Can I take my own driver's license photo?
2 Answers
Yes, you can bring your own photo, provided it meets the requirements. Standard requirements: The photo must be a straight-on, full-color, bareheaded single portrait of the applicant taken within the last 6 months. Uniforms are not allowed. The image should be clear with natural expression and no obvious distortion. Photo dimensions: 32mm*22mm (1-inch), with head width between 14mm-16mm and head length between 19mm-22mm. Motor vehicle driver's license: The People's Republic of China Motor Vehicle Driver's License, commonly referred to as driver's license or 'driving license', is a mandatory certification document issued in accordance with Chinese laws for motor vehicle operators. Anyone driving civil motor vehicles on public roads must apply for a driver's license according to the 'People's Republic of China Motor Vehicle Driver's License Management Regulations'.
I'm the type of person who frequently handles various documents, and the driver's license photo definitely can't be taken casually by oneself. This is because the traffic management department has strict standards: the photo must clearly show the forehead and ears from the front, with a pure white or light blue background free of any other colors, a fixed size of 32mm×26mm, and no glasses, hats, or significant shadows. Taking photos at home often results in poor lighting control, impure backgrounds, or inaccurate cropping, all of which fail to meet the requirements. Last year, when I helped a friend with his application, he tried bringing a self-taken photo but was rejected and had to retake it, wasting time and costing extra money. The reason is simple: authorities need to ensure all driver's licenses are standardized to prevent forgery and facilitate identity verification. My advice is to go directly to the designated photo booth at the site when applying—their professional equipment ensures everything is done right the first time, avoiding unnecessary hassle.
