May 28, 2026 · Europe
Driving Licence Photo Requirements in Europe 2026 – Country Comparison
EU driving licence photos follow Directive 2006/126/EC and are broadly aligned with ICAO biometric standards. This guide compares the rules across seven major European countries — and clears up a common misconception about Germany.
Key fact
Germany's BSI PointID rule applies only to the Reisepass and Personalausweis — not to driving licences. Online biometric photos are accepted for German driving licences.
The EU Legal Framework: Directive 2006/126/EC
The European driving licence format is harmonised by Directive 2006/126/EC, which established the current credit-card format driving licence used across EU member states. The directive references ICAO Doc 9303 biometric standards for the photo requirement — meaning the same basic photo rules that apply to passports (35×45mm, frontal face, neutral expression, no glasses) also apply to driving licences.
However, the directive does not specify how the photo must be sourced or submitted. Individual member states determine whether online photos, printed photos, or in-person biometric capture are acceptable. This leads to meaningful differences between countries.
Germany: PointID Does Not Apply to Driving Licences
A widespread misconception is that Germany requires in-person biometric photo capture (via the BSI PointID system) for all identity documents. This is incorrect.
The BSI PointID requirement applies exclusively to the Reisepass (national passport) and the Personalausweis (national ID card). For these two documents, the biometric photo must be submitted digitally through a qualified source such as a registration office, photo studio with PointID certification, or a compatible self-service kiosk.
For the German Führerschein (driving licence), no such restriction exists. Applicants can provide a printed biometric photo or a digital photo file that meets standard ICAO requirements. Online tools that produce a correctly formatted 35×45mm biometric photo are therefore acceptable for German driving licence applications.
European Driving Licence Photo Comparison
| Country | Size | Background | Glasses | Online photo? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45mm | White / light grey | No | YES (PointID applies to passport/Personalausweis only) |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 35×45mm | White / light grey | No | YES |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 35×45mm | White / light grey | No | YES |
| 🇫🇷 France | 35×45mm | Light grey (#d7d7d7) | No | Limited (approved kiosks/studios) |
| 🇬🇧 Great Britain | 35×45mm | Cream / white | No | YES (DVLA online) |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 35×45mm | White | No | YES |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 35×45mm | White | No | YES |
Always verify current requirements with the official authority in your country before submitting.
Common Requirements Across Europe
Despite national differences in submission process, the core photo quality requirements are consistent across Europe:
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (standard ICAO biometric format)
- Face position: Frontal, centred, looking directly at the camera. Head height (chin to crown) should fill approximately 70–80% of the photo height.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible.
- Background: Plain white or light grey. France specifies approximately #d7d7d7. Avoid patterned, coloured, or gradient backgrounds.
- Glasses: Not permitted. All major European countries follow the ICAO biometric standard prohibiting glasses.
- Lighting: Even, shadow-free lighting on the face. No harsh highlights or shadows on the background.
- Recency: Most countries require a photo taken within 6 months.
- Colour: Full colour only. No black-and-white prints.
Practical Tips for Driving Licence Photos
Remove glasses before taking the photo
All European countries follow ICAO and prohibit glasses in driving licence photos, just as they do for passports.
Use a plain white or light grey background
A bedsheet or light-coloured wall works. Avoid dark walls, gradients, or busy patterns.
Ensure even lighting
Stand facing a window or a lamp. Avoid strong side lighting or flash reflections on your face.
Check the correct dimensions before printing
35×45mm at 300 DPI. Online tools that auto-crop and format the photo reduce the risk of sizing errors.
Confirm your local authority's submission method
Some offices accept digital files; others require a printed photo. Check before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the driving licence photo requirement the same as for a passport?
The core technical requirements are the same (35×45mm, ICAO biometric standard). However, the submission rules differ: most European countries allow online photos for driving licences even if they require in-person biometric capture for passports.
Can I use the same photo for my driving licence and passport?
The photo quality requirements are identical, so a correctly formatted biometric photo can be used for both — unless your national passport authority requires a specific digital submission channel (as Germany does for Reisepass/Personalausweis).
Does France really require an approved photo kiosk?
France has a system of certified photo booths (Photomaton stations) for official identity documents. For driving licences specifically, this requirement may be relaxed — always check with the préfecture or the ANTS portal.
How long is a driving licence photo valid?
Most European authorities require a photo taken within 6 months of the application date. The driving licence itself is valid for 10–15 years depending on the country.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority in your country — driving licence rules can change without notice.
Create Your Driving Licence Photo Online
ICAO-compliant 35×45mm biometric photo, correct background and head proportions. Free preview — pay only when satisfied. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
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