First-Time AL Albania driving licence 4x5 cm Application Tips - Beginner's Guide
Applying for your first Albanian driving licence is an exciting milestone, but one small misstep—like submitting the wrong photo size—can derail the entire process. In Albania, your licence application photo must measure exactly 4×5 cm, be taken within the last six months, and meet strict background, lighting, and facial visibility standards. To ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, you need more than just a standard passport snapshot—you need a professional-grade image that ticks every box. Read on for expert tips that will help you capture, review, and submit a flawless 4×5 cm photo so you can hit the road without delay.
Requirements
- Photo Dimensions: must be exactly 4 × 5 cm (40 mm wide × 50 mm high) with no cropping or border
- Head Coverage: face (chin to crown) should occupy 70–80% of frame (approximately 32–36 mm) and be centered
- Background: uniform light gray or white, free of shadows, textures, patterns or objects
- Image Quality: high-resolution color print on matte or semi-matte photographic paper, minimum 600 dpi
- Age of Photo: taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance accurately
- Facial Expression & Posture: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera, head upright without tilt
- Eyewear & Headgear: clear prescription glasses allowed (no tinted lenses or glare); head coverings only for documented religious or medical reasons, with full face visible
- Lighting & Contrast: even, front-facing illumination to avoid shadows on face or background, natural skin tones, no red-eye or reflections
- Quantity & Consistency: submit two identical prints from the same session, matching in all dimensions, color balance and paper finish
- Valid ID Document: original Albanian ID card or passport plus photocopy for verification
- Medical Certificate: completed by an authorized physician confirming fitness to drive (issued within 30 days of application)
- Driving School Certificate: proof of completion of state-approved theoretical and practical training, stamped and signed by the school’s director
- Application Form & Fee: fully filled and signed form (available online or at DPSHQ offices) plus proof of payment of the current licence issuance fee (check latest ALL amount)
Step-by-Step Process
Content about First-Time AL Albania driving licence 4x5 cm Application Tips - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Background uniformity: use a plain light-grey or white backdrop to meet Albania’s photo requirements and ensure no automatic-rejection by border-control systems
- Head size and centering: position your head to occupy about 70–80% of the 4×5 cm frame and keep it centered to avoid cropping issues and rejection for incorrect proportions
- Neutral expression and eye visibility: maintain a closed-mouth, neutral face with eyes fully open and no tinted glasses to satisfy biometric-ID standards and prevent obscured-feature refusals
- High print quality on matte paper: produce a 600 dpi, non-glossy 4×5 cm print free of creases or dust to guarantee clarity in scanning and durable ID-card embossing
- Correct file format and naming: submit a color .jpg at the specified resolution without heavy compression and name it per AL guidelines (e.g., “Surname_Name.jpg”) to streamline digital processing and avoid clerical delays
Conclusion
In summary, preparing your First-Time AL Albania driving licence 4×5 cm photo and application correctly the first time will save you delays and extra costs. By following these guidelines you’ll ensure a smooth process from start to finish:
- Photo compliance: use a recent, color 4 × 5 cm photo with a plain light background showing full face, neutral expression, no headwear (unless for religious reasons), and proper lighting
- Document checklist: submit your valid ID, proof of residency, medical certificate, and completed application form alongside the photo
- Measurement accuracy: ensure the head height is 32–36 mm and the top of the hair is 3–5 mm from the top edge of the photo
- Application steps: collect all documents, have your photo taken by a professional, complete and sign the form, pay the fee, and submit at the licensing office
- Common pitfalls: avoid selfies, incorrect background colors, non-standard dimensions, and missing signatures to prevent rejection
By double-checking each requirement before submission, you’ll maximize your chances of approval and get on the road in Albania without unnecessary setbacks.
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