyes clear and visible helps the licensing officers easily identify you from the printed picture. Since specific rules for glasses are unspecified in the primary text, removing them is always the safest choice^[1].

Background and Lighting Standards

The rule does not specify a background color^[1]. Because the authority leaves the background choice open, a plain white or light neutral wall works best to keep the image simple and clear.

Good lighting is essential when you capture your portrait at home. Face a large window to use soft natural daylight, or set up two lamps in front of you to eliminate harsh shadows behind your head. Avoid standing too close to the wall, as this can create dark shadows directly behind you. A clean background without patterns or textures helps prevent distractions from your facial features. Take your time to inspect the background through your camera screen before snapping the final shot.

Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step

You can easily take your licence picture at home using a smartphone or a digital camera. Ask a friend or a family member to take the photo for you instead of trying to take a selfie, because selfies distort facial proportions.

Stand roughly one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens and make sure the camera is positioned at your exact eye level. Look straight ahead into the camera lens with a relaxed posture. Check that both of your shoulders are visible in the frame and that there is a small amount of space around your head.

Take several test shots so you can review them and pick the one with the best lighting and the sharpest focus. Make sure your hair is neatly brushed and does not cover your eyes or face.

Printing Your Photos at a Kiosk

Because the application requires physical copies, you must turn your cropped digital file into a real print. Many local photo printing shops and retail stores feature self-service kiosks where you can print photos instantly.

You can arrange your cropped 35 by 45 mm image onto a standard 4 by 6 inch digital photo template. Transfer the template to your phone or a memory card, walk up to the printing kiosk, and order a standard 4 by 6 inch print.

Make sure the kiosk prints the sheet at its original size without adding extra borders or auto-scaling features that might alter the final dimensions. Double-check the layout before you print so you do not clip the edges of your photo. Bring the printed sheet home and cut out the individual photos carefully using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Local offices often reject driving licence photos that fail to meet basic measurement or quality standards. If your printed pictures measure smaller or larger than 35 by 45 mm, the official will reject your application and ask for new copies.

The regulation requires photos without a hat and sets their dimensions at 35 mm by 45 mm^[1]. It does not list shadows or other print-quality issues as reasons for refusal. Measure your prints before visiting the licensing office.