UK Driving Licence Photo in Canada
35 × 45 mm · light grey background · DVLA
$9.99 digital file
Wrong size, background or crop? We fix it free or refund you in full. Refund policy
Rules last checked against DVLA on 25 October 2026.
About this photo
If you are applying for or renewing a UK Driving Licence by post, DVLA asks for a colour print 35 by 45 mm with a plain light grey, cream or white background. Your head, from chin to crown, should measure between 29 and 34 mm, centred and facing forward. Shadows on the face or wall and tinted glasses all cause problems, so use soft daylight from in front of you. Keep a neutral expression, look straight at the camera without tilting your head, and avoid filters or retouching. The photo should have been taken within the last six months.
Photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital file | JPEG, for DVLA online (renew-photo-driving-licence) |
| Background | light grey, also accepted: cream, white |
| Head size | 64–76% of the photo height (29–34 mm, chin to crown, top of head, including hair) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Allowed. No tinted lenses or sunglasses. No glare on the lenses. Frames must not cover any part of the eyes. |
| Head coverings | Allowed for religious or medical reasons. The whole face from chin to forehead must be visible. |
| Head position | Facing the camera, tilted no more than 10° |
| Other rules | Plain, evenly lit, no shadows on the face or background; Look straight at the camera, head not tilted; Taken within the last 6 months; No filters, retouching or alteration of facial features |
Do
Don't
How it works
1. Take or upload a photo
Use your phone camera against a plain wall, or pick a photo you already have.
2. We size and check it
We crop to the right size, replace the background and check it against the rules above.
3. Download and use it
Pay once, then download the digital file and the print sheet straight away.
If our processing gets the size, background or crop wrong for this document, we fix it free or refund you in full. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Questions about UK Driving Licence photos
What size is a UK Driving Licence photo?
UK Driving Licence photos are 35 × 45 mm. The head should fill 64–76% of the photo height (29–34 mm, chin to crown, top of head, including hair).
What background does a UK Driving Licence photo need?
A plain light grey background (cream, white is also accepted), with no shadows, patterns or objects. We replace the background for you, but a plain wall gives the cleanest edges around your hair.
Can I wear glasses in a UK Driving Licence photo?
Yes. No tinted lenses or sunglasses. No glare on the lenses. Frames must not cover any part of the eyes.
Can I smile in a UK Driving Licence photo?
No. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and your eyes open.
Can I wear a head covering?
Allowed for religious or medical reasons. The whole face from chin to forehead must be visible.
Can I take a UK Driving Licence photo at home?
Usually, yes, as long as it meets the rules above. Check the instructions for your application route, because final acceptance is always decided by DVLA. PhotoPass ID sizes your photo and checks it against these rules before you pay.
What file does the online application need?
A digital photo file: JPEG, for DVLA online (renew-photo-driving-licence). Your download is prepared to these settings.
How much does a UK Driving Licence photo cost in Canada?
$9.99 for the digital file, paid once. It includes a print-at-home sheet you can print at any photo shop.
What if something is wrong with my photo?
If our processing gets the size, background or crop wrong for this document, we fix it free or refund you in full. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Official source: DVLA
Read the rules on the authority's website: DVLA (gov.uk).
Rules last checked against DVLA on 25 October 2026.
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