Preparing Your U.S. International Driving Permit Photo
You need specific photos when you apply for an International Driving Permit. This page helps you understand the official rules and prepare your prints.
Official Document Size and Guidelines
When you apply for your driving permit, you must include physical photographs that match exact standards. The official size required by the issuing organization is 50.8×50.8 millimeters, which is also known as 2×2 inches[1].
The U.S. Department of State authorizes AAA and AATA to issue U.S. IDPs[2]. AAA requires applicants using its process to submit printed photos[1].
The issuing organization specifically requests two identical recent passport-type photographs to process your paperwork[1]. Checking these rules early helps you avoid delays in receiving your travel document.
Background Choices and Proper Lighting
AAA requests two recent passport-type photographs but does not specify a background color on the cited application page[1].
Good lighting makes your face clear and easy to see. Stand facing a bright window during the day to get soft, natural light on your skin.
Avoid standing under harsh overhead lamps that create dark shadows under your eyes and chin.
Head Height and Camera Placement
The head height is not set by the authority[1], but you should still frame your face properly in the picture. Position your camera or smartphone so the lens sits at your exact eye level.
Stand or sit about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to prevent facial distortion. Keep your posture straight with your shoulders square to the camera.
Look directly forward with a relaxed posture so your features are clearly visible in the final image.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression
Glasses are unspecified by the authority[1] in the official guidelines for this document. Headwear is also unspecified by the authority[1] on the application page.
Even though specific rules are not listed for these items, removing hats and heavy frames prevents unwanted shadows on your face. Try to maintain a calm, natural expression with your mouth closed while the photo is taken.
Keep your eyes wide open and look straight into the camera lens without squinting.
Step-by-Step Home Photo Setup
Taking your photo at home is easy when you follow a few basic steps. First, find a quiet space inside your home with plenty of daylight near a plain wall.
Always ask a friend or family member to take your picture instead of holding the camera for a selfie. Selfies make your nose and forehead look too large because the phone is too close to your face.
Check the photo on your screen to confirm your entire head and face fit comfortably inside the frame.
Using the Cropping Tool
You can use the tool above to crop a photo to the 2×2-inch size AAA requests[1].
You can adjust the framing before printing.
Take your time to align your eyes and chin correctly inside the cropping boundaries.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
AAA’s instructions request two printed photos[1]. The cited page does not specify a 4×6-inch print layout.
Use standard glossy or matte photo paper for the best results. Cut out your two identical pictures neatly with scissors.
Submit both physical copies along with your completed application form to the issuing office[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size must my International Driving Permit photo be?
The official size is 50.8×50.8 millimeters, which is 2×2 inches[1].
Can I submit a digital photo online?
No, you must submit printed copies because digital submission is not used[1].
How many photos do I need to provide?
The issuing organization requests two identical recent passport-type photographs[1].
Who issues the International Driving Permit in the United States?
What background color should I use?
No background color is specified on the cited application page[1], so a plain, neutral wall works best.