The photo for your driving licence
When you apply for a photocard driving licence in Northern Ireland, in most cases you'll need to provide a photograph which must follow specific rules. It may also need to be certified (signed) depending on the type of identification that you're using to apply for your licence.
When a photo is needed
You must provide a recent passport type photograph that's in colour if you're applying for:
- a provisional driving licence
- a renewal of your driving licence
- an optional renewal of your driving licence
- an exchange of your licence from another country*
* You will also need to provide proof of residency - there's further information about how to do this at the link below:
When you don't need a photo
You don't need to provide a photo if the reason you're applying for a licence is:
- a change of name and/ or address
- a duplicate (this is a copy of your existing licence)
To find out how to change your name and/ or address on your driving licence, go to:
If you need a duplicate of your driving licence, you'll need to apply to replace it.
If, however, your appearance has changed significantly, you'll need to apply for an optional renewal, and for that you'll need to provide a new photograph. To do this, you need to renew your driving licence.
The type of photo you need to send
Some driving licence applications are:
- done online and therefore need a digital photo, while others are
- on forms that you need to fill in and post together with a printed photo
Digital photos and printed photos have different guidelines. The table below shows which photo guidelines you need to follow.
| Type of licence | Can you apply online and upload a digital photo? | Can you apply by post and use a printed photo? |
|---|---|---|
| Renew your driving licence | Yes | Yes |
| Optional renewal of your driving licence | Yes, by renewing your driving licence online | Yes, by renewing your driving licence |
| Provisional driving licence | No | Yes |
| An exchange of your licence from another country | No | Yes |
Guidelines for digital photos
Use the following guidelines for digital photos. If your photo doesn’t meet the rules, your application may be returned to you.
You can:
- use an existing digital photo if it meets the digital photo rules below
- get a friend to take a digital photo of you
- not continue if you are unable to upload a digital photo or enter a photo code - the photo code service is available at the locations below. You will be charged a fee for using this service
Photo codes
Photo code services are available throughout Northern Ireland where you can buy a passport style photo and a photo code. You can upload the photo code with your application which allows the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) to download your photograph directly.
The photo codes service is available at the locations below. You will be charged a fee for using this service.
County Antrim outlets
There are 56 outlets offering the photo code service.
|
Location |
Address |
|---|---|
|
Antrim |
Gordons Chemists, Units 34-35, Castle Mall Shopping Centre, BT41 4DN |
|
Antrim |
Max Spielmann/ Timpson Ltd, c/ o Asda, 150 Junction One, BT41 4GY |
|
Ballyclare |
The Office, 81-83 Main Street, Ballyclare, BT39 9AA |
|
Ballymena |
Snappy Snaps, 57a Tower Centre, Wellington Street, BT43 6AB |
|
Ballymena |
Woodsides Pharmacy, 38-42 Church Street, BT43 6DF |
|
Ballymena |
Gordons Health & Beauty, Unit 21, 29-41 Ballymoney Street, BT43 6AL |
|
Cloughmills |
