Japan driver's license photo size: Tokyo rules and framing

Legal framework: Why Japan has three different document formats

The photograph specifications for Japanese documents are established in different official sources.

The Enforcement Regulations of the Road Traffic Act of Japan (Prime Minister's Office Ordinance No. 60 of 1960, Article 17, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 10) set the size of the photograph for a domestic license: 3.0 cm vertically and 2.4 cm horizontally. The picture must be taken no more than six months before the application. The regulation specifies that the photo must be taken without a hat, facing front, with a mid-torso framing (kamisanbunshin — head, shoulders, and upper chest), and without a background. The definition of an "application photograph" also states that the name and date of shooting are written on the back.

Article 37-9 of the same Regulations establishes separate requirements for the international driving permit. The photo size is 4.5 cm vertically and 3.5 cm horizontally. This article does not include the mid-torso framing requirement: it specifies an image without a hat, facing forward, and without a background.

The third document is the residence card. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan specifies a size of 4 cm vertically and 3 cm horizontally. The picture must be taken no more than six months before submission; there must be no background, including shadows. The name is written on the back of the photo, unless the photo is printed directly into the form field.

Comparison of specifications and global context

The table compares the specifications from official sources. The formats differ in size and proportions, so a single crop may not meet the requirements of another document.

In our database of 241 document profiles, 229 specify a print size; a total of 17 different sizes are used. The most common format in our database is 35×45 mm (148 profiles). Next are the 51×51 mm (16 profiles), 30×40 mm (14 profiles), and 40×60 mm (11 profiles) formats. Japanese driver's licenses measure 30×24 mm.

A maximum photo age is fixed in 32 of the 241 profiles in our database: 3 months is specified in 2 profiles, and 6 months in 30 profiles. The remaining profiles do not fix this parameter; this is a gap in the data rather than proof of no limit. A white background is specified in 52 profiles, 23 name a specific non-white shade, such as light gray or off-white, and the rest require a plain light background without naming an exact color. For Japanese driver's licenses, the regulation states "without a background."

The exact millimeters of the face height for a residence card are not published in text format: the parameters are shown on an image diagram next to the requirements. The open page of the Immigration Services Agency standard does not contain requirements for pixels, file weight, and file format for online submissions. The Japanese license regulation does not set the number of required copies: it defines a single "application photograph."

Framing issues: Why you cannot simply crop a picture to the Japan residence card photo size

A 40×30 mm photograph for a residence card and a 30×24 mm photograph for a domestic license have different proportions: 1.333 and 1.25, respectively. Cropping can alter the frame, so you must separately verify the size and composition requirements for the specific document.

If you reduce the 40 mm frame height to 30 mm, its width while maintaining proportions will be 22.5 mm. If you adjust the width to 24 mm, the height will be 32 mm, which means the frame will need to be cropped.

Domestic licenses require a mid-torso framing (kamisanbunshin). The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (Keishicho) rejection list specifically points out pictures where only the face is visible (too close) and pictures where the face is small (too far).

Real reasons for photo rejection in Japan

The Keishicho lists the reasons why a brought-in photo may be rejected for a driver's license. The Immigration Services Agency separately states that you will be asked to retake the photo if it is unsuitable for a residence card.

• Space above the head: The Keishicho rejection list has a dedicated line for the lack of about 3 millimeters of space above the head.
• Blending with the background: "Facial contours or clothing blend with the background."
• Background textures: Photos with a wallpaper pattern, curtain pattern, or wall wood texture in the background are not accepted.
• Shadow problems: For a residence card, there must be no background, including shadows. A shadow on the background is listed as an unsuitable example; if you submit an unsuitable photo, you will be asked to retake it.
• Issues with glasses: The lists mention photos where glasses reflect light and hide the eyes, the frame covers the eyes, or the lighting reflects off the glasses.
• Facial expression: A facial expression that differs significantly from your normal look is cited as an unsuitable example for a residence card.
• Paper quality: The Keishicho states that prints not on special photo paper are not accepted.

How to submit your own photo: A step-by-step guide for Tokyo

At driving license centers, a staff member takes the photo for the license. In Tokyo, you can submit your own photograph according to the Keishicho rules outlined below.

1. Ensure your procedure allows you to submit your own photo. Brought-in photos are accepted during renewals, reissuances, and when making endorsements.
2. Choose the appropriate driving license center. In Tokyo, you can bring your own picture to the Fuchu, Samezu, and Koto centers.
3. Prepare an additional photo if you are making endorsements. When adding endorsements, an application photo is required in addition to the brought-in photo. These photographs can be different.
4. Do not sign the back of a brought-in photo. The regulation requires the name and date of shooting to be written on the back of an application photo. The Keishicho clarifies that you do not need to write your name and date on the back of a brought-in photo.
5. Account for the processing time. A brought-in picture becomes the license photo, and issuing the license takes more time than during a standard renewal.

Exceptions: Medical and religious headwear

The regulation for a driver's license photo dictates that the picture must be taken without a hat, but provides an exception for religious or medical reasons. The sources outline different conditions for driver's licenses and residence cards.

The Keishicho guidelines state that headwear or fabric for religious and medical reasons are acceptable as long as the person remains easy to identify. The guidelines also recommend consulting in advance.

When the face is covered with fabric for religious or medical reasons, the agency requests that you submit an explanatory note (statement) in a free-form format.

Always verify the current requirements on the official source of the respective authority before submitting your application.