Everything you need to know about Spain's permiso de conducción photo requirements, including the European Union driving license format, exact 26×32 mm photo dimensions, white background standards, pose rules, and how to take a compliant Spanish driving license photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain (España) |
| Document Type | Driving License (Permiso de Conducción) |
| Photo Size | 26 × 32 mm |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Glasses | Not allowed in photo (but you may be photographed with glasses at the office if you declare you wear them for driving) |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed |
| Number of Photos | 1 (usually taken at the traffic office, Jefatura de Tráfico) |
| Recency | Recent photo |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
Spain follows the EU standard driving license format, which is a credit card-sized document (ID-1 format) issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). The photo is embedded directly on the license card. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo meets all requirements.
Glasses are generally NOT allowed in Spain driving license photos. However, there is an exception: if you declare that you wear glasses for driving, you may be photographed with them at the Jefatura de Tráfico (traffic office). If you are bringing your own photo, it is safest to take it without glasses.
Photos for the Spanish driving license are usually taken at the Jefatura de Tráfico (traffic office) when you apply for or renew your license. However, you can bring your own compliant photo which may help speed up the process.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Spain driving license photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a license-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile or show teeth. Remove your glasses before taking the photo.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable driving license photos
A Spain driving license photo must be exactly 26×32 mm. The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo, with the head filling most of the frame from chin to crown.
Generally no, glasses are not allowed in the photo you bring. However, if you declare at the Jefatura de Tráfico that you wear glasses for driving, you may be photographed with glasses at the office. For the safest result when bringing your own photo, remove your glasses.
Photos are usually taken directly at the Jefatura de Tráfico (traffic office) when you apply. However, having a compliant 26×32 mm photo ready can help speed up the process and ensure you have a photo you are happy with.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
Yes! You can take your driving license photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Spanish driving license photo requirements.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are permitted.
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
If your driving license photo doesn't meet the requirements, your application may be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you visit the Jefatura de Tráfico, saving you time and hassle.
