Everything you need to know about Ireland SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) taxi driver licence photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant taxi licence photo at home.
Passport-style, full frontal view of head and shoulders
Background Colour
Plain white
Number of Photos Required
3 identical photos
Printable
Yes — on photo-quality paper
Colour
Colour
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Important: The SPSV taxi driver licence photo is much larger than a standard passport photo. At 70×100 mm, it is approximately double the size of a regular 35×45 mm passport photo. Make sure your photo is printed at the correct size.
Ireland SPSV Taxi Licence Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: The SPSV taxi licence photo must be 70×100 mm (7×10 cm) — approximately double the size of a standard 35×45 mm passport photo. The photo must show a full frontal view of your head and shoulders in passport style.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 70×100 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, and ensure your photo meets all SPSV taxi driver licence requirements.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) requires SPSV driver licence applicants to provide passport-style photos. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Photo Basics
Photos must be in colour
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear and in sharp focus
No digital alteration or filters
Must reflect your current appearance
Must be a passport-style full frontal view of your head and shoulders
Size and Dimensions
Photo size: 70 × 100 mm (7 × 10 cm)
This is approximately double the size of a standard passport photo (35×45 mm)
Printed on photo-quality paper
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — full frontal view
Show your head and shoulders
Maintain a neutral facial expression
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Keep your mouth closed
Do not tilt or turn your head
Background
Use a plain white background
No shadows, patterns, or objects visible
Clear contrast between your face and the background
Glasses
Clear prescription glasses are generally acceptable
No glare or reflections on the lenses
The frames must not cover any part of your eyes
Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted
Head Coverings and Hats
No hats or head coverings, unless for religious or medical reasons
If worn, your full face must remain clearly visible
Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing
Do not wear uniforms
Avoid clothing that blends with the white background
Submission Process
How to submit: Bring your 3 identical photos along with your completed PSV 15 form to your local Garda station. The photos and form are part of the SPSV driver licence application process administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
How to Take an Ireland SPSV Taxi Licence Photo at Home
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant SPSV taxi driver licence photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera can take a quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies for the best angle.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources to eliminate shadows if needed.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfect white. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with a plain white background.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Ensure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and head level. The photo should show your head and full shoulders.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
Good and Bad Examples of SPSV Taxi Licence Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable taxi licence photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Ireland SPSV taxi driver licence photo?
An Ireland SPSV taxi driver licence photo must be approximately 70×100 mm (7×10 cm), which is significantly larger than a standard passport photo. This is a passport-style photo showing a full frontal view of your head and shoulders.
How many photos do I need for an SPSV licence application?
You need 3 identical photos for your SPSV driver licence application. These are submitted along with your PSV 15 form at your local Garda station.
Is the SPSV photo the same size as a passport photo?
No. An SPSV taxi driver licence photo is 70×100 mm, which is roughly double the size of a standard passport photo (35×45 mm). However, the style is the same — a passport-style frontal head and shoulders photo.
Can I take my SPSV photo with my phone?
Yes! You can take your SPSV photo with any smartphone. Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all SPSV photo requirements.
Where do I submit my SPSV licence photos?
SPSV licence photos are submitted with your PSV 15 form at your local Garda station as part of the SPSV driver licence application process administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
What background is required for an SPSV photo?
A plain white background is required with clear contrast between your face and the background. No shadows, patterns, or objects should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white if needed.
How recent must my SPSV photo be?
Your SPSV photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance.
