How to Take a Perfect UK Driving Licence Photo

DVLA photo requirements

Your driving licence photo must meet specific standards set by the DVLA. Here is a breakdown:

Photo specifications

• Size: 45mm × 35mm.
• Background: Plain cream or light grey. Avoid pure white — it can blur into your skin tone at the edges when printed on the card.
• Head size: Your head must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

Facial expression

• Neutral expression only.
• Mouth closed, eyes open.
• No smiling, laughing, or frowning.

Glasses and accessories

• You can wear glasses if you normally do, but:
• No tinted lenses or sunglasses.
• The frames must not cover any part of your eyes.
• There must be no glare or reflection on the lenses.
• No hats or head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons.

Common reasons DVLA photos are rejected

• Incorrect background: The background must be plain cream or light grey. Busy, dark, or pure white backgrounds are rejected.
• Poor lighting: Shadows on the face, uneven lighting, or overexposure can cause rejection.
• Wrong head position: Your head must be centred and facing the camera directly.
• Obstructed face: Hair covering the eyes, heavy makeup that alters appearance, or glare on glasses.

Tips for taking your photo

• Use a smartphone with a good camera (most modern phones are fine).
• Take the photo during the day near a window for soft, even lighting.
• Wear something you would normally wear. Avoid uniforms.
• Have a friend take the photo at eye level.
• Take several shots and pick the best one.

DigitalPhotoPassport checks every driving licence photo against DVLA guidelines automatically. Upload your photo and get an instant compliance report.