What is the size of the driver's license photo?
3 Answers
Driver's license photos should be white background photos measuring 3.2cm × 2.2cm. Below are specific details about driver's license photos: Photo size: The photo should be a recent (within 6 months) front-facing, bareheaded, color portrait of the applicant in a small one-inch size (3.2cm × 2.2cm). The head length should be between 1.9cm to 2.2cm, and the head width should be between 1.4cm to 1.6cm. The background must be white, and the applicant should not wear uniform clothing. The photo should be clear and show a natural expression. Number of photos required: The photos are used for application forms, exam forms, various archival documents, and the final driver's license. The required number of photos varies by region, typically ranging from 7 to 20, depending on local regulations.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about the photo size requirements. Later, while queuing at the DMV, I chatted with the staff and learned the specifics. The driver's license photo must be small-sized (32mm wide × 22mm high) with a pure white background. Wearing dark-colored clothes is safest for the photo—white shirts will blend into the background. Remember to go to a professional photo studio and tell them the purpose; the photographer will adjust the head proportions to ensure your ears and eyebrows are fully visible. Last time, I casually wore a white T-shirt for the photo and had it rejected, delaying my license by a week. Now, I always remind friends to bring a dark jacket to avoid making two trips.
As someone who frequently takes photos for driving school students, I can recite the driver's license photo dimensions with my eyes closed—32×22 mm, the small one-inch specification. But many people stumble on the details: the white background must be pure to the point of reflecting light, no exaggerated jewelry is allowed, and earrings or necklaces are out of the question. Last time, a young man deliberately styled his hair to cover his ears, and I spent half an hour adjusting his head. High-collared clothes are also unacceptable—the neck must be clearly visible. The funniest was someone who used Meitu to edit their photo, altering their face shape so much even their mother wouldn’t recognize them, and the DMV rejected it outright. My advice? Wash your face before taking the photo—natural is best, after all, this photo will be with you for six years.
