Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (width × height) with no white borders
• Head size and positioning: head (chin to crown) must measure 32–36 mm and be centered vertically and horizontally
• Eye level placement: eyes must lie between 20–30 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
• Background: uniform light gray (no patterns, gradients, shadows or textures)
• Expression and posture: neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, facing camera directly, shoulders square
• Lighting and contrast: even, diffused lighting with no shadows, glare or reflections on face or background
• Focus and quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi for digital capture), fully in focus, sharp detail, natural skin tones
• Photo age: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
• Head coverings: only permitted for religious reasons, must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on face
• Glasses rules: clear, non-tinted lenses only, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes
• Clothing visibility: everyday attire only, no uniforms or camouflage, collar and upper shoulders clearly visible
• Print specifications: printed on professional matte or semi-matte photo paper (no laser or inkjet prints)
• No accessories: no headphones, wireless hands-free devices, hats, or other items covering the head or face
• Color requirements: full-color image with accurate color balance, no over-saturation or color casts
• File labeling (digital submission): JPEG format, file size 200–500 KB, filename “Lastname_Firstname.jpg”

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify Photo Dimensions and Face Position: Ensure the final print is exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with the head height between 32–36 mm and the eye line 17–20 mm from the bottom edge; this guarantees compliance with Austrian authorities’ automated and manual checks.
• Choose a Plain, Light-Colored Background: Use a smooth white or very light gray backdrop with no shadows or patterns; this contrast ensures facial features are clearly distinguishable for identity verification systems.
• Position the Subject Correctly: Have the applicant stand about 5 m from the background and look directly into the camera with shoulders square; centering and proper distance prevent distortion and ensure the face occupies the correct portion of the frame.
• Maintain a Neutral Expression: Instruct the applicant to relax facial muscles, keep lips closed without smiling, and eyes open and visible; a neutral expression standardizes identification and avoids rejection for emotional distortion.
• Remove Head Coverings and Accessories: Ask the applicant to remove hats, scarves, and tinted glasses—only prescription glasses with thin frames are allowed if eyes remain unobstructed; eliminating obstructions ensures all facial landmarks are unobstructed.
• Use Even, Shadow-Free Lighting: Employ two diffused light sources at 45° angles in front of the subject to eliminate shadows on the face and background; consistent, soft lighting prevents glare and uneven exposure that could lead to noncompliance.
• Capture at High Resolution and Color Accuracy: Shoot with a camera or smartphone set to at least 10 MP, white-balanced to daylight, and saved in uncompressed JPEG format; high resolution and true colors meet Austrian government quality thresholds.
• Print on Quality Photo Paper: Produce prints on matte or low-gloss photo paper with a continuous-tone finish, no perforations or watermarks, using a lab-grade printer; professional print standards avoid edge fraying and scanning artifacts.
• Inspect and Trim to Exact Size: Use a precision cutter or photoprinter trim guide to cut the photo to 35 × 45 mm, checking dimensions with a ruler to ±1 mm accuracy; precise trimming ensures acceptance without manual resizing.
• Affix and Submit with Application: Attach the photo to the driving license application form in the designated slot or envelope without staples or paperclips; proper placement and attachment prevent damage and ensure the photo stays aligned during processing.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact dimensions: always crop to 35×45 mm with face height 32–36 mm and eye line 17–22 mm from top – incorrect sizing leads to instant rejection; use official ID templates or measure with a ruler/DPI tool to avoid scale errors
• Neutral background: use a plain light-grey or off-white backdrop free of textures, patterns or creases – busy or wrinkled backgrounds are a common failure; position your subject at least 1 m from the wall and light evenly to eliminate shadows
• Even lighting: ensure balanced illumination on both sides of the face without hotspots or dark areas – uneven light can obscure facial features; deploy two soft light sources at 45° angles or shoot under diffused daylight to achieve uniform exposure
• Natural expression & correct head pose: keep a neutral expression with closed mouth, eyes open and looking straight at the camera – tilted heads or big smiles often trigger rejection; align ears, nose and chin parallel to the lens and mark floor position for consistency
• No reflective eyewear or head coverings: remove glasses or switch to non-reflective frames and avoid hats or scarves unless for medical/religious reasons – reflections and occlusions violate ID rules; if covering is permitted, ensure no facial features are hidden and follow the same template measurements

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Austrian driving license photo must meet precise criteria to ensure smooth processing and avoid rejection. By adhering to the standardized 35×45 mm size and following strict rules on head positioning, background, expression, lighting and print quality, applicants can secure a compliant image on their first attempt.

• Size: exactly 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) with margins per regulation
• Head positioning: face height 70–80% of photo; eyes 25–35 mm from bottom edge
• Background: plain light gray or white, even tone, no shadows or patterns
• Expression: neutral face, closed mouth, eyes open and directed at camera
• Glasses & headwear: thin-framed glasses allowed without glare, religious headwear permitted if facial features from chin to forehead are fully visible
• Lighting & exposure: uniform, natural color rendering, no red-eye or reflections
• Print quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), matte or semi-matte paper, no creases or blemishes
• Recency: photo taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
• Clothing: everyday attire without uniforms, logos or heavy accessories obscuring the face

Follow these guidelines precisely, verify measurements with a ruler or template, and use a professional service if unsure—your compliance today prevents delays and guarantees acceptance tomorrow.