UK Driving Licence Photo Requirements 2026

UK Document Guide · Last verified: February 2026

UK driving licence photos have the same 35×45 mm format as passport photos — but different rules on background and recency. This guide covers the DVLA's exact specifications, how to apply online and by post, and why driving licence photos are rejected more often than most people expect.

Quick facts


Size	35×45 mm
Background	Plain light grey — same as UK passport
Head height	29–34 mm (chin to crown)
Recency	Within 1 month
Glasses	Not permitted
Photos required	1 (for paper applications)
Online application	Photo taken digitally; no print needed
Authority	DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)

Applying online — no photo needed from you

For the most common driving licence applications online at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence, the DVLA takes your photo from the passport database — you don't need to provide one.

This applies to: online renewal, change of address, adding categories

What happens: during the online application, the DVLA automatically retrieves your photo from the Identity and Passport Service database if you have a current UK passport. You don't need to submit a photo separately.

If you don't have a UK passport: you must apply by post using form D1 and provide a paper photo.

Paper applications (form D1) — photo specifications

For paper driving licence applications via DVLA form D1:

Size: 35×45 mm
Background: plain light grey — same specification as UK passport; not white
Head height: 29–34 mm from chin to crown of head
Face coverage: 70–80% of photo
Expression: neutral, mouth closed
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera
Glasses: not permitted
Recency: within 1 month
Photos required: 1 printed photo

Attach the photo to the designated space on the D1 form. Do not staple — use the adhesive strip on the form or glue lightly.

First provisional licence — photo required

For your first provisional driving licence (form D1 or online via DVLA portal), you must provide a photo. If applying online and you don't have a UK passport, you'll be directed to submit a paper application with a photo.

Most people applying for their first provisional licence in the UK are young adults — getting a photo from Timpson, Max Spielmann at Tesco, or an Asda photo booth costs £6–£13 and includes a photo code for the online application.

Photo code for driving licence applications

Some DVLA online processes accept a photo code. If you have a photo code from Timpson, Max Spielmann, or another certified UK photo provider, you can enter it during your online application. The DVLA's system retrieves your photo from the provider's database.

Key difference from passport: background

UK driving licence photos use the same light grey background as UK passport photos — not white. The DVLA and HMPO use the same biometric photo standard.

If you're applying for both a passport and driving licence at the same time, photos from one application are compliant for the other — same specs.

Where to get UK driving licence photos

Same locations as UK passport photos:

Option	Price	Photo code	Notes
Timpson	£12.99	✅ Yes	Most reliable; 900+ locations
Max Spielmann (Tesco/Asda)	£6–£8	✅ Yes	Cheapest with code
Snappy Snaps	£13–£16	✅ Yes	Professional quality
Asda photo booth	£6–£7	✅ Yes	Long hours
Post Office	£16 (Check & Send)	✅ Yes	Includes document check
PixID + print	~£4–5	Upload JPEG	Cheapest; no code

Common rejection reasons for UK driving licence photos

White background — DVLA requires light grey, same as passport. The most common mistake.
Glasses — not permitted. Banned since 2022.
Photo older than 1 month — same strict 1-month rule as UK passport
Head size outside 29–34 mm range
Shadows on face or background
Non-neutral expression
Low resolution or home-printed on regular paper

Frequently asked questions

What are the UK driving licence photo requirements?

35×45 mm, plain light grey background, head 29–34 mm from chin to crown, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 1 month.

Do I need a photo to renew my UK driving licence online?

Usually no — the DVLA retrieves your photo from the passport database if you have a current UK passport. If you don't have a passport, you must apply by post with a paper photo.

What background colour for a UK driving licence photo?

Plain light grey — same as UK passport photos. Not white.

Can I use my passport photo for my driving licence?

Yes — the specifications are identical. If your passport photo was taken within the last month, it can be used for a driving licence application.

Can I wear glasses in a UK driving licence photo?

No — glasses are not permitted in DVLA photos since 2022. The same ban applies as for UK passport photos.

How recent must a UK driving licence photo be?

Within the last month — same 1-month rule as UK passport photos.