UK Driving Licence Photo

What are the UK Driving License Photo Requirements?

When applying for a UK driving license, the photograph you submit is crucial. It's not just a formality but a vital security feature. Adhering to the specific guidelines set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) ensures your application process is smooth and your identity is accurately represented.

For your convenience, we have outlined the most important UK driving license photo requirements below:

Photo Size

• Dimensions: For any change, renewal, or update on a driver's license photo, ensure it is 45mm high by 35mm wide.
• Head Size: Whether applying for a new photo or updating your driving license photo, the head size should be between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown, filling 70-80% of the photograph.

Face Position

• Centring: Your face should be centred in the photograph.
• Orientation: Directly face the camera with your eyes open and visible.
• Expression: Aim for a calm and composed look by keeping your expression neutral–no need for smiles or frowns. Just relax your face, keep your mouth closed, and make sure your eyes are visible.

Background and Lighting

• Background: The image must feature a plain, light-coloured background, specifically plain cream or light grey. It ensures that the focus remains on your face without distractions from a busy or dark background.
• Lighting: Ensure even, shadow-free lighting on your face. Over-exposure or under-exposure can lead to rejection of the picture.

Glasses and Lens

For applying, renewing, or updating a photo on a driving licence, it is best to avoid wearing glasses or lenses. However, if you must wear them, take care of the following requirements:

• Glasses: If you wear glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses. The frames shouldn’t cover any part of your eyes.
• Tinted Lenses: Wear lenses that do not hide your natural eye colour. They should not be tinted.
• Sunglasses: Tinted sunglasses should not be worn for a driving licence picture.

Facial Hair

• Facial hair is allowed in your new or renewed photo for a driving licence as long as it doesn't obscure facial features.

Makeup and Jewelry

• Makeup: It should be light and not alter your usual appearance. Heavy makeup can lead to photo rejection.
• Jewellery: Small earrings are acceptable, but extravagant, reflective jewellery that distracts from the face should be avoided.

Headgear

• Religious and medical headgear is allowed but must not cover any part of the face, mainly the forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Photo Quality

• High-quality, colour photographs are a must. Black and white pictures are not accepted.
• The photo must be printed on photo-quality paper without damage, creases, or marks.

Recency

Your UK driving license photo must represent your current appearance. Hence, the picture for your application must be a recent one, taken explicitly within the last month. Ensuring it accurately reflects your current appearance is essential, as physical features can change over time.

Signing the Photos

Whether you want to renew your driver's licence photo or apply for the first time, the following requirement applies to people who are submitting their application via post:

• One of your pictures must be signed on the back by someone who can certify your identity.
• The endorsing individual must have known you personally for at least two years. They cannot be relatives or romantic partners or live at your address.
• The certifier can be your colleagues or employer–anyone who knows you professionally.
• The endorsing individual must have a United Kingdom (UK) or other European Economic Area (EEA) passport or valid UK Residence Permit.

How to Take a Driving License Photo at Home Using Pixelied?

Taking driving licence photos at home can be convenient and cost-effective if you have a high-quality camera phone and a stable internet connection.

There are several digital tools like Pixelied that follow requirements to make this process extremely safe, convenient, and fast for you. With Pixelied’s online photo tool, it's easier than ever to capture a picture that meets the stringent driving licence photo requirements set by the DVLA.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you take a perfect driving licence photo at home using Pixelied.

Step 1: Setting Up the Right Environment

• Lighting: Choose a well-lit room with natural daylight if possible. Avoid direct sunlight or harsh overhead lights that can create shadows or glare.
• Background: Set up against a plain, light-coloured background (cream or light grey). A wall or a hung sheet works if it’s free from creases or patterns.

Step 2: Camera Positioning

• Height and Distance: Position your camera at eye level, about 1.5 metres from where you'll stand or sit–standing for the picture is recommended. The distance helps in capturing the correct head size and facial features proportionately.
• Stability: Use a tripod or a stable surface to keep the camera steady. Shaky hands can lead to a blurred photo.

Step 3: Preparing for the Photo

• Dress Appropriately: Wear semi-formal attire, but avoid uniforms or clothes resembling a uniform. Clothing should be neutral-coloured and contrasting with the backdrop. Black and brown is a good choice.
• Facial Expression and Hair: Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Hair should not cover the eyes or face.
• Glasses and Jewellery: Remove sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses.

Step 4: Taking the Photo

• Alignment: Look straight at the camera. Your head should not be tilted up, down, or to the side.
• Preview: Check the camera’s preview to ensure your face is in the centre of the frame and the photo includes your upper shoulders.

