DRIVER’S LICENSE PHOTO
A PASSPORT PHOTO IS USED FOR THE DRIVER’S LICENSE
A driver’s license is valid for two, five, or fifteen years, depending on your age and license categories. All licenses issued before January 19, 2013, are valid at most until 2033. A new driver’s license must be applied for through Traficom..
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTO IS REQUIRED FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE?
For a driver’s license, the same type of photo as for a Finnish passport or ID card can be used. If you already have a valid passport or ID card, you don’t need to get new photos specifically for your driver’s license.
However, if you need new photos, you must provide paper passport photos for the driver’s license. Two passport photos are required for the application. When renewing your driver’s license, you cannot use an electronic photo code.
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTO IS REQUIRED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
For an international driver’s license (International Driving Permit, IDP), the same type of photo as for a Finnish passport or ID card can be used. You may need an international driver’s license when traveling outside the EU.
The international driver’s license is issued by Autoliitto. You can apply via the Autoliitto app, by mail, or by visiting the Autoliitto office in Helsinki. If you apply through the app, you must use a photo saved on your phone through the app, which meets specific criteria. You can use a high-quality studio photo for this if you request it from us as an email attachment. You can also visit us, and we will take a passport photo of you against our background fabric from the correct angle for the electronic photo and send it to you by email.
If you apply for an international driver’s license by mail or in person at the Autoliitto office, you can use an official paper passport photo. The application requires one paper passport photo, which must be no older than six months.
When applying for an international driver’s license, you cannot use the police’s electronic photo code. A photo from a valid passport or ID card is also not sufficient for an international driver’s license.
NOTE!
When renewing your driver’s license, you cannot use the police’s electronic photo code.
DID YOU KNOW!
A Finnish paper passport photo can be used for both Finnish and international driver’s licenses!
DID YOU KNOW!
A driver’s license is not an official identity document and can therefore only be used in a limited way to prove your identity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DRIVER’S LICENSE PHOTOS
Can a passport photo be used for a driver’s license?
Yes! When applying for or renewing a driver’s license, you can use a Finnish paper passport photo. If you have a valid passport or ID card, you don’t need a new photo, as the passport or ID card photo can be automatically used for your driver’s license.
Do you need a new photo for your driver’s license?
Yes, if you don’t have a valid passport or ID card, or if you are not satisfied with the photo in your current passport or ID card. A Finnish paper passport photo is accepted for the driver’s license.
If you have a valid passport or ID card, you do not need a new photo for your driver’s license.
How old can a photo be to use for a driver’s license?
A driver’s license photo does not need to be as new as a passport photo. You can use the photo from a valid passport or ID card, so the photo can be older than six months, which is the typical requirement for passport photos. If you are submitting paper photos for your driver’s license application, we recommend using photos that are no older than six months.
Can you wear glasses in your driver’s license photo?
Yes, as long as the frames do not cover your facial features or eyes. However, we always recommend taking photos without glasses, as thick frames can make it difficult to ensure proper identification.
Can you take your driver’s license photo yourself?
You can take your driver’s license photo yourself and bring it to us for printing in the correct size. However, self-taken photos are almost always of lower quality than studio photos.
Guidelines for taking your own driver’s license photo:
-
Take the photo from a sufficient distance to avoid facial distortion. If using a phone, use the rear camera. Do not take a selfie, as short distance causes distortion.
-
Take the photo against a plain white background with even lighting on your face. Natural light provides the best illumination.
-
The face should be straight in the photo: the head must not tilt in any direction, the face should not be angled, and the chin should not be too high or low.
-
The expression should be neutral, eyes fully open, and lips closed.
How many photos are needed for a driver’s license?
For driver´s license you will need two paper photos.
Is a driver's license a photo ID?
A driver’s license is not an ID card with a picture, but rather a certificate of the right to drive. A driver’s license is therefore not an official form of identification. However, it is valid, for example, as proof of age when purchasing age-restricted products.
COME TO US FOR PHOTOGRAPHY!
With us, you get professionally taken passport photos that meet all official requirements! No appointment is needed—you can come for your photo whenever it suits you, during our opening hours.
HIGH-QUALITY PHOTOS IN THE STUDIO
We take all our official photos in the studio, equipped with professional-grade gear, from flashes to cameras!
Photos are taken with soft, face-flattering lighting and a lens that ensures accurate facial proportions.
Our professionals always check the quality of the photo, you get to choose your preferred image, and we inform you of any factors that might cause rejection, such as glare from glasses or an overly big smile.
Only a very small number of our photos are rejected—about 1 in 1,000!
With us, you get exactly the photo you want!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Customer service and a smooth, hassle-free experience are our top priorities!
Our team consists of passport photo professionals who are familiar with official requirements in most countries.
If your photo is rejected due to reasons within our control, you will always receive a new photo free of charge!
We have extremely high customer satisfaction, and the average rating of our numerous Google reviews is nearly a perfect 5 stars in every one of our locations!
CHEAP DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN LOW QUALITY
In our stores, you can get visa photos at an affordable price!
HOW FAST CAN I GET MY PHOTO?
With us, you don’t need to book an appointment—you can come during our opening hours whenever it suits you!
The photo session typically takes less than 5 minutes, and you’ll get your photos immediately, printed and ready to take with you!