When a photo is needed
You must provide a recent, colour, passport-size photograph if you are 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 is further information about how to do this on the page below:
When you don't need a photo
You do not need to provide a photo if the reason you are applying for a licence is:
- a change of name and/ or address
- a duplicate (this is a copy of your existing licence)
If, however, your appearance has changed significantly, you will need to apply for an optional renewal instead, and for that you will need to provide a new photograph.
The type of photo you need to send
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, DVA recommends that you 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
If you’re providing identity documents other than an up-to-date UK or other 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.