French permis de conduire photos are 35×45mm — the same biometric standard as the passport and Carte Nationale d'Identité. Applications go through the ANTS portal, and photos are submitted as an e-photo code from a certified photomaton. If you recently got photos for another French document, the same code or session works here.
Permis de Conduire Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm |
| Background | White (#FFFFFF) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Religious reasons only |
| Photo standard | ANTS biometric |
France standardised its identity document photo requirements across the ANTS system. Your passport photo, CNI photo, and permis de conduire photo are the same spec. One photomaton session generates an e-photo code valid for all three.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Submitting Your Driving Licence Photo via ANTS
The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) manages French driving licence applications at ants.gouv.fr.
The e-photo process:
- Visit a certified photomaton and select the identity document option.
- Receive a 9-digit e-photo code on the printed slip.
- Enter the code when completing the ANTS application.
- The photo is automatically attached to the dossier.
No printed photo is needed at the Préfecture. The officer can access your photo digitally from the ANTS system.
Types of Permis de Conduire Applications
New licence (permis de conduire initial). After passing your theory test (Code de la route) and practical exam, you apply through ANTS. The driving school often handles this on your behalf. A photo is required.
Renewal (renouvellement). EU-standard licences are valid for 15 years. When the expiry approaches, you apply for a renewal through ANTS. A fresh photo is required — the old one isn't carried over.
Conversion (échange de permis étranger). Converting a non-EU driving licence to a French permis de conduire requires a photo. The application goes through ANTS or the Préfecture depending on the issuing country.
Replacement (perte ou vol). Lost or stolen licence replacement requires a new photo. If the previous photo was recent and compliant, a new e-photo session is still required for system integrity.
Processing time: 2–4 weeks. The permis de conduire is mailed from the Imprimerie Nationale. Fee: Free for first issue; fees may apply for some renewals and exchanges.
If You Don't Have a Photomaton Nearby
Professional photographers offering photos conformes aux normes ANTS can produce compliant prints. Some also provide digital files in the correct format for upload. In rural areas where certified booths are scarce, this is the most reliable alternative.
Home photos are not accepted for ANTS applications. The automated biometric check requires photos meeting strict technical standards that consumer cameras and home printers typically don't achieve consistently.
Driving in France on a Foreign Licence
Residents of France who hold a driving licence from another EU/EEA country can generally drive in France without converting it. However, if you become a French resident and your home-country licence expires, you'll need to either renew it in the issuing country or exchange it for a French permis de conduire. An exchange requires a compliant ANTS photo.
Non-EU licence holders have a defined window — typically one year from the date of establishing French residence — during which they can exchange their licence without retaking the test, if a bilateral exchange agreement exists. Check the Préfecture website for your département for the current list of eligible countries.
If no exchange agreement exists, you sit the full Code de la route and practical examination — and a photo is part of the new-licence application just the same.
Temporary Driving Authorisation
When your licence is in production (lost, stolen, or after initial application), the Préfecture or ANTS can issue an autorisation provisoire de conduite (temporary driving authorisation). This paper document is valid for 2 months and confirms your licence is legitimate while the new card is being printed. Keep it with you when driving until the physical card arrives.
Common French Permis de Conduire Photo Mistakes
Wrong background colour. The French standard is white. Light grey, cream, or off-white backgrounds will fail the ANTS biometric check. If you're arriving from Germany or the UK (which use light grey), get fresh photos.
Wearing glasses. France does not allow glasses in identity document photos. Remove all glasses — including clear prescription lenses — before the photo session. This applies to the permis de conduire, passport, and CNI equally.
Old photos (over 6 months). The recency rule is strictly enforced. Photos from an earlier document application more than 6 months ago are not accepted.
Expired e-photo code. Codes are valid for six months. If you applied early, double-check the code hasn't expired before submitting.
Incorrect framing. Head too large, too small, or off-centre will all fail the automated ANTS check. Use a certified photomaton for reliable framing.
Expression and Appearance Rules for the Permis de Conduire
The permis de conduire uses the same biometric expression standard as the passport and CNI:
- Mouth closed — no teeth visible, lips together gently
- Neutral expression — no smiling, no frowning
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead visible, hair should not cover eyes or eyebrows
- Head coverings — only for documented religious reasons; face from chin to forehead must be visible
- No heavy makeup — the photo should represent your everyday appearance
The no-glasses rule is important: France bans glasses across all identity documents. This differs from countries like Germany, the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and Poland, which allow prescription glasses. If you wear glasses daily, remove them for the photo.
How French Photo Standards Compare to EU Neighbours
If you've recently moved to France from another EU country, your existing ID photos may not work:
| Country | Background | Size | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | White (#FFFFFF) | 35×45mm | Not allowed |
| Germany | Light grey (#E6E6E6) | 35×45mm | Allowed |
| UK | Light grey (#E6E6E6) | 35×45mm | Allowed |
| Italy | White (#FFFFFF) | 35×45mm | Allowed |
| Spain | White (#FFFFFF) | 26×32mm | Not allowed |
German and UK photos have the wrong background colour. Spanish photos have the wrong dimensions. Italian photos match on size and background but may include glasses (which France bans). Get fresh French photos to be safe.
Digital Specifications for ANTS Permis de Conduire Photos
For the ANTS e-photo system:
- Resolution: 413×531 pixels (at 300 DPI)
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF)
- File format: JPEG
- Size: 35×45mm equivalent at print resolution
The e-photo code links to your stored digital photo on the certified photomaton network. You don't upload a file directly — the ANTS system retrieves it using the code.
Quick Checklist for French Permis de Conduire Photos
- Size: 35×45mm (or e-photo code from certified photomaton)
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- E-photo code not expired (valid 6 months)
- Application submitted through ants.gouv.fr
Verify your photo with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For the full France requirements, see the France hub.