Cloughmills Pharmacy, 58 Mill Street, BT44 9LF |
|
Craigavon |
Maghaberry Pharmacy, Unit 3, 21 Maghaberry Road, Moira, BT67 0JF |
|
Belfast |
Balmoral Pharmacy, 88 Upper Lisburn Road, BT10 0BA |
|
Belfast |
Castlereagh Pharmacy, 339 Castlereagh Road, BT5 6AB |
|
Belfast |
Collinward Pharmacy, 2-4 Glengormley Park, BT36 7RE |
|
Belfast |
Crilly Chemist, 11 Springfield Road, BT12 7AB |
|
Belfast |
Doherty’s Pharmacy, 11f Anderstown Road, BT11 9BT |
|
Belfast |
Maguire Chemist, 3 Beechmount Avenue, BT12 7NA |
|
Belfast |
McGrath’s Pharmacy, 91-93 Glen Road, BT11 8BD |
|
Belfast |
McGregor Chemist, 30 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JA |
|
Belfast |
McKeevers Chemists, 34 Springfield Road, BT12 7AG |
|
Belfast |
Medicare Crumlin, 42 Main Street, Crumlin, BT29 4UR |
|
Belfast |
Medicare Dundonald, 967 Newtownards Road, BT16 1RL |
|
Belfast |
Medicare, Forestside Shopping Centre, 16 Upper Galwally, BT8 6FX |
|
Belfast |
Medicare King’s Square, BT5 7EA |
|
Belfast |
NI Technology, Merrion Business Centre, BT1 6PJ |
|
Belfast |
Timpson Ltd, Unit 20B Castle Court Shopping Centre, BT1 1ED |
|
Belfast |
Snappy Snaps, 37 High Street, BT1 2AB |
|
Belfast |
Dundela Pharmacy, 17-19 Belmont Road, BT4 2AA |
|
Belfast |
Gordons Chemists, 15-17 Cornmarket, BT1 4DA |
|
Belfast |
Gordons Chemists, 167-169 Shankill Road, BT13 1FP |
|
Belfast |
Kennedy Centre Post Office, Falls Road, BT11 9AE |
|
Belfast |
Lockview Pharmacy, 3 Lockiew Road, BT9 5FH |
|
Belfast |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, Unit 1 Westwood Centre, Kennedy Way, BT11 9BQ |
|
Belfast |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, 219 Shore Road, BT15 3PR |
|
Belfast |
McAreavey Pharmacy, 505-507 Falls Road, BT12 6DE |
|
Belfast |
Oriel Pharmacy Ltd, 363 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP |
|
Belfast |
Spar, Unit 1, Enler Centre, Craigleith Drive, Ballybeen, BT9 GGH |
|
Belfast |
Urban Pharmacy, 56 Dublin Road, BT2 7HN |
|
Carrickfergus |
Medicare Carrick, 16-18 High Street, BT38 7AF |
|
Carrickfergus |
Tesco Extra, Minorca Place, BT38 8AU |
|
Dundonald |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, 1009 Upper Newtonards Road, BT16 1RN |
|
Dunmurry |
Cooper & Anglin Ltd, Unit 11-12 Dairy Farm Centre, BT17 0AW |
|
Dunmurry |
Irwin’s Medical Hall, 10 Rowan Drive, Seymour Hill, BT17 9PX |
|
Larne |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, 1 Redlands Road, BT40 1AX |
|
Larne |
McFarlane’s Pharmacy Plus, 86-88 Main Street, BT40 1RE |
|
Lisburn |
Gordons Chemists, 164 Longstone Steet, BT28 1TT |
|
Lisburn |
Medicare, Warnocks, 8 Market Lane, BT28 1YG |
|
Lisburn |
Pond Park Pharmacy, 2A Ballymacash Road, BT28 3NR |
|
Lisburn |
Timpson Ltd, Unit B38 Bow Street Mall, BT28 1AW |
|
Lisburn |
Snappy Snaps, 10 Market Square North, BT28 1AG |
|
Lisburn |
Gordons Chemists, 54-56 Bow Street, BT28 1BN |
| Portglenone | Bannside Pharmacy Ltd, 77 Main Street, BT44 8HR |
|
Newtownabbey |
Max Spielmann, c/ o Abbeycentre, Longwood Road, BT37 9UH |
|
Newtownabbey |
Medicare, Unit 12-13 Northcott Shopping Centre, Ballyclare Road, BT36 6EA |
|
Newtownbreda |
Max Spielmann, c/ o Tesco 170 Newtownbreda Road, BT8 6PZ |
|
Portrush |
Campbell's Pharmacy, 8-9 Dunluce Street, BT56 8DN |
|
Randalstown |
Gribbin Pharmacy, 55a Main Street, Toomebridge, BT41 3TF |
|
Randalstown |
Randalstown Pharmacy, 46 Main Street, BT41 3AB |
|
Rasharkin |
Kennedy’s Pharmacy, 56 Main Street, BT44 8PX |
County Down outlets
There are 39 outlets offering the photo code service.
