Singaporean Driving License Photo

If you are about to renew your Singaporean driving license or get one for the first time, you will need to provide a photo that follows all the government’s guidelines or it may be declined by authorities. To avoid having your driving license photo rejected, read all the instructions we prepared for you on this page.

Singapore driving license photo requirements

When applying or renewing a Singaporean driving license, it is important to provide a picture that follows all the official photo requirements. The photos you submit are checked not only by authorities but also by facial recognition technology powered by AI (artificial intelligence) that can immediately signal when pictures cannot be accepted for the documents. 

On this page, you can find all the official guidelines for your Singaporean driving license photo. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• The photo must be in color and clear to see. Authorities do not accept black and white or blurred photos.
• The photo has to be a recent one, ideally taken in the last 6 months.
• The Singaporean driving license photo background must be white or off-white and plain.

Singapore driving license photo size and requirements

The correct size for a Singaporean driving license photo is 35 x 45 mm. Moreover, your face has to be between 25mm and 35mm of the height of the picture.

To make sure that authorities accept the photo, keep in mind these guidelines: 

• The Singaporean driving license photo has to show your face and the top of your shoulders.
• Keep your head straight and look directly at the camera so your facial features are all perfectly visible.
• Your facial expression has to be neutral. A photo showing an open mouth, closed eyes, or a smile will not be accepted.
• The photo cannot be edited digitally because it has to show your face in the most natural way.
• The photo cannot be overexposed or underexposed to the light.

Authorities have also listed guidelines for what can be worn or not.

Validity and quality of Singapore driving license photo

The validity of your photo is 6 months since it was taken, but if you have gone through dramatic changes in the last months, take new pictures. For example, if you had any plastic surgery work done, you have to retake your photos.

You can use your Singaporean driving license photos in digital format or you can print them. In the second case, however, you have to use good photo-quality paper, either glossy or semi-matte.

In terms of quality, the photo has to be clear and in focus, and it cannot be pixelated. Moreover, the picture cannot be a selfie. You can ask someone to take the photo or you can do it yourself, but in that case, you have to use a tripod.

Singapore driving license photo lightning

The photo for your Singaporean driving license cannot have any sharp shadows. For this reason, we recommend using a direct source of light such as natural sunlight that can evenly illuminate your face. For example, you can take a picture facing a window during the day. 

Daylight is also useful to prevent the so-called “red eyes” effect that is common when pictures are taken with flashes from cameras or phones. Remember that a photo presenting red eyes will be rejected by authorities. 

Head coverings in Singapore driving license photos 

Generally speaking, you’re not allowed to cover your head for the Singaporean driving license photo. Head coverings for medical or religious reasons are the exception. Indeed, if you wear a head covering for medical or religious purposes, you are allowed to keep it while taking the photo. However, it cannot cover any part of your face and your ears and forehead have to be visible.

Other types of head coverings, such as caps, hats, or headbands are not allowed and have to be removed prior to taking the photo.

Glasses in Singapore driving license photo

If you usually use transparent glasses, you might be allowed to keep them on while taking a Singaporean driving license photo. It is important that they do not cover any of the features of your face such as eyes, eyebrows, and ears. 

If the glasses reflect the light when you take the picture, remove them or your photo will be rejected. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are prohibited as they cover the eyes, especially the pupil. 

Make-up in Singapore driving license photo

If you prefer to wear make-up for your Singaporean driving license, know that you are allowed to do so. However, make-up cannot cover any of your facial features or enhance any of them or the photo will be rejected.

The final result has to be natural, and for this reason we recommend using natural colors especially for the lips. For example, avoid vibrant red lipstick in your picture. 

Hair in Singapore driving license photo

You can style your hair for your driving license photo however you prefer. As long as it does not cover your face, your forehead, or your ears. You do not need to tie your hair, but it is recommended to do so.

Beard in Singapore driving license photo

You do not need to cut your beard for your Singaporean driving license photo, but it has to have a tidy look. Consider giving it a trim before taking your picture. 

Jewelry in Singapore driving license photo

There is no explicit rule against wearing jewelry in your Singaporean driving license photo, but remember that it cannot cover your face, neck, or ears.

If you prefer to wear earrings or a necklace, make sure that they are not too visible and that they do not obstruct any part of your body from the shoulders up. 

Clothes in Singapore driving license photo

When taking your Singaporean driving license photo, remember that you cannot wear military uniforms or light colored clothes that blend with the background. Opt for casual wear that you would use any common day and avoid prints. Your Singaporean driving license is going to be valid for many years, and you would not want to have a photo with clothes you do not like anymore or that are out of fashion.

PhotoAiD: Singapore driving license photos at home 

People applying for a Singaporean driving license ask if they can get pictures near them, and with all the new technology the answer is yes - you can even do it without living your home! All you need is your digital camera, your phone, or your tablet and PhotoAiD app or website. Our system uses the best AI to ensure that your Singaporean driving license photos will be in accordance with all the guidelines and get accepted by the authorities.

PhotoAiD is easy and quick to use. All you need to do is take a photo, upload it on our web page or our app and wait a few seconds. We will check it for you and make sure that it complies with all official guidelines, and you won’t have to worry about it anymore.

PhotoAiD on iPhone and Android

If instead of a web page you prefer using an app and have an iPhone, you can find and download our Passport Size Photo App from your Apple Store. No need to print your Singaporean driving license photos, you will always have them just a click away. 

If your phone or your tablet uses the Android system, you can download ourPassport Photo App from your Google Store. Your perfect Singaporean driving license photo will always be ready to use in your pocket.

Why should you use Photo AiD for your Singaporean driving license photo?

PhotoAiD is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to take photos for all your official documents everywhere and at any time. With our user-friendly interface, you can get your photos quickly, even while you are sitting and waiting to renew your document. 

Choose PhotoAiD to save time and money, and rest assured that your Singaporean driving license photos will be accepted by authorities. We are even ready to reimburse you double your money if your photos are rejected.

Sources:

https://www.ica.gov.sg/common/photo-guidelines