In short
For a German driving licence you need a printed biometric passport photo, 35 × 45 mm, frontal, neutral expression, plain light background. The digital-only rule from May 2025 applies to ID cards and passports, not to driving licences. Some offices do not accept self-printed photos, so a lab print is the safe choice.
Last updated: · FotoKlar editorial team
Which photo do I need for a driving licence?
A current biometric passport photo in 35 × 45 mm, handed in on paper.
The full rules with examples are on our page biometric photo requirements; all dimensions and pixel sizes are on passport photo size.
- Size 35 × 45 mm, portrait, head height 32–36 mm (chin to crown)
- Facing the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Plain, light background without shadows
- Glasses only if the eyes are clearly visible, no tinted lenses
- Head covering only for religious or medical reasons, face fully visible
Does the digital photo rule apply to driving licences?
No. Since 1 May 2025 only ID cards, passports and electronic residence permits require digitally transmitted photos. Driving licence offices still ask for a printed biometric photo.
Licensing offices such as the Tübingen and Uckermark districts state that the new digital rule does not apply to the driving licence. Some offices do not accept photos with a Data Matrix code from the digital passport photo.
How to create your driving licence photo
- 1Have someone take your photo in daylight, facing the camera – or upload an existing one in the tool above.
- 2Choose “Driving licence”. We crop to 35 × 45 mm, replace the background and run the biometric check.
- 3Check the free preview. If it fits, buy the files for €7.99.
- 4Order the 10 × 15 cm print sheet at a photo lab and cut out one photo.
First licence, exchange or replacement
Every new card licence needs a current biometric photo – for a first licence, the mandatory exchange of old licences and a replacement after loss.
The photo should look like you do today. Many offices ask for a photo that is not older than a few months; check what your office says.
Handing the photo in at the licensing office
Bring the printed photo to your appointment or attach it to your application, as your office asks.
FotoKlar delivers the digital file and a print sheet with several photos at real size. Print at 100 % (“Actual size”) or order a 10 × 15 cm lab print, then measure one photo: it must be exactly 35 × 45 mm.
Sources
- Tübingen district office: photo for the driving licence – checked 21/10/2026
- Uckermark district: printed photo still required – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Stuttgart: digital-only photos for ID documents from 1 May – checked 21/10/2026
- Federal Ministry of the Interior: photo sample chart – checked 21/10/2026