Driving licence photo in different countries: where you submit your own and where it's taken on site (2026)

The main rule: two different scenarios

All countries fall into two groups. "You submit your own photo" — you bring a ready-made image (printed or digital), and it is the one that goes onto the licence. "It's taken on site" — the administrator photographs you right during processing, so there is nothing to prepare, just look tidy.

Confusion is costly: turning up with a stack of photos where they take the photo on site is just a waste of money, while turning up without a photo where it is required is a wasted visit.

Countries where you submit your own photo

Netherlands. The pasfoto for a licence (rijbewijs), passport and ID card has the same requirements: 35×45 mm, face width 16-20 mm, height from chin to crown 26-30 mm (from age 11), an even plain background (light grey, light blue or white), an image no older than 6 months, resolution from 400 dpi.

France. Besides the 35×45 mm format and the face filling 70-80% of the frame (32-36 mm), a white background is prohibited — a light one is required (light grey or blue). For an online application on the ANTS portal, an e-Photo is used: a signed digital photo that an accredited operator (a photo booth or photographer) converts into a 22-digit code. The code is valid for 6 months and is used only once.

Countries where the photo is taken on site

Ukraine. The administrator at the MVS service centre photographs you directly during the service — your own photos are not accepted. If the shot is poor, you can reapply and redo it. The exception is the international permit (IDP): for it a 3.5×4.5 cm photo on matte paper is required.

Thailand. DLT offices in Bangkok take a digital photo on site during processing. In some provinces they may still ask for printed photos on a white background (usually 1×1 inch) — it is worth bringing 2-3 spare copies.

Russia (ordinary licences). A biometric photo is taken on site at the GIBDD/MFC free of charge. If a printed photo is required somewhere, its standard size is 21×30 mm on a white background. Only for the international permit (IDP) do you submit your own photo of 35×45 mm.

Will a passport photo work?

Often — yes, because many countries use the same biometric 35×45 mm format for passport, ID and licence. But there are two traps: the image must be no older than 6 months, and background requirements may differ (for example, in France a white background is prohibited, while in the Netherlands it is allowed). So before reusing it, always check the format specifically for a licence.