Singapore Driving Licence Photo: Size & Rules
Your Singapore driving licence photo must be 35×45mm with a plain white background — the same specification as a Singapore passport photo. No glasses. Neutral expression. Face centred and fully visible. The Singapore driving licence uses the national biometric photo standard, which means one spec applies across the passport, NRIC, and driving licence.
Singapore Driving Licence Photo Specifications (35×45mm)
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35mm wide × 45mm tall |
| Digital size | 413 × 531 pixels |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Head covering | Not allowed (religious exceptions apply) |
| Photo age | Within last 6 months |
These requirements are confirmed by MFA consular guidelines and align with Singapore's unified national photo standard.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Why Are Glasses Banned in Singapore Driving Licence Photos?
Singapore's no-glasses rule was introduced to improve biometric face-matching accuracy. It applies to all government-issued ID documents — including the driving licence.
Remove prescription glasses, reading glasses, and tinted glasses for the photo. Contact lenses are fine. Sunglasses are not fine (this should go without saying, but photographic studio staff occasionally get asked).
Getting Your Singapore Driving Licence Photo
For a New Singapore Driving Licence Application
If you're getting your Singapore driving licence for the first time after passing your basic theory test and final practical test, the photo process is handled during your licence application at a Driving Centre (Comfort Driving Centre, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, or BBDC).
The licence application typically requires a digital photo upload through the online portal or submission through the driving centre's administrative process. Use a compliant 413×531px digital photo with a white background.
For Singapore Driving Licence Renewal via OneMotoring
Singapore driving licences are valid for either 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the type. Renewals are done online through the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Traffic Police's LicenceOne portal or OneMotoring portal. You'll need to upload a fresh photo (taken within the last 6 months) that meets the standard spec.
If Your Appearance Has Changed
If your current licence photo is significantly outdated — different hair, changed appearance, post-surgery — consider updating it at renewal even if not required. Traffic Police and other authorities use the photo for identity verification during roadside checks.
Comparing Singapore's Driving Licence Photo to Passport
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed |
| NRIC | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed |
| Driving Licence | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed |
All three use the same spec. Singapore made a deliberate policy choice to standardise its government photo requirements. A photo file that meets Singapore passport standards will work for your driving licence.
Where to Get a Singapore Driving Licence Photo
Photo studios. Any studio in Singapore can produce a 35×45mm driving licence photo. Tell them "standard Singapore passport/NRIC photo" and they'll know exactly what's needed. A set of prints runs about SGD 10–15. Studios in shopping centres (Orchard Road, Bugis, Tampines) and near government service centres are the most experienced.
Photo booths. Automated photo booths at MRT stations, post offices, and some CC (Community Centre) locations can produce compliant photos. Select the Singapore passport option for the correct size and background.
At home for digital submission. If you're comfortable taking the photo yourself, use a plain white wall with even lighting and no shadows. Take the photo with a smartphone camera in good natural light. The passportsize-photo.online checker checks your photo against Singapore's spec — dimensions, background colour, face centering, and common rejection causes — before you upload to OneMotoring.
More information about photo requirements across Singapore identity documents is on the Singapore country page.
Singapore Driving Licence Fees and Processing Time
Driving licence fees in Singapore are set by the Traffic Police. A standard 5-year licence renewal costs SGD 50. Processing via the online portal (OneMotoring) is typically fast — approved licences are usually mailed within 5–7 working days.
If you're applying for a new licence after passing your driving tests, your Driving Centre will guide the application process and fees.
Rejected photo submissions add time to this process. The portal will notify you if your photo doesn't pass the automated check, but manual review can take longer. Getting the photo right on the first attempt saves you days.
Common Singapore Driving Licence Photo Mistakes
Using an old photo. Singapore requires photos taken within the last six months. A photo from five years ago — even if the person hasn't changed much — is technically non-compliant and may be rejected during licence processing.
Wrong background. Off-white, light grey, or any background that isn't plain white fails. Avoid taking photos against house walls or office backgrounds without proper lighting.
Head not centred. Tilted or off-centre photos are rejected. Look straight at the camera, chin level, both eyes fully open.
Wearing glasses. Still the most common rejection cause. If you wear glasses daily, it's easy to forget to remove them before the photo. Set a reminder if you're visiting a studio.
Get it right before you submit. A rejected photo means a resubmission, which adds time you probably don't want to spend when you're just trying to get your licence sorted.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Singapore DL Photos
The driving licence applies the same biometric expression standard as the Singapore passport:
- 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 and both eyes must be fully visible
- Head coverings — only for documented religious reasons; face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Contact lenses — permitted, but coloured or patterned lenses that obscure the natural iris are not allowed
Singapore Driving Licence Categories and Photo Rules
All driving licence categories use the same photo specification:
- Class 3/3A — Cars (manual/automatic)
- Class 2/2A/2B — Motorcycles
- Class 4/4A — Heavy vehicles
- Class 5 — Buses
The photo requirement does not change between categories. One compliant photo file covers any class application or renewal.
Converting a Foreign Licence to Singapore Driving Licence
If you're moving to Singapore on an Employment Pass or other work visa, you can convert your foreign driving licence to a Singapore licence without retaking the driving test — provided your licence was issued by a country on Singapore's recognised list. This includes most developed countries.
The conversion process requires:
- Your foreign driving licence (with official translation if not in English)
- A basic theory test pass (BTT) — required for all conversions
- A 35×45mm white-background photo, no glasses
- Your employment pass or relevant visa
The Traffic Police processes conversions through the OneMotoring portal. A compliant photo is part of the application package.
Quick Checklist for Singapore Driving Licence Photos
- Size: 35×45mm (413×531px at 300 DPI)
- Background: white, no shadows
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- Digital file ready for OneMotoring upload
Verify your photo with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For the full Singapore requirements, see the Singapore hub.
