
Is the driver's license photo the one submitted during registration? The following are the details: Photo submission during driving school registration: When registering at a driving school, you need to provide photos and digital photos. Among the submitted photos, there is an archive photo, which is the driver's license photo. The submitted one-inch photo includes an archive photo that will be affixed to the driver's license. Generally, it should be a one-inch, white-background, bareheaded photo. Driver's license photo requirements: The photo must be a recent (within 6 months) front-facing, bareheaded, color, single-person, half-length small one-inch photo of the driver's license applicant. The photo size should be 3.2cm*2.2cm, with a head length of 1.9cm to 2.2cm and a head width of 1.4cm to 1.6cm, on a white background. No uniforms are allowed in the photo, and the image must be clear and natural.

I've been driving for many years and often get asked this question. The photo on the driver's license is usually the one submitted when registering at the driving school, as the entire process—from registration, learning to drive, taking the exams, to issuing the license—uses the same set of documents. However, policies vary in some places. For example, during the medical check-up after passing the driving test, you might have to take a new photo to ensure the old one meets regulations. I recommend preparing a few standard photos that meet the requirements before registering—typically a clear, front-facing photo with a white background, no hats or sunglasses. If the photo is incorrect or you're unhappy with it, contact the vehicle management office promptly to replace the license. I've seen cases where people disliked their photo and delayed fixing it, only to run into trouble during a traffic police check. In short, confirming early can save you hassle and ensure your license looks presentable.

As a new driver who just got the license, I think this is quite clear. When I registered, I submitted the photo as required, and later found out it was the same one used for the exams and the license itself—no changes were made. However, my instructor mentioned that in some cities, they take a new photo after the road test to update information for security purposes. So, it's best to check local policies before registering and avoid submitting a poorly taken photo. The standard requirement is usually a 32mm×22mm small photo with a blue or white background, and avoid wearing flashy clothes. If you change your hairstyle or gain/lose weight significantly, making the photo unrecognizable, remember to update your license promptly to avoid issues during vehicle inspections—like my friend who got fined a small amount because of this.

In my opinion, the driver's license photo is generally the same as the one submitted during registration, but regional differences may cause variations. After submitting the required documents to the driving school, the system archives them, and the photo consistency is repeatedly verified during the examination process. However, some cities or test centers may retake or confirm the photo once more before finalizing the license to avoid discrepancies. The photo specifications must comply with the Ministry of Transport standards: front-facing, hat-free, with a plain background and no shadows. If the photo does not meet the requirements, such as being too dark or blurry, you will need to go to the licensing office to retake it, which is not expensive. One reminder: keep the photo authentic when driving daily and avoid alterations, otherwise, the police may take it seriously during violations.


