Ireland · Photo requirements
Ireland Driving Licence Photo Requirements 2026
The Irish driving licence uses the same 35×45 mm specification as the Irish passport. In practice, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) captures the biometric photo on-site at your appointment — your printed photo is a backup.
Quick specs
Photo size
35 × 45 mm
1.38 × 1.77 inches
Head height
30–36 mm
chin to crown
Background
Plain light grey or off-white.
Authority
Department of Foreign Affairs
Key details
- NDLS captures the biometric photo on-site at the appointment.
- Same 35×45 mm specification as the Irish passport.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain light grey or off-white. Pure white is acceptable. No patterns or shadows.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are discouraged. If worn, no glare and eyes fully visible.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Frequently asked questions
What size for an Irish driving licence photo? +
35×45 mm — the same as the Irish passport.
Does the NDLS take the driving licence photo? +
Yes — NDLS captures a biometric photo on-site at the appointment.
Can I reuse my passport photo for the driving licence (Ireland)? +
Yes — both documents use the identical 35×45 mm specification.
How long is the Irish driving licence valid? +
Up to 10 years, depending on category and age.
Other documents in this country
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