Swiss Driving Licence Photo: Colour 35 x 45 mm, Not Scanned — Printed in Black and White on the Card

Swiss driving licences are issued by the cantons, and each canton publishes its own photo rule. The core is the same: a recent colour passport photo. Here is what Vaud, Geneva and Bern say.

Canton of Vaud (SAN)

Form 220 W lists the documents for all categories:

• A colour photograph with your name and first name on the back.
• Recent, 35 x 45 mm, not scanned, not printed, without headwear or uniform.
• A uniform and neutral background.
• If the photo stored in the system is more than 10 years old, a new one is recommended.
• Plus a legible copy of a valid, signed identity document; people over 75 add a full medical report.

For a Swiss licence based on a foreign one and for exchanging the old blue paper licence, the same photo applies — and Vaud notes that the photo will appear in black and white on the driving licence. The exchange for the credit-card format uses form 221 and costs fr. 45.-, payable on invoice.

Canton of Geneva

For a learner driver permit (and the truck or coach categories) Geneva asks for 1 colour passport-format photo, taken from the front, bareheaded, with your identity document — an identity card or passport for Swiss nationals, the foreigner’s booklet for foreigners.

Canton of Bern

Since 15 April 2023 Bern produces the licence with laser engraving. To exchange a licence it needs a recent colour passport photo and the application form. A previous credit-card licence remains valid without restriction.

Quick checklist

See our Swiss driving licence photo page for the format.