Having a driving licence photo can help you get through the process of applying for a licence in the UK, but there are some requirements you must follow before you take a picture. It is important to make sure the photo is a good likeness of you, and to stand at least 1.5 feet away from the background. This will ensure you don't get any unwanted shadows. You should also remove any facial piercings or jewellery from your picture. You should also sign the back of the photo.
Facial piercings and jewellery in driver's licence photo
Whether you are applying for your first driving licence or are renewing your existing one, you might be wondering if you need to remove facial piercings and jewellery from your photograph. Although facial piercings aren't strictly required, they can be distracting and can interfere with the biometric data on your passport or driving licence. Having a large number of piercings can also cause reflections in your photo, which can interfere with the picture taking process.
The truth is that you don't need to remove piercings while taking the photo. But, it's a good idea to remove any large decorative hair accessories that may interfere with the picture taking process. You can also dress in a more stylish manner to make your face more noticeable in the photo.
Finally, it's a good idea to read the UK driving licence photo requirements before you take your next photo. This way you will know whether you need to remove facial piercings or jewellery from your photograph.
Stand 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) away from the background to avoid unnecessary shadows
Apart from removing facial piercings, your photo should be clear, neutral and show your current appearance. In addition, it should not be cut out from a larger image. You should also choose a background that is light-colored, and do not have any items behind your head.
Head covering in UK driving licence photos
If you wear head coverings as part of religious attire, such as a niqab, you should also ensure that you are not casting any shadow on your face. If you wear other accessories, such as big earrings, you should also make sure they do not obscure your face.
For example, you might want to wear small earrings that don't look too large on your face, and choose darker colours in your background to give it a more stylish look. You can also wear a scarf, but don't cover your chin. The best way to achieve this is to wear a scarf that isn't too long, as this can look awkward in a photo.
Glasses in UK driving licence photos
You will also need to ensure that your glasses are clear and do not cast any shadows on your face. The best light for taking your photo is natural light. You should also try to avoid using artificial light if possible.
Do not use a photocopy or a cut-out from a larger image
Using a photocopy or cutting out a portion of a larger image to create the perfect UK driving licence photo is not the answer. There are a few things to consider, including the size of the picture and its content. Also, the photo should be a recent one, taken within the last month. You may even want to use a smart resizing app to make the job easier.
For instance, a smart photo resizer may be able to show you the best way to crop your photo. It may also tell you which parts of your picture are the best and give you a chance to make sure your photo is free of blemishes. If you have a smartphone, you can install the app on it and have the image on hand for the big day.
Other smart resizing applications are available for desktop computers, including one that guarantees you'll get the right size picture for the UK driving licence photo requirements. Another app, the Passport Photo Maker, is designed to automatically crop your picture to meet the requirements. The app runs on the startup screen and resizes the photo to the right size. You can also save the image to your PC. This is especially important if you plan to print it out. Generally, home inkjet printers aren't likely to produce a high-quality picture.
Where to Get Driving Licence Photos Near Me In The UK?
Applying for or renewing your UK driving licence requires submitting a passport-style photo that meets specific guidelines. But where can you get compliant driving licence photos taken quickly and conveniently near you? In this section, we’ll cover the best options for places to get suitable driving licence photos in the UK.
Booth Locations for Official Driving Licence Photos
Many post offices across the UK offer booths to take driving licence photos. Prices are typically around £5-6 for a strip of compliant photos. Benefits include:
Available in most towns and cities, easy to access
Photos guaranteed to meet driving licence requirements
No appointment needed, walk-in service
Check the Post Office website for photo booth locations countrywide. Boots stores also provide a similar passport photo service.
Professional Photographers
For a more premium experience, professional photographers can take high-quality driving licence photos. Benefits include:
Carefully posed and lit photos that maximise your appearance
Prints made directly from digital images for top quality
Can purchase extra prints for other documents
Downsides are higher cost and limited availability in smaller towns. Photographers may charge £10-20 for licence photos.
AI-Powered Photo Apps
A more convenient and affordable option is using AI-powered apps like AiPassportPhoto. These work by:
Using AI to automatically remove backgrounds from photos
Sizing, cropping and optimising images to exactly fit requirements
Applying compliant backdrops for driving licences
Simply upload a selfie and instantly download regulation-approved licence photos. Prices around £3-5 make apps cheaper than high street options.
DIY Licence Photos at Home
With care, it’s possible to take compliant driving licence photos yourself at home. You’ll need:
A high-res digital camera or smartphone camera
A light background that contrasts your face
Assistance to correctly frame and focus the shot
Refer to GOV.UK guidelines when taking photos. Double-check clarity, framing, lighting and all criteria. Professional printing onto approved paper completes the process.
Conclusion
Before you get driving licence photo, it's important to check the official requirements. Both photo booth and AI photo editor can provide speed, convenience and savings. Or consider a skilled photographer for optimal image quality.
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