Driving Licence Photo Requirements 2026: DVLA and DVA

To change the photo on your photocard by post, DVLA asks for a recent printed passport-type photo. Online, you can reuse your passport photo or upload a new one. In Northern Ireland, DVA sets the printed photo at 45 mm high × 35 mm wide, on a light grey or cream background, taken within the last month. Neither agency publishes a pixel size or file limit on these pages. You can make a photo to this template online from a good selfie in SelfieDoc.

Driving licence photo requirements at a glance

England, Scotland and Wales use DVLA. Northern Ireland uses DVA, and its rules are on nidirect. The two sets of rules are separate, so the table shows which agency each line comes from.

Checked against gov.uk (DVLA) and nidirect.gov.uk (DVA); source text retrieved 25 October 2026.

The DVLA driving licence pages do not give a size or background. They point to passport-type photos. Before you print for a DVLA application, compare your photo with the passport photo rules on gov.uk.

Where you apply and whether your own photo works

For a postal photo change you send your own printed photo. Online, gov.uk says you can use your passport photo or upload a new one.

Changing the photo on your photocard

Online, gov.uk says you can use your passport photo or upload a new one. The fee is £14. By post, you send a recent printed passport type photo and a cheque or postal order for £17. The gov.uk page mentions one photo.

First provisional licence

For a provisional licence by post, you fill in form D1 "Application for a driving licence", available from most Post Offices. The fee by post is £43. The gov.uk page does not set out the photo rules, so follow the instructions printed on form D1.

Online, gov.uk says it usually checks your identity with photo ID such as a passport. The page does not say this passport photo goes on your licence. Follow the prompts in the online service.

Full licence after your test

Gov.uk asks for a passport photograph only if you still have a paper provisional licence. The page does not ask for a photo in other cases.

Northern Ireland

DVA has its own rules on nidirect. They cover both printed and digital photos. They are not the DVLA rules.

Common reasons a photo is sent back

The points below come from the nidirect page (DVA, Northern Ireland), which names rejection only for glare on glasses; the other items are conditions the page sets for the photo. DVLA refers to passport-type rules instead.

• Glare on glasses. DVA suggests removing glasses where possible "to avoid the possibility of rejection". Dark or tinted glasses are not allowed.
• Wrong background. Printed photos need light grey or cream. Digital photos need a plain light colour without patterns or objects behind you.
• Smiling or frowning. DVA asks for a plain expression.
• An old photo. It must be taken within the last month and look like you now.
• Trimmed prints. DVA says not to trim photos to reach 45×35 mm. Order or print the photo at the right size.
• Headwear. It is not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.

Glasses, headwear and other exceptions

DVA allows headwear only for religious or medical reasons. For glasses, it prefers you take them off. If you need to keep them on, your eyes must be visible without glare or reflections.

DVLA does not publish its own list on the driving licence pages. Use the gov.uk passport photo rules for glasses and head coverings when you apply in England, Scotland or Wales.

How to take the photo: at home, in a shop or online

You have three practical options. The choice depends on whether you need a print or a file.

1. At home. DVA says a friend can take your digital photo. Stand in front of a plain light wall, face the camera and keep a neutral expression. Our guide on taking a passport photograph with your phone covers light and framing.
2. Photo booth or shop. Many shops and booths print passport-type photos. Tell them the photo is for a driving licence, and check the background colour if you apply in Northern Ireland.
3. Online from a selfie. SelfieDoc crops the photo, evens out the background and places your head to the template. It does not change your facial features. You get a file and a print layout set to 35×45 mm, and you print it yourself.

If you were looking for the Indian licence on the Sarathi portal, see our Sarathi driving licence photo guide. Its rules differ from the UK.

Before you post your application

• Check which agency you apply to: DVLA (England, Scotland, Wales) or DVA (Northern Ireland).
• For a postal photo change, include a recent printed passport-type photo and the £17 payment, unless you qualify for no fee.
• For form D1, read the photo instructions on the form itself.
• For Northern Ireland, use a light grey or cream background and do not trim the print.
• Make sure the photo was taken recently and looks like you today.

Sources

• Renew or change the photo on your driving licence — GOV.UK
• Change your driving licence photo by post — GOV.UK
• Apply for your full driving licence — GOV.UK
• Apply for your first provisional driving licence — GOV.UK
• Apply for a provisional licence by post — GOV.UK
• Passport photo requirements — GOV.UK
• Photo for your driving licence — nidirect (DVA, Northern Ireland)