EE Estonia driving license 35x45 mm Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

Requirements

• Photo size and shape: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high in portrait orientation on rectangular paper
• Head dimensions: head (chin to crown) must measure 32–36 mm and eyes must fall 18–22 mm from bottom edge
• Background: uniform light grey or white, free of patterns, shadows, or objects
• Facial expression: neutral with closed mouth, natural look, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Head position: centered and straight, facing camera directly without tilt or turn
• Photo quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, accurate contrast, no red-eye or reflections
• Attire: everyday clothing without uniforms or camouflage, religious garments allowed only if they do not obscure face
• Accessories: no hats, scarves, or head coverings unless worn for religious reasons, eyeglasses permitted if lenses are clear and frames do not cover eyes
• Recent photo requirement: taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflecting current appearance
• Print specifications: printed on high-quality, matte or semi-matte photographic paper with no creases, ink streaks, or damage

Step-by-Step Process

Content about EE Estonia driving license 35x45 mm Application: Photo Guidelines - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Uniform background: Use a plain light-grey or white backdrop without shadows or patterns to meet Estonia’s requirement for distinct subject separation and avoid background rejections.
• Correct head positioning: Center your face within the 35×45 mm frame with proper top and bottom margins to prevent cropping errors and ensure full head visibility.
• Neutral expression: Maintain a closed-mouth, relaxed look with both eyes open to comply with regulations and facilitate automatic face recognition checks.
• Glasses glare control: Remove tinted eyewear or adjust frames to eliminate reflections, ensuring clear, unobstructed eye visibility and avoiding photo refusal.
• Recent photo date: Provide an image taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance and prevent rejections for outdated photos.

Conclusion

In summary, your Estonia driving licence photo must meet strict 35 × 45 mm standards to avoid delays or rejections.

• Size and format: 35 × 45 mm, portrait orientation, JPEG or high-quality print
• Head positioning: centred, vertical, head height 32–36 mm (70–80 % of frame)
• Background: uniform light grey or white, no shadows or patterns
• Expression and gaze: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, direct look at camera
• Lighting and image quality: even lighting, no red-eye or reflections, sharp focus, high resolution
• Attire and accessories: natural clothing contrast, no hats or sunglasses (exceptions for religious headwear)
• Recency: photo taken within the last 6 months, accurate likeness
• Compliance check: verify dimensions, print quality, and colour accuracy before submission