Step 5: Using Pixelied for Editing

• Uploading: Upload your photo on Pixelied.
• Cropping and Adjustments: Use Pixelied’s online tool to automatically adjust the photo to the required 45mm x 35mm size and proportions.

Step 6: Finalising and Ordering the Photo

• Review: Make sure the picture meets all DVLA size, colour, background, and quality requirements.
• Saving: Save the photo in high resolution. If printing, use high-quality photo paper.
• Ordering Prints: Pixelied offers the convenience of delivering a-grade prints to your doorstep. While checking out, select the home-delivery option and specify your address correctly. The prints are usually delivered within seven working days.

By following these steps and using Pixelied, anyone can efficiently produce a fine-quality driving licence picture from the comfort of their home. Remember, the key is to adhere closely to DVLA photo requirements to ensure the photo is accepted without issues.

Where to Get a Driving Licence Photo Taken in the UK?

When it comes to updating your driver's licence in the UK, whether it's for changing a picture on your driving licence or to renew your driver's license photo, there are numerous convenient options, from online tools to self-service photo booths.

Each service is designed to provide a picture that adheres to the strict DVLA standards and matches your convenience and budget. Selecting the right service ensures that your driving licence is always current and compliant with all necessary regulations.

Photo Booths

Conveniently available in shopping malls, airports, and supermarkets, self-service photo booths are a popular and widely accessible option for getting a new driver's licence photo or renewing a driver's licence photo.

For ease of use, every kiosk has stepwise instructions and tools to help you correctly align your picture.

The process is quick and usually quite affordable if you want the fastest way to change a driving licence photo, with a budget ranging from £5 to £10 for two images. The booths automatically ensure the pictures are the correct size and format for driving licence applications.

• Pro: Quick and automated process, available in many public places.
• Con: Limited control over quality and lighting might not meet specific standards.

Professional Photography Studios

If you're looking for a more personalised service, professional photography studios are the way to go. These studios offer the expertise of professional photographers who will ensure that your picture meets all the necessary criteria, including correct framing, lighting, and background.

The price range can vary depending on the neighbourhood and the standard of service, but it is generally on the higher side. While more costly than a photo booth, it provides a higher level of service and assurance of quality and compliance. It is particularly beneficial for those needing additional assistance, such as the elderly, children, or people with special requirements.

• Pro: Professional quality photos with personalised settings and expert guidance.
• Con: Typically more expensive than other options and may require an appointment.

Post Offices

Several post offices in the UK offer a ‘Check and Send’ service for driving licence applications. The service fee costs around £16. Here's what the service charges include:

• Taking a Good Photo: Post office staff are trained to take photos that meet the driving licence photo rules regarding size, background, lighting, and how you look in the picture. They also ensure your hair, glasses, and jewellery follow the specified guidelines.
• Driving Licence Photo Check: Staff can review your application form and the image to ensure compliance and completeness, preventing mistakes or delays.
• Posting Your Application: They’ll send your application to the DVLA for you. It saves you the trouble of mailing it yourself.

On a side note, post offices are also a convenient option to kill two birds with one stone, i.e., change the photo and address on your driver's licence.

• Pro: Convenient and widely accessible, especially in local areas.
• Con: Limited service hours may require you to wait in line, leading to potential delays.

Online Photo Services

For those who prefer the convenience of taking a picture at home, online photo services like Pixelied offer a digital solution. These services allow you to upload an image taken with your digital camera or smartphone and obtain a picture that meets DVLA standards.

It is great for those who want the flexibility to take multiple shots and choose the best one. It’s also a time-saver as you can do everything from the comfort of your home. However, you must ensure you have good lighting and a suitable background.

• Pro: Highly convenient, allowing you to submit photos at home digitally.
• Con: Risk of not meeting strict guidelines if not used carefully, and photo quality depends on your device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Driving License Photos

When taking a photo for your UK driving licence, overlooking small details can lead to the rejection of your application or delays.

A little proactivity goes a long way. So, being aware of the driving licence photo requirements helps avoid common pitfalls and saves time and hassle.

Incorrect Background

• Mistake: Using a creasy, textured, or dark backdrop.
• Solution: Choose a light-coloured, plain background, preferably cream or light grey. Ensure it's free of patterns, textures, and other objects.

Inappropriate Facial Expressions

• Mistake: Smiling, frowning, or having an open mouth in the photo.
• Solution: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open.

Shadows and Poor Lighting

• Mistake: Shadows on the face or background or under/overexposure.
• Solution: Use natural, even lighting and avoid flash to prevent shadows and glare, especially if wearing glasses.

