Drivers must carry driving licenses with them everywhere. The photo, used to verify your identity, would be left on your license for years, so I bet that you would never want a to look bad. The UK driving licence photo has strict requirements. Unqualified images might lead to the rejection of your application. Therefore, it can’t be too serious to look for a professional photography service. In this passage, we are going to talk about requirements for UK driving permits and where to take one.
When to Submit a New Photo for UK Drivers Licence
First-time driving permit applicants must include a biometric photo along with the application form and identity documents. Additionally, you are supposed to hand in a new photo on the condition that you:
- apply for a UK provisional driving licence.
- apply for a temporary driving licence.
- apply for an international driver’s license.
- renew UK Driving Licence before it expires.
- have significantly changed your appearance due to surgery, weight loss, etc.
- replace UK Driving Licence when it is lost, stolen or damaged.
- A photo is not required in the following situations:
- name or address change.
- duplicate application of the existing driver’s licence.
Take Driving Licence Photo Near Me
When it comes to convenient identity photo service in the UK, there are lots of options, including online and offline. In this section, you can choose the most favorable service according to your real needs.
Photo Booths
A photo booth is a private space equipped with self-operated machines. These kiosks are widely spreading in shopping centres, train stations or railway stations, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc. It is suggested to search for a nearby store and call to ask whether there is a photo booth and whether it provides UK driving licence photo service. As you will take the picture on your own, the cost is usually cheaper than asking a photographer or staff for help. It usually takes 15-20 minutes to finish photography and printing, which is efficient to eliminate the trouble of booking an appointment or waiting in line. However, some devices are not updated in time, thus influencing the photo quality.
Pharmacies
Pharmacy and drug stores are scattered around the whole country. Large pharmacy chains are not only healthcare and beauty retailers but also photography service providers. The staff there are trained to take UK driver’s licence photo, passport photo, or other identity photos. You can either take photos in the store (full service) and solely print a prepared photo there. The full-service cost ranges from £5 to £ 10, depending on numbers, size and locations while printout service might cost a few pennies. Here are some popular pharmacies in the UK. Please find one near you and contact the store to confirm the service.
Professional Photographer
If you are chasing a perfect driving permit photo, you can turn to photographers. They have professional knowledge and advanced equipment. They know how to interact with customers and adjust lighting to bring out the best effects. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about whether you look good. However, they are usually busy, so customers are usually required to make an appointment first and even wait in a long queue. Moreover, it might be the most expensive option to take the UK driving licence photo. You can find a nearby studio on the Google map.
DIY at Home
Today’s smartphones are advanced enough to make high-quality photos, so it is quite easy to make a qualified driving licence photo at home whether you are a shutterbug or a novice. AiPassportPhotos is a popular online photo editor that is equipped with built-in templates for different types of documents, which ensures that the photo is 100% acceptable. All you need to do is to upload a photo taken with a smartphone or camera. Then it will automatically check compliance, crop size and replace background.
UK Driving Licence Photo Requirement
No matter where you choose to take a picture, it is recommended to learn about what a qualified UK driver’s licence photo should be.
- Size: 35mm (width) x 45mm (height)
- Head height: 29-34mm
- Blank area over the top of the hair: 3-5mm
- Resolution: 600 dpi
- Background: light grey or cream
- Pose: stand or sit erect. Look straight at the camera with your head in the centre. Don’t tilt your head or body.
- Visibility: show the head and upper shoulders in the photo.
- Headgear & head coverings: no hats, hairbands or accessories.
- Dressing: avoid similar colours to the background. No uniforms, fancy or sexy outfits.
- Glasses: no tinted glasses or sunglasses. Don’t let the lenses obscure eyes and the frames cast shadows on the face.
- Hair: not cover the face, eyes or ears.
FAQs: UK Driving Licence Photo
Q: Can I use a passport photo for driving licence?
A: Yes, if your UK driving licence will expire in 2 years and you have a valid UK passport. You have to provide the passport number and authorize the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to use your photo. The authority will tell you if a new photo is needed and how to send the photo.
Q: Can I retouch the photo for driving licence photo?
A: No, any retouching, filters or facial feature alterations are unacceptable because the photo must reveal your current look, but resizing or background replacement is allowed.
Q: Do I need to print my photo for UK driver’s licence?
A: Yes, if you apply for, renew, or replace your driver’s licence by post while no for online.
Q: Where can I print my driving licence picture?
A: The printout service is available in post offices, local pharmacies, Walmart, TESCO or other retail stores.
Q: Where can I find a driving licence photo booth near me?
A: You can search for it on the map or contact a shopping mall near you to find out if there is one.
Summary
In a word, a driving licence photo is required for either new applicants or renewals. In order to take a satisfactory and qualified picture, you have to choose among photo booths, pharmacies, photographer’s studios, and at home. Each of them is featured with both pros and cons. Just pick the most convenient one according to your location, budget and schedule. No matter which one you decide on, it is suggested to get acquainted with the UK driver’s licence photo and use AiPassportPhotos to ensure photo compliance.
Erin Lo