Zambian Driving Licence Photo Guide
Get the right photo for your Zambian driving licence by following the official size and paper rules.
Official Size and Dimensions
When you apply for a driving licence in Zambia, you need to provide physical photo prints that match specific size rules[1]. The official size is 35 by 50 millimetres, which is about 1.38 by 1.97 inches[1].
The regulations allow photos from 50 to 65 mm by 35 to 50 mm[1]. The minimum dimensions are 35 × 50 mm, with the shorter side listed second[1].
To make sure your image fits these exact proportions before you print, you can use the tool above to crop your picture correctly. Taking time to measure the proportions carefully helps you avoid common formatting mistakes.
Head and Shoulder Requirements
Your photo must show your full face clearly from a direct front view[1]. You need to show your head and shoulders in the picture[1].
The regulation does not set a numerical head-height measurement[1]. It requires a full-face, head-and-shoulders photograph[1].
Look directly at the camera lens with a calm expression. Keep your shoulders level and squared to the front so that the image is balanced and easy to check.
Background and Lighting
The official regulation does not specify a background colour for your driving licence photo[1]. Even though the rules do not demand a specific colour, a plain, neutral background is always a sensible choice so that nothing distracts from your face.
When you take your photo at home, try to stand facing a bright window for natural, even lighting. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself, and keep the lens at your eye level about one to one and a half metres away.
Avoid using harsh flash lighting, which can create heavy shadows on the wall behind you or shiny spots on your skin. Soft daylight gives the best results without casting unwanted dark patches across your features.
Headwear and Glasses
Your head must be uncovered in the photograph[1].
The official rules do not give specific instructions about wearing glasses[1]. If you do wear prescription glasses, make sure the frames do not hide your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses. Taking off your glasses completely can also prevent any accidental light reflections.
Paper and Print Quality
You must submit physical prints rather than a digital file[1]. The regulation requires two recent photographs[1].
Your prints must be on unmounted, normal, thin photographic paper[1].
Ask the print shop for unmounted, normal, thin photographic paper.
Preparing Your Photo
You can prepare your image file at home before you print it out. You can use the tool above to crop your digital picture to the correct 35 by 50 millimetre dimensions.
You can arrange the cropped image on a 4 by 6-inch sheet, print it, and cut it to the required dimensions[1].
Use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper trimmer with a metal ruler to get clean, straight edges. Crooked cuts or uneven borders can make the prints look messy and unprofessional.
Before You Go
Before you visit the Road Transport and Safety Agency[2], double-check your physical prints against a ruler to verify the dimensions are correct. Keep the pictures flat in a clean envelope so they do not get bent, folded, or smudged in your bag.
Check that your prints are flat and undamaged before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a Zambian driving licence photo?
The official size is 35 by 50 millimetres (1.38 by 1.97 inches)[1].
Can I wear a hat in my driving licence photo?
No, the regulations state that your head must be uncovered[1].
What kind of paper should I use for printing?
You must print your photos on unmounted, normal, thin photographic paper[1].
Does the regulation require a specific background colour?
The regulation does not specify a background colour[1].
How many photos do I need to submit?
You need to submit two recent photographs[1].
Who issues Zambian driving licences?
Zambian driving licences are issued by the Road Transport and Safety Agency[2].