|
Location |
Address |
|---|---|
|
Ballynahinch |
Ballynahinch Post Office, 16 Lisburn Street, BT24 8WY |
|
Ballynahinch |
Gordons Chemists, 33 High Street, BT24 8AB |
|
Ballynahinch |
Hannawins Medical Hall, 23 Main Street, BT24 7AA |
|
Banbridge |
Gordons Chemists, 19 Newry Street, BT32 3EA |
|
Bangor |
Abbey Pharmacy, 82 Abbey Street, BT20 4JB |
|
Bangor |
Timpson Ltd, 12B Bloomfield Shopping Centre, BT19 7HB |
|
Bangor |
Gordons Chemists, Springhill Shopping Centre, BT19 1ND |
|
Bangor |
JT's Kodak Express Bangor, 65a Main Street, BT20 5AF |
|
Bangor |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, 2 Market Lane, BT20 4SD |
|
Castlewellan |
McKeevers Chemists, 13 Main Street, BT31 9DF |
|
Comber |
Comber Pharmacy, 4 The Square, BT23 5DT |
|
Donaghadee |
Gordons Chemists, 23 New Street, BT21 OAG |
|
Downpatrick |
Gordons Chemists, 33-37 Market Street, BT30 6LP |
|
Downpatrick |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, Ballydugan Retail Park, Ballydugan Road, BT30 6AJ |
|
Dromore |
Johnston’s Pharmacy, 4-6 Gallows Street, BT25 1BG |
|
Dundrum |
Groves Chemists, 165-167 Main Street, BT33 0LY |
|
Hilltown |
Hilltown Pharmacy, 4-6 Rathfriland, BT34 5UR |
|
Holywood |
Burns Pharmacy, 100 Abbey Ring, BT18 9PF |
|
Kilkeel |
Gordons Chemists, 57 Newcastle Street, BT34 4BH |
|
Killough |
Killough Pharmacy, 37 Castle Street, BT30 7QQ |
|
Killyleagh |
Gabbies Pharmacy, 16 High Street, BT30 9QF |
|
Kircubbin |
McKeevers Chemists, 38-40 Main Street, BT22 2SP |
|
Knocknagoney |
Timpson Ltd, c/ o Tesco, Knocknagoney Road, BT4 2PW |
|
Lisburn |
Gordons Chemists, 54-56 Bow Street, BT28 1BN |
|
Mayobridge |
Mayobridge Pharmacy, 2 Ballyvalley Road, BT34 2ES |
|
Newcastle |
Gordons Chemists, 16 Railway Street, BT33 0AL |
|
Newcastle |
McKeevers Chemists, 5-7 Main Street, BT33 0AD |
|
Newry |
DOCSOL, 7 Monaghan Street, BT35 6BB |
|
Newry |
Gordons Chemists, 9 Sugar Island, BT35 6HT |
|
Newry |
McCartan’s Pharmacy, Unit 5, 99 Armagh Road, BT35 6PW |
|
Newry |
McKeevers Chemists, 11 Marcus Square, BT34 1AE |
|
Newry |
McKeevers Chemists, 53-55 Mill Street, BT34 1AJ |
|
Newtownards |
Gordons Chemists, 2a Regent Street, BT23 4LH |
|
Newtownards |
Kodak Express Newtownards, 13 Frances Street, BT23 7DW |
|
Newtownards |
Photo Monkey, 1 Conway Square, BT23 4DA |
|
Poyntzpass |
Northern Pharmacies, 1-3 Railway Street, BT35 6SN |
|
Rathfriland |
Gordons Chemists, 16 Main Street, BT34 5PS |
| Rostrevor | McKeevers Chemists, 16 Bridge Street, BT34 3BG |
|
Saintfield |
Gordons Chemists, 59 Main Street, BT24 7AB |
County Armagh
There are 19 outlets offering the photo code service.