Incorrect Head and Face Position

• Mistake: Tilting your head up, down, or to the side; hair obscuring the face.
• Solution: Keep your head straight, with both edges of your face visible. Long hair should be tied in a bun or ponytail so it doesn’t cover your eyes or face.

Glasses Issues

• Mistake: Wearing tinted lenses, sunglasses, or glasses with heavy frames that obscure the eyes.
• Solution: Use clear prescription glasses if necessary, ensuring no glare or reflection on the lenses. Remove sunglasses.

Inappropriate Clothing

• Mistake: Wearing uniforms, clothes resembling uniforms, or clothing that doesn't contrast with the background.
• Solution: Choose everyday clothing that contrasts with the background, avoiding uniforms or clothes with logos.

Makeup and Jewellery Overuse

• Mistake: Wearing heavy makeup or large, distracting jewellery.
• Solution: Keep makeup natural and minimal. If wearing jewellery, opt for smaller, less reflective pieces.

Headgear Covering the Face

• Mistake: Wearing hats or headgear that covers part of the face.
• Solution: Remove headgear unless it's for religious or medical reasons. Ensure it doesn’t obscure any part of your face.

Poor Photo Quality

• Mistake: Using a low-resolution or damaged photo.
• Solution: Ensure the picture is taken by a professional photographer or with a high-quality camera and printed on fine-grade photo paper.

Using Old Photos

• Mistake: Submitting a photo that isn’t recent.
• Solution: Use a photo taken within the last month to ensure it’s a current likeness.

Not Following Size Specifications

• Mistake: Using a photo with incorrect dimensions (not 45mm high x 35mm wide).
• Solution: Carefully measure and crop the photo to meet the specific size requirements.

Updating Your Driving License Photo

Updating your provisional license photo in the UK is necessary to keep your personal information up-to-date; it’s also the law. Knowing when and how to update your image can help avoid legal trouble and ensure your license stays valid.

Correct Time for Updating Driving Licence Photo

There are a lot of reasons you may want to update your provisional licence photo. For example, the picture no longer matches your current appearance, or the image in your current licence is damaged.

Here are some more reasons to know when it is time to update

• Every 10 Years: Driving licence pictures should be updated every ten years. It helps to ensure that the photo accurately reflects your current appearance.
• Significant Appearance Changes: If you undergo a significant change in appearance due to surgery, significant weight loss or gain, or other factors, you should update the photo.
• Change in Personal Details: If you change your name or gender, updating your photo is recommended.

How to Update Your Photo

• Online Application: The easiest way to update your photo is through the DVLA’s online service. You’ll need a Government Gateway ID to use this service. If you don’t have one, you can create it during the application process.
• Using Your Passport Photo: If you have a recent digital passport photo, you can authorise the DVLA to use it for your driving licence.
• Postal Application: You can also update your photo by completing form D1 for car and motorbike or form D2 for lorry and bus licences, available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office branches.

Digital vs Physical Photos for Driving Licence

When you need a picture for your driving licence, you can use either a digital photo or a physical one. Digital images are convenient because you can just upload them online when you apply. It's quick, and you can do it from home.

But if you prefer, you can also take a regular photo at a photo booth or shop. You'll have to ensure it's the right size, then send it to the DVLA to apply for your licence.

It's about what works best for you, and below, we have put some essential pointers for you to decide.

Digital Pictures

• Requirements: Digital photos must meet the same standards as physical ones in terms of size, background, facial expression, and quality. The acceptable file format is JPEG.
• Submission Process: The DVLA's digital application process usually requires a soft copy of the picture, which is more convenient and faster than mailing a physical application. However, the photo should be original and not a scanned version.
• Convenience: Taking a digital photo can be more flexible. You can take multiple shots and choose the best one. You can use online tools for cropping and adjusting the picture to meet exact specifications.
• Quality Concerns: The quality of an electronic picture can vary depending on the device used. High-resolution cameras or smartphones are recommended to ensure the photo meets DVLA standards.

Physical Photos

• Print Quality: Physical photos must be printed on high-quality photographic paper. The print quality should be clear and free of smudges, creases, or marks.
• Submission Process: Physical pictures are used for postal applications. They must be carefully packaged to avoid any damage during mailing.
• Professional Assistance: Often, physical photos are taken at professional studios or photo booths, where staff can ensure the picture meets all the requirements.
• Cost and Accessibility: Physical photos might involve additional costs, such as professional fees or printing costs. However, they are often more accessible for individuals without digital skills or access to high-quality digital equipment.
• Tangibility: Some people prefer having a physical copy of their photo, especially if they need it for other forms of identification or applications.