First-Time AL Albania driving licence 4x5 cm Application Tips - Beginner's Guide

Requirements

• Photo Dimensions: must be exactly 4 cm wide × 5 cm high printed on quality photo paper
• Head Size & Position: face height (chin to crown) between 70 %–80 % of photo height (5–4 cm) and centered both horizontally and vertically
• Background Color: plain, light-colored (white or light gray) with no patterns, textures, shadows, or objects
• Facial Expression: neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling, no frowning
• Orientation & Gaze: full-face view directly facing the camera, head straight, eyes looking at the lens
• Glasses & Accessories: thin-framed, clear prescription glasses allowed if no glare and eyes fully visible; no tinted lenses, no hats or head coverings except for approved religious reasons with full facial visibility
• Lighting & Contrast: even, diffused lighting to avoid shadows on face or background, accurate skin tones, no red-eye or reflections
• Photo Quality & Finish: high-resolution image printed on non-glossy (matte) photo paper, sharp focus, proper contrast, no creases or scratches
• Age of Photo: must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Quantity & Spare Copy: provide two identical photos and keep one additional spare copy for your records
• Professional Studio Recommendation: use a studio experienced with Albanian driving licence requirements to ensure compliance and avoid rejections
• Pre-Submission Check: measure final print against a template or ruler and verify head dimensions and background compliance before handing in your application

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify eligibility and residency: Confirm you are at least 18 years old, hold valid Albanian residency status or registered address, and have no driving bans; this ensures you meet the basic legal criteria before investing time and money.
• Gather mandatory documents: Collect your national ID card or passport, proof of residence (utility bill or lease), medical certificate (form 0-234 from an authorized doctor), and fiscal number (NIPT); having everything ready prevents delays at the counter.
• Obtain a compliant 4×5 cm photo: Visit a professional photographer or trusted photo booth and request Albanian driving-license size; ensure a white background, neutral expression, no glasses glare, full face visible, and 70–80% head coverage to meet DPS standards.
• Complete the application form: Download or pick up the “Aplikim për Leje Drejtimi” form at the local Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Shërbimeve të Transportit Rrugor office; fill in legibly with black ink, double-check spelling of names, and sign where required to avoid rejection.
• Schedule and pass the medical exam: Book an appointment with a licensed traffic doctor to evaluate vision, hearing, and general fitness; obtain the stamped medical certificate because it confirms you are physically and mentally fit to drive.
• Submit your package and pay fees: Take your documents, photo, completed form, and medical certificate to the nearest DPS service center; pay the application fee (check current tariff online), get your receipt, and note the expected processing time for your driving-licence card.
• Attend the theory test: Study the official traffic rules manual and use online mock tests; arrive 15 minutes early with your receipt and ID, answer at least 18 of 20 questions correctly to demonstrate road-safety knowledge.
• Book and pass the practical exam: After passing theory, schedule a driving test with an approved instructor; practice maneuvers, parking, and road driving in both urban and rural settings to ensure you can handle the examiner’s route requirements.
• Collect your licence and inspect it: Return to the DPS office on the notified date, present your receipt, and receive your plastic driving licence; verify that your name, photo, issue and expiry dates, and licence categories are correctly printed before leaving.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Photo Dimensions: Always submit a 40 × 50 mm (4 × 5 cm) photo with the head occupying 70–80 % of the frame—failure to match these limits is the most common reason for rejection.
• Precise Head Positioning: Position your head centrally with eyes 12–13 mm from the top edge—crooked or off-center shots can hinder automated verification and lead to application delays.
• Uniform White Background: Use a plain white or light-gray background with no shadows or patterns—any background variation can cause the photo to be rejected during the biometric scan.
• Neutral Expression and Visibility: Maintain a neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open, and hair off the forehead—this ensures facial features are clearly captured for identity checks.
• Glasses and Head Coverings: Remove non-prescription eyewear and hats; prescription glasses must have thin frames and no glare—religious head coverings are allowed only if they don’t obscure the hairline or any facial contours.

Conclusion

In summary, a successful first-time Albanian driving licence application hinges on meticulous preparation and strict adherence to specifications:

• Photo Compliance: submit two identical 4×5 cm photos with a plain light background, neutral expression, full-face view, and no shadows or reflections
• Required Documents: gather a valid ID, proof of residence, medical certificate, completed application form, and any prior driving records if applicable
• Testing and Training: enroll in an approved driving school, complete the theory and practical lessons, and schedule both exams well in advance
• Fees and Appointments: confirm current fee amounts, book your photo-finish and exam dates online or at your local licensing office, and arrive early with all originals and copies
• Final Review: double-check all materials for accuracy, ensure photos meet biometric standards, and keep receipts and confirmation documents until you receive your licence