EE Estonia driving license 35x45 mm Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)
Applying for your Estonian driving licence isn’t just a formality—it starts with the perfect 35 × 45 mm photo that proves your identity across Estonia and the wider Schengen region. A single misstep in head positioning, lighting or background can trigger a costly rejection by the Police and Border Guard Board and stall your progress. In this concise guide, you’ll discover how to capture a compliant, high-quality image—covering everything from exact measurements and neutral expressions to attire and technical camera settings—so your application sails through smoothly and your licence is in hand without delay.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm print size exactly, no borders or margins
- Head size: vertical head length (chin to crown) 32–36 mm within the frame
- Photo age: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
- Background: uniform light-grey or white, matte finish, absolutely no patterns or shadows
- Head position: full face centered, upright posture, looking directly at the camera
- Facial expression: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no visible teeth or smile
- Eyes visibility: both eyes fully visible, no hair or frame obstructions, natural gaze
- Glasses: clear prescription glasses allowed if frames don’t cover eyes and no glare; tinted or sunglasses prohibited
- Head coverings: only for certified religious reasons, must not cast shadows or obscure facial features
- Lighting: even, diffused lighting on face and background, no hotspots or shadow lines
- Color quality: true-to-life color rendering, natural skin tones, no sepia or black-and-white
- Image sharpness: high resolution, in sharp focus with no pixelation, over- or under-exposure
- Print finish: matte or semi-matte photo paper, no gloss, creases, tears, stains or adhesive marks
- Clothing: normal everyday attire without uniforms, camouflage or large logos; avoid headbands or large jewelry
- Photo count: submit two identical photos, identical both to each other and digital reference (if required)
Step-by-Step Process
Content about EE Estonia driving license 35x45 mm Application: Photo Guidelines - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Background uniformity: Use a plain light‐grey or white background with no patterns, shadows or objects visible to ensure clear face delineation and avoid automatic‐rejection by the system
- Head size and positioning: Position the face centrally so it occupies 32–36 mm of the 45 mm height with eyes 65–75 % from the bottom to meet biometric‐standard framing and prevent cropping errors
- Neutral facial expression: Keep a straight face with eyes open, mouth closed and no exaggerated expressions to satisfy official requirements and ensure reliable facial recognition
- Lighting and reflections: Illuminate evenly from both sides, remove tinted or reflective glasses or wear non‐reflective lenses to avoid shadows or glare obscuring your eyes and features
- Recent high‐quality print: Provide a color photo taken within the last 6 months printed at ≥600 dpi on matte photo paper to guarantee up-to-date likeness and sharp, printer-compliant resolution
Conclusion
In summary, adhering strictly to Estonia’s 35 × 45 mm driving licence photo guidelines will help prevent delays or rejections. Key requirements include:
- Photo Size: Exactly 35 × 45 mm with no borders
- Head Position: Face centered, full front view, head height 31–36 mm
- Background: Plain light (white or light grey), no shadows or patterns
- Expression & Eyes: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Glasses & Headwear: No tinted lenses or glare; head coverings only for documented religious reasons, with full facial visibility
- Quality & Finish: High resolution, sharp focus, natural color, matte or semi-matte paper
- Recency: Taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
By following these precise specifications, applicants ensure a smooth processing of their Estonian driving licence application.
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