Change UK Driving Licence Photo Online

When Do You Need a New Driver's Licence Photo?

If any of the situations listed below apply to you, you need a new driver's licence photo:

• You have applied for a provisional driver's licence.
• You have applied for a driver's licence renewal.
• You have applied for an optional driver's licence renewal.
• You have applied to exchange your driver's licence from another country.
• Your appearance has changed significantly.

In some situations you do not need to prepare a photo, such as:

• You have changed the name or address on your driver's licence.
• You have applied for a duplicate of your existing driver's licence.

UK Driving Licence Photo Guidelines

When applying for a driving licence in UK, you'll need to provide a photography that meets official requirements. Be sure to follow the following regulations and avoid your application being rejected: 

• Background: The background colour of your UK driver licence photo should be light grey or cream. Make sure there are no items in your photo background.
• Pose: You can sit upright or stand while taking your picture. Face directly toward the camera and do not tilt your head or body. Ensure that your entire head and your shoulders are included in the photo.
• Headgear: Avoid wearing hats, hair bands and ornaments in your driving licence picture.
• Clothes: Wear a decent, formal shirt for your picture. Avoid wearing clothes of a similar colour to the photo's background colour.
• Glasses: You are permitted to wear your glasses for your photo as long as they do not cover your eyes. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not permitted.
• Hair: Make sure your hair does not cover your face, ears or eyes. Long hair can be tucked behind ear, with a hairpin used to clip back bangs if necessary.

Can I Wear Jewellery and piercings in the Photo?

Jewellery and facial piercings are allowed as long as they do not give off any glare in the photo. However, do not wear large hooped earrings that may cover your face or cast shadows. Remember to take large earrings off before you take the formal photo.

How to Take a UK Driver's Licence Photo at Home?

A photocard driving licence authorizes you to legally drive a car in the United Kingdom. It also can serve a citizen in non-driving contexts, such as opening a bank account or proof of age. Thus, you may need to show it many times a year. Plus, the photo for driver licence can be used for other documents such as passport and visa. It's understandable that you want to look good in your ID card or driving licence photo.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be inconvenient for people to go outside to take their driver's licence photos. Moreover, going to a professional studio is often expensive and time consuming. Therefore, why not take your provisional driving licence photo at home? Check some tips on how to take a good driving licence photo.

1. Prepare: Find a photographic device, a plain colour background and someone to help you take the photo.

2. Take a self-portrait: Look directly at the camera lens and keep a neutral facial expression.

3. Examine: Check the photo to make sure you have met all of the driver's licence requirements.

After taking your photo, you must check if the photo meets specific guidelines regarding the size, cropping, view and composition. However, you do not need to process the photo on your own. The UK driving licence photo generator can resize your photo to 35x45mm and adjust the photo background, ensuring it meets official requirements. Its biometric system verifies if everything is as required. Just upload your photo and wait for a few seconds, then you can get your compliant driver's licence photo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Driving Licence Photo

Most people are not familiar with UK standards for taking a driver's licence photo, and therefore make the following common mistakes:

• Wrong Photo Size: The size of your UK driver's licence photo should be 35mm in width by 45mm in height.
• Bad Photo Quality: Your photo must be clear and sharply focused, regardless of whether it has been taken professionally or by yourself.
• Poor Lighting: Be careful to avoid uneven light or shadows in your photo, choosing a place with adequate light and without shadows behind your head or on your face.
• Heavy Makeup: Elaborate makeup can change your appearance significantly and is therefore inappropriate for a driver's licence photo. Casual, daily makeup is preferred.
• Wide Smile: There is no need to smile in your driver's licence photo since your mouth is supposed to be closed. Keep your facial expression as natural as possible.

Can I Retouch the Provisional Driving Licence Photo?

No, you must not use computer software, filters or Photop to retouch your picture in any way. Any alteration of facial features or appearance will cause rejection of the photo. However, you can legally change the size or background with these photo editing tools.

Should I Print My Driver's Licence Photo?

No, you are not always required to print your UK driver's licence photo. Whether you need a digital or printed picture depends on the type of driver's licence for which you have applied. If you want to change, renew, or need an optional renewal, of your driver's licence, you can either renew the driving licence online or apply by post.

When applying for a driver's licence online, a digital version of your photo is enough. When applying by post, you need to prepare a printed photo. However, if you need to apply for a provisional driver's licence or exchange your licence from another country, you must apply by post and provide a printed photo.

Where to Get My Driving Licence Photo Printed?

To get a printed driver's licence photo, you can place an order directly with local pharmacy, stores or post office. You'll get a perfectly-sized and compliant driving licence photo.