|
Location |
Address |
|---|---|
|
Armagh |
Dougans Chemist, 33-37 Ogle Street, BT61 7EW |
|
Armagh |
Emersons Supermarket, 55-57 Scotch Street, BT61 7DF |
|
Armagh |
Gordons Chemists, 27-29 Scotch Street, BT61 7DD |
|
Armagh |
McKeevers Chemists, 63-65 Thomas Street, BT61 7QB |
| Armagh |
McKeevers Chemists, 140 Railway Street, BT61 7HP |
|
Armagh |
Partridge MPS, 15-17 Upper English Street, BT61 7BH |
|
Craigavon |
Brownlee Health Centre, Legahory, BT65 6BE |
|
Craigavon |
Max Spielmann/ Timpson Ltd c/ o Tesco Highfield Road, BT64 1AG |
|
Craigavon |
Northern Pharmacies, Brownlow Health Centre, Legahory, BT65 5BE |
|
Craigavon |
Penrhyn Photography Ltd, 25 Bridge Street, BT62 4BT |
|
Keady |
McKeevers Chemists, 20 Davis Street, BT60 3RS |
|
Lurgan |
Gordons Chemists, 10 Market Street, BT66 6AQ |
|
Lurgan |
Partridge MPS, 36 High Street, BT66 8AU |
|
Middletown |
Middletown Post Office, 7 Main Street, BT60 4JF |
|
Newry |
Gordons Chemists, 9 Sugar Island, BT35 6HT |
|
Newry |
McKeevers Chemists, 4 Monaghan Street, BT35 6AA |
|
Portadown |
Anderson Chemist, 92 Thomas Street, BT62 3AG |
|
Portadown |
Gordons Chemists, 4-5 High Street Mall, BT62 1HX |
|
Portadown |
Max Spielmann/ Timpson Ltd, c/ o Asda, Bridge Street, BT63 5AQ |
County Londonderry
There are 19 outlets offering the photo code service.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
|
Bellaghy |
Bellaghy Pharmacy, 20 Main Street, BT45 8HT |
|
Castledawson |
McKeevers Chemists, 3 -17 Main Street, BT45 8AA |
|
Coleraine |
Gordons Chemist, 8 New Row, BT52 1AF |
|
Coleraine |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, Superstore 1, Ring Road, BT52 1QP |
|
Coleraine |
Timpson Ltd, Unit 12 Diamond Centre, BT52 1DT |
|
Coleraine |
Snappy Snaps, 7 Kingsgate Street, BT52 1LB |
|
Kilrea |
McCloy Chemist, 1 Maghera Street, BT51 5QL |
|
Limavady |
Gordons Chemists, Unit 2, 57-61 Main Street, BT49 0EP |
|
Londonderry |
Belmont Pharmacy, Unit 7 Davinci’s Complex, Culmore Road, BT48 8JB |
|
Londonderry |
Gordons Chemists, 3a-3b Strand Road, BT48 7BH |
|
Londonderry |
Murphy’s Chemist, 165 Spencer Road, BT47 1AH |
|
Londonderry |
Timpson Ltd Unit 1A, Level 4 Foyleside Shopping Centre, BT48 6XY |
|
Londonderry |
The Village Pharmacy, 3-4 Northside Village, Centregallagh Road, BT47 8NN |
|
Maghera |
Glass Chemist, 88 Main Street, BT46 5AF |
|
Magherafelt |
McGlaughlins Pharmacy, 38 Rainey Street, BT45 5AQ |
|
Magherafelt |
O'Brien's Pharmacy, 5 Broad Street, BT45 6EB |
|
Magherafelt |
O'Kanes Pharmacy, 11-13 High Street, Draperstown, BT45 7AA |
|
Magherafelt |
O'Kanes Pharmacy, 6a Tobermore Road, Draperstown, BT45 7AG |
|
Magherafelt |
Timpson Ltd, Unit 24 Meadows Shopping Centre, BT45 6PR |
County Tyrone
There are 27 outlets offering the photo code service.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
|
Aughnacloy |
McKeevers Chemists, 67-69 Moore Street, BT69 6AR |
|
Ballygawley |
O’Neill Ltd, 30 Main Street, BT70 2HE |
|
Castlederg |
Bradleys Pharmacy, 3 John Street, BT81 7AW |
|
Castlederg |
Corrys Chemists, 13-14 The Diamond, BT81 7AR |
|
Castlederg |
Donaghy Chemist, 9 Lower Strabane Road, BT81 7HZ |
|
Clougher |
Valley Pharmacy, 7 Main Street, VT76 0AA |
|
Coalisland |
Dormans Healthcare, 6a Lineside, BT71 4LP |
|
Cookstown |
Coagh Pharmacy, 11 Main Street, Coagh, BT80 0EN |
|
Cookstown |
Falls Pharmacy, 56 William Street, BT80 8NB |
|
Cookstown |
Gordons Chemists, 6-10 Oldtown Street, BT80 8EF |
|
Cookstown |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, Sweep Road, BT80 8JR |
|
Dromore |
Bradley’s Pharmacy, 8 Dromore Road, BT78 3AJ |
|
Dungannon |
Gordons Chemists, 14 Scotch Street, BT70 1AR |
|
Dungannon |
Medicare, 50 Newell Road, BT70 1EG |
|
Dungannon |
Medicare Medichem, Castle Court, Thomas Street, BT70 1HJ |
|
Dungannon |
Timpson Ltd, c/ o Tesco, Beech Valley, BT71 7BN |
|
Fintona |
Fintona Medical Hall Ltd, 90-92 Main Street, BT78 2AE |
|
Fivemiletown |
Fivemiletown Pharmacy, 96-98 Main Street, BT75 0PW |
|
Moy |
McKeevers Chemists, 20 Charlemont Street, BT71 7SL |
|
Omagh |
Bradley’s Pharmacy, Unit 11, Dromore Retail Park, Dromore Road, BT78 1RE |
