UK Driving Licence Photo Requirements: 35 × 45 mm

A United Kingdom Driving Licence photo is an essential requirement for obtaining a driving licence in the UK. It is a form of identification that displays the holder's personal details and a photograph. A UK passport photo is needed for the UK driving licence.The photo must meet specific guidelines to ensure clarity and accuracy. 

Here are some key points to consider when taking a United Kingdom Driving Licence photo:

1. Background: The background of the photo should be light grey or cream. Avoid any patterns or distractions that may obscure the subject.

2. Lighting: 

- The photo should have even lighting across the face, with no shadows.

- Avoid using flash photography, as it can cause harsh shadows and reflections.

- The photo does not have ‘red eye’

3. Pose and Expression: The applicant should face the camera directly and maintain a neutral expression. Both eyes should be open and visible, with no reflections or red-eye.

4. Framing: The head and shoulders should be centered in the frame, with the face fully visible. Make sure that the photo is not blurry or pixelated.

5. Clothing: The applicant should avoid wearing any hats, head coverings, or sunglasses, unless it is for religious or medical reasons. The face should be fully visible, with no accessories obstructing the view.

6. Size and Resolution: The photo should be 45 millimeters (mm) high by 35 mm wide. It should have a resolution of at least 600 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure clarity and detail.

7. Printing: The photo should be printed on high-quality photo paper with a matt or glossy finish. Avoid using regular printer paper, as it may not meet the required standards. 

Do You Need a New Driving Licence Photo? 

You may need a new photograph when: 

• Applying for your first provisional driving licence

• Renewing an existing photocard licence

• Updating the photograph on your licence

• Exchanging certain foreign driving licences

• Your appearance has changed significantly 

When renewing a driving licence online in Great Britain, you may be able to use the photograph from your passport or upload a new photograph. 

When applying by post, you will normally need to include a recent printed passport-style photograph with the relevant application form. 

The application process is different in Northern Ireland. Applicants in Northern Ireland should follow the Driver and Vehicle Agency instructions shown during their application. 

Printed UK Driving Licence Photo Size 

A printed UK driving licence photo should measure: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high 

This is the standard passport-photo size commonly used by UK photo booths and professional photography shops. 

Do not stretch the photograph or change its proportions to make it fit. The face and head must remain natural and correctly positioned. 

Our online photo tool automatically crops your image to the correct 35 × 45 mm proportions. 

Background Requirements 

Use a plain cream or light-grey background. 

The background should: 

• Be clear and evenly lit

• Have no visible patterns, objects or decorations

• Provide enough contrast between your face, hair and the background

• Have no shadows behind your head 

Stand a short distance away from the wall when taking your picture. This helps reduce background shadows. 

Our tool can prepare the background for the selected photo format. 

Facial Expression and Position 

Face the camera directly and look straight ahead. 

You should: 

• Keep your head upright

• Use a neutral expression

• Keep your mouth closed

• Keep both eyes open and clearly visible

• Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes

• Keep your face fully visible

• Show your head and shoulders

Place the camera at approximately eye level for the most natural result.

 Glasses, Hats and Head Coverings 

Remove your glasses where possible. 

When glasses must be worn: 

• Your eyes must remain completely visible

• The frames must not cover your eyes

• There must be no glare, reflections or shadows

• Sunglasses and tinted glasses must not be worn 

Hats and other head coverings are not normally permitted. A head covering may be worn when it is required for religious or medical reasons, but it must not cover any part of your face. 

Lighting and Photo Quality 

Your driving licence photograph must be clear, sharp and in colour. 

For the best result: 

• Use soft, even lighting

• Face a window or another natural light source

• Avoid direct sunlight

• Avoid strong overhead lighting

• Make sure there are no shadows across your face

• Keep the camera steady

• Use the original full-resolution image

Great Britain and Northern Ireland Applications 

Driving licence services are administered differently across the United Kingdom. 

England, Scotland and Wales 

Driving licences in Great Britain are administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, commonly known as the DVLA. 

Depending on the application, you may be able to: 

• Use an existing passport photograph

• Upload a new digital photograph

• Submit a printed passport-style photograph by post

Follow the instructions provided during your DVLA application.

 Northern Ireland 

Driving licences in Northern Ireland are administered by the Driver and Vehicle Agency, known as the DVA. 

Northern Ireland has a separate application service. Both digital and printed photographs may be accepted for certain applications, depending on how you apply.

A printed photograph may also need to be certified in some circumstances. Check the current DVA instructions before submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What size is a UK driving licence photo? 

A printed UK driving licence photo should be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. 

Is the provisional driving licence photo the same size? 

Yes. A printed photograph for a UK provisional driving licence uses the standard 35 × 45 mm passport-style format. 

Can I use a passport photo for my driving licence? 

In Great Britain, you may be able to use the photograph associated with your passport when completing an eligible online driving licence application. The available options will be shown during the application. 

For a postal application, you may need to provide a recent printed passport-style photograph. 

Can I take my driving licence photo with a phone? 

Yes. A smartphone can produce a suitable photograph when the camera is held steady, the lighting is even and another person takes the picture from eye level. 

Use the original image rather than a screenshot or a photograph downloaded from social media.

Can I smile in my driving licence photo?

No. Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed. 

Can I wear a head covering? 

Head coverings are permitted only when worn for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must remain visible. 

Should I crop the photo before uploading it? 

No. Upload the original photograph with enough space around your head and shoulders. The 123PassportPhoto tool will crop it to the selected format. 

Does Northern Ireland use the same application process? 

No. Northern Ireland driving licences are administered by the DVA through a separate application service. Check the Northern Ireland instructions that apply to your application.

Create Your UK Driving Licence Photo Online

 Prepare your UK driving licence photo in a few simple steps:

1. Select the United Kingdom driving licence format.

2. Upload a photograph taken with a phone or digital camera.

3. Process your photo

4. Download the completed 35 × 45 mm photograph.

5. Print it on high-quality photographic paper when a printed photo is required. 

You do not need specialist photo-editing knowledge. Our tool prepares the image using the selected format and output dimensions.

Official Information 

• Great Britain – Change or renew the photo on a driving licence (DVLA / GOV.UK): Change the photo on your driving licence – GOV.UK

• Northern Ireland – Driving licence photo requirements (DVA / NI Direct): The photo for your driving licence – NI Direct

• General official UK photo standards: Photo standards – GOV.UK