What is the aspect ratio of a driver's license photo?
3 Answers
The aspect ratio of a driver's license photo is approximately 16:11. Below are the relevant details: 1. Photo dimensions: The photo should be 32mm × 22mm, with a head width of 14mm～16mm and a head length of 19mm～22mm. 2. Photo requirements: The photo must be a straight-edged, front-facing, full-color, bareheaded, single-person half-length ID photo taken within 6 months prior to the applicant's application for a motor vehicle driver's license. The background should be white, and red clothing should not be worn (as it may interfere with stamping). Women should not wear earrings, and photos with shawled hair are not allowed during photography. Men should not have overly long hair. The headshot must be clear, with rich layers and a natural expression.
I remember the standard size for driver's license photos is 32mm wide and 22mm high, so the aspect ratio is approximately 3:2. This ratio looks quite comfortable, with the head perfectly centered when taking the photo. Why is this specified? It's to ensure the photo doesn't appear crowded or distorted on the driver's license. When I first applied for my license, I didn't know about this and used a 1:1 square photo, which got rejected outright, costing me extra time to retake it. Later, I went to a professional photo studio, where the photographer reminded me to use a white background, wear dark-colored tops, and keep my hair neat to avoid any issues with the photo. After sticking it on the document, I felt much more presentable. Nowadays, you can even take it with a phone, but you need to adjust the resolution, or it'll turn out blurry when printed. In short, this ratio ensures the photo doesn't take up too much space while clearly displaying facial features, making it convenient to carry while driving.
I just got my driver's license recently, and the photo size is 32mm×22mm, close to a 3:2 ratio. This size is quite standard—you can't just use any random photo. Initially, I took a selfie with my phone, but the ratio was wrong. After submitting it, the DMV said the dimensions were incorrect and I had to redo it. Later, I consulted a photographer friend who emphasized that the ratio must be accurate. He recommended going to a professional studio and stressed that the background must be pure white, with no sunglasses or hats allowed. I found a small photo booth, and it only took a few minutes to get it done—the result looked much better than my original photo. When taking the photo, your head must face the camera directly, shoulders should be visible, and your expression should be natural—no big smiles, or it might get rejected. This ratio design might be for the sake of uniform document aesthetics, and it does feel neat to carry around while driving.
