RU Russia driving license 21x30 mm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 21 × 30 mm on matte or glossy photo paper with straight, untrimmed edges
• Head size and position: head height (chin to crown) 18–22 mm centered vertically with equal space above and below
• Face orientation: full-face view directly toward the camera, eyes level, shoulders square, no tilt or turn
• Background color: uniform light gray or off-white with no patterns, shadows, textures, or gradients
• Image quality: high-resolution color print free of creases, scratches, ink marks, digital noise or pixelation
• Lighting and contrast: evenly lit face and background, no shadows on face or behind head, natural skin tone, balanced contrast
• Facial expression: neutral expression with closed mouth or natural slight smile, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Glasses rules: thin-rimmed prescription glasses allowed if eyes fully visible, no glare or tinted lenses; sunglasses prohibited
• Head coverings: only for documented religious reasons, must not cast shadows or hide hairline, full face must remain visible
• Clothing guidance: wear everyday attire, no military or uniform garments, avoid white tops that blend into background
• Photo currency: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance, no significant hairstyle changes
• Print format: original physical print, not a photocopy or digital file, no adhesive residue on reverse side
• No retouching: unaltered image, no filters or photo-editing that changes facial features or skin texture
• Age-specific notes: for minors under 6 years allow natural expression but prevent props or toys; children’s eyes open and looking at camera

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Verify the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs specification mandating a 21 × 30 mm portrait photo on high-quality matte paper with a neutral light-gray or white background, head height 18–23 mm (chin to crown), no shadows or reflections.
• Second step: Prepare your shooting environment by placing a uniform background at least 1 m behind the subject with two diffused light sources at 45° angles or soft natural light to eliminate shadows and ensure even illumination.
• Third step: Position the subject upright facing the camera at eye level, center the head in frame with a neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, hair off the face, no head tilt or turn to meet the straight-on requirement.
• Fourth step: Capture the image with a digital camera set to 300 dpi at final size, ISO 100–200, aperture f/6–8 and shutter speed 1/100 s, ensuring sharp focus on the eyes and overall clarity before proceeding.
• Fifth step: Edit in photo-editing software by cropping to exactly 21 mm width and 30 mm height at 300 dpi, adjust white balance for natural skin tones, remove only background artifacts without altering facial features, and avoid any retouching of the face.
• Sixth step: Print two identical copies on professional photo paper using a calibrated printer, confirm final dimensions and head size with a template or ruler, ensure prints are free of creases, smudges, and gloss before submission.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Crop Dimensions: Always crop to exactly 21×30 mm with the head occupying about 70–80 % of the height (≈24 mm) to meet official size specs and avoid outright rejection
• Uniform Background: Use a plain white or light-gray background free of shadows or patterns so facial contours stand out and the photo passes automated and manual quality checks
• Centered Neutral Pose: Position the head squarely, eyes on the horizontal midline, mouth closed and expression neutral to ensure all key features are clearly visible for ID verification
• No Obstructions or Reflections: Remove hats, scarves and tinted glasses and adjust lighting to eliminate glare on eyeglasses so no facial features are hidden or distorted
• Fresh High-Quality Print: Submit a color photo taken within the last 6 months on glossy paper at ≥600 dpi with no creases, fades or digital artifacts to guarantee durability and scan-readability

Conclusion

Conclusion: The RU Russia driving license photo (21 × 30 mm) must meet strict standards to ensure acceptance and avoid processing delays.

Key Points:

• Dimensions: exactly 21 × 30 mm with sharp, clear edges
• Background: uniform light gray or white, no patterns or shadows
• Head positioning: full face centered, head height 70–80 % of photo height
• Expression and appearance: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no head covering (unless for religious reasons)
• Glasses and accessories: frames thin, lenses clear (no glare or reflections), no colored lenses
• Image quality: 600 dpi resolution, no scratches, creases, over-editing

Always verify final print measurements and visual checks before submission to guarantee compliance.