UK Provisional Driving Licence Photo — DVLA Compliant
Get a DVLA-compliant photo for your provisional driving licence application in minutes. Same 35×45mm format as a passport photo — our AI handles the background and crop automatically.
Photo requirements
- Size: 35×45mm — same as a standard UK passport photo
- Background: Light grey — no shadows or patterns
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at camera
- Glasses: Not allowed (DVLA rule since 2015)
- Standard: DVLA compliant for D1 and online provisional licence applications
Why Smart Passport Photo
- ✅ Free preview before you pay — see the result first
- ✅ Same photo works for passport, full licence and provisional licence
- ✅ AI removes background and checks compliance automatically
- ✅ Free retake or refund if DVLA rejects the photo
- ✅ Accepted for both paper D1 form and online DVLA applications
- ✅ £3.99 one-off, no subscription
- ✅ Photo deleted from our servers within 24 hours
Free to preview · Pay once · No subscription
Photos deleted within 24 hours · UK servers (AWS eu-west-2) · Never used for AI training · Rated on Trustpilot
How it works
- 1. Stand in front of a plain wall with even lighting (a window facing you works well). Use your phone's rear camera at eye level. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
- 2. Upload your photo. Our AI replaces the background with light grey and runs automated compliance checks — head position, expression, lighting, no glasses.
- 3. Review the free preview. Retake for free if anything needs adjusting.
- 4. Pay £3.99 and download your DVLA-compliant photo instantly. Print on 6×4 glossy paper and cut to 35×45mm, or choose our print-and-post option.
Official resources
For the official specification, see GOV.UK — apply for a provisional driving licence. Smart Passport Photo is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government body.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is a provisional driving licence photo the same size as a passport photo?
Yes — the DVLA requires the same 35×45mm format as a UK passport photo. You can use the same photo for both a provisional licence and a passport application. The background colour is also the same: light grey with no shadows.
Can I wear glasses in my provisional driving licence photo?
No. The DVLA has not accepted glasses in driving licence photos since 2015, even if you wear them every day. This applies to reading glasses, prescription glasses, tinted glasses and sunglasses. If you have a medical reason requiring glasses, contact DVLA directly before submitting your application.
How do I apply for a provisional driving licence?
You can apply online at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence or by post using form D1 from a Post Office. Online applications require you to upload a digital photo file. Postal applications require a printed 35×45mm photo signed on the back by a responsible person who has known you for 2 years.
What happens if the DVLA rejects my photo?
DVLA will return your application with a reason code if your photo doesn't meet requirements. Common rejections: background not plain enough, shadows on the face, expression not neutral, or glasses visible. We offer a free retake or full refund — no rejection letter needed.