Thai Driving Licence Photo: 2×2 Inch Square Guide
The Thai driving licence (ใบขับขี่) requires a square photo: 50.8×50.8mm (2×2 inches). That's 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI, maximum 240KB, white background. This is completely different from the Thai passport, which uses a portrait-format 40×60mm photo. If you show up with a Thai passport photo, it will be rejected. The Department of Land Transport uses its own standard, and it's a square.
This surprises a lot of people. Here's everything you need to know.
Thai Driving Licence Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50.8×50.8mm (2×2 inches) |
| Digital size | 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI |
| Maximum file size | 240KB |
| Background | Plain white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile |
| Head covering | Not allowed (religious exceptions: face fully visible) |
| Head size | 50–75% of frame height |
| Photo age | Recent, within last 6 months |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Square vs Portrait: Why Thailand's Driving Licence Photo Is Different
The Thai passport uses 40×60mm — taller than it is wide, a standard portrait format. The driving licence uses 50.8×50.8mm — perfectly square.
DLT (กรมการขนส่งทางบก / Department of Land Transport) sets photo requirements independently from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which administers the passport. DLT adopted a square 2×2 inch standard for its system — the same square format used in several other countries for driving licences and visa applications.
The practical consequence: you need two different photos for your Thai passport and your Thai driving licence. You cannot use one for both.
| Document | Format | Dimensions | Photo shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Passport | Portrait | 40×60mm | Tall rectangle |
| Thai Driving Licence | Square | 50.8×50.8mm | Perfect square |
| Thai ID Card | On-site capture | N/A | N/A |
Digital Photo Requirements for Thai Driving Licences
DLT's online system for driving licence applications and renewals has specific digital requirements:
- Resolution: 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI
- File size: Maximum 240KB. This is strict — files over 240KB will be rejected by the upload form.
- File format: JPG (JPEG)
- Background: Plain white with no visible shadows
If you're working with a digital photo, resize it to exactly 600×600 pixels and compress the file if needed. Most photo editing tools can export JPG at different quality levels — reduce quality incrementally until the file falls under 240KB while keeping the face clear.
Who Needs a Thai Driving Licence
Thai driving licences are issued by DLT and come in two main types:
- Temporary (ชั่วคราว): For new applicants. Valid for 2 years.
- 5-Year licence: Standard renewal after holding a temporary licence.
Foreign nationals holding a valid foreign licence and residing in Thailand can apply for a Thai driving licence through the DLT provincial office. Tourists and short-term visitors typically use an International Driving Permit (IDP) in conjunction with their home country licence.
How to Apply for a Thai Driving Licence at DLT
First-Time Thai Driving Licence Applicants at DLT
Applications are processed at DLT provincial offices. The process includes:
- Submit required documents (ID card or passport, existing foreign licence if converting, proof of address).
- Pass a colour vision test and reaction time test at the DLT office.
- Watch a road safety video (30 minutes).
- Take a theory test.
- Submit your photo — taken on-site using DLT's camera, or bring a compliant print.
The photo process varies by office. Some DLT offices take the photo on-site as part of the application; others ask you to bring compliant passport-size photos. Call your local DLT office before visiting to confirm whether you need to bring photos.
Thai Driving Licence Renewals and Photo Updates
Renewals can be done at DLT offices or through the DLT's online portal for eligible licence holders. Online renewals require uploading a digital photo meeting the 600×600px / 240KB specification.
Licence validity: 5-year licences are renewed every 5 years. Bring your expired licence, ID card or passport, and a recent compliant photo.
Getting a Square Photo in Thailand
Photo studios near DLT offices are usually familiar with the square format requirement. Tell the studio you need a "ใบขับขี่ photo" (driving licence photo) and they should produce the correct 2×2 inch square print. Confirm the dimensions before they print.
If you're preparing a digital file for online renewal, passportsize-photo.online handles square photos and can verify that your 600×600px image meets the background and face-centering requirements before you upload.
The Thailand passport photo guide explains the separate 40×60mm portrait spec used for Thai passports. Read it alongside this guide if you're preparing photos for both documents — they require different files.
More about Thailand's document photo requirements is on the Thailand country page.
Common Thai Driving Licence Photo Mistakes
Using a passport photo. The most common error. A Thai passport photo is 40×60mm — portrait format, taller than wide. A driving licence photo is 50.8×50.8mm — square. They are not interchangeable. Using a passport photo means the image is cropped at the wrong aspect ratio and will not fit the driving licence format.
File too large. DLT's 240KB limit is enforced by the upload system. A standard uncompressed 600×600px JPG can exceed this easily. Compress the file before uploading.
Wrong resolution. Some studios print at 96 DPI, not 300 DPI. The file size is the same, but the print quality is lower. Specify 300 DPI when ordering prints or exporting digital files.
Shadows on white background. White backgrounds with visible shadows fail the automated check. Good studio lighting eliminates this.
Not calling ahead. Different DLT provincial offices handle photos differently — some shoot on-site, some expect you to bring prints. A quick call before your visit saves a wasted trip.
Thailand's driving licence process is straightforward once you know the square format requirement. The surprise isn't the process — it's just the shape.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Thai DL Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- 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 clearly visible
- Head coverings — not permitted; religious exceptions apply if full face remains visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or white background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Thai Document Photo Comparison: DL vs Passport vs Work Permit
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Licence (ใบขับขี่) | 50.8×50.8mm (2×2 in) | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Thai Passport | 40×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Work Permit (ใบอนุญาตทำงาน) | 40×60mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Thailand uses two photo formats: a square 50.8×50.8mm for the driving licence and a portrait 40×60mm for passports and work permits. No two share the same dimensions. Always specify the exact document when ordering photos.
Quick Checklist for Thai Driving Licence Photos
- Size: 50.8×50.8mm (2×2 inches) / 600×600px
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- File size: under 240KB for digital upload
- Check if your DLT office takes photos on-site