|
Omagh |
Corrys Chemists, 37 Main Steet, Gortin, BT79 8PQ |
|
Omagh |
Gordons Chemists, 30 Market Street, BT78 1EH |
|
Omagh |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, 31 Dromore Road, BT78 1QZ |
|
Strabane |
Colhoun Chemist, 11 Castle Street, BT82 8AF |
|
Strabane |
Magir Ltd, 67 Main Street, BT82 8AF |
|
Strabane |
Max Photobooth, c/ o Asda, Railway Road, BT82 8EQ |
|
Strabane |
Medicare Mourne Pharmacy, 6A Melmount Road, BT82 9BD |
County Fermanagh
There are nine outlets offering the photo code service.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
|
Ballinamallard |
Village Pharmacy, 59 Main Street, BT94 2FZ |
|
Clougher |
Valley Pharmacy, 7 Main Street, BT76 0AA |
|
Enniskillen |
Corrys Chemists, 15 Darling Street, BT74 7DP |
|
Enniskillen |
Enniskillen Photoshop, 5 Regal Pass, BT74 7NT |
|
Enniskillen |
Gordons Chemists, 18 High Street, BT74 7EH |
|
Enniskillen |
Max Spielmann/ Timpson Ltd, c/ o Asda, Derrychara Road, BT74 6JG |
|
Irvinestown |
The Medical Hall, 6 Main Street, BT94 1GS |
|
Irvinestown |
PillBox Pharmacy, 24 Church Street, BT94 1EH |
|
Lisbellaw |
Lisbellaw Pharmacy, 2-4 Main Street, Lisbellaw, BT94 5ER |
Digital photo rules:
- your photo must look like you and must have been taken in the last month
- use a plain light-coloured background with no patterns or textures and don't have objects behind you
- no shadows on your face or behind you - it's best to use natural sunlight, for example facing a window
- stand 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) away from your background (this helps to stop shadows appearing)
- the person taking the photo should stand 1.5 metres (5 feet) from you
- include your head, shoulders and upper body in the photo and look straight at the camera
- have a plain expression so don't smile or frown - eyes open and mouth closed
- eyes fully visible, hair away from your face and eyes
- take your glasses off if you can - if you need to keep your glasses on, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections
- no sunglasses or tinted glasses
- no headwear unless it's for religious or medical reasons
- don't crop your photo - it will be done for you
The pictures below help to explain which photos follow the rules and shows those that don't. The following video also explains how to take a good digital photo:
- How to take a digital photo (same rules as digital passport photos)
Guidelines for printed photos that are posted
The photo must be:
- printed to a high quality, such as photos printed by a booth or studio (photographs printed at home are unlikely to be of a high enough quality)
- taken within the last month, a true likeness of you and of your full head
- in colour, not black and white, against a light grey or cream background
- 45mm high x 35mm wide (however, don't trim your photographs to meet this condition)
- taken so that your eyes can be positioned in the area marked by the shaded band (see diagram below)
- clear, in sharp focus, free from ‘red eye’ and with no shadow in it
- free of any reflection or glare from glasses (where possible, remove your glasses to avoid the possibility of rejection)
- of you on your own
- in good condition, not damaged, creased, torn or marked
You must:
- face forward and look straight into the camera with your eyes open and nothing covering your face
- look natural with no facial expressions, for example, smiling, grinning or frowning
- have nothing covering your eyes, for example, hair or glasses frame
- not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses
- not wear a hat or cover your head unless for medical or religious reasons
Having your photograph certified
This section only applies to printed photos that are posted together with driving licence application forms. (Therefore it does not apply to digital photos.)
If you’re providing identity documents other than an up-to-date United Kingdom (UK) or other European Economic Area (EEA) passport, a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit or UK travel document, you must get an authorised person to sign the back of your photo.