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Passport Photo for Driver's License 2026 – Why a Printed Paper Photo Is Still Required
Updated on 09.10.2026
From May 1, 2025, new legal regulations for biometric passport photos apply in Germany. Authorities may only accept digital photos for passports, national ID cards, and residence permits. However, this rule does not apply to the driver's license – a classic printed paper photo is still required here.
What changed on May 1, 2025?
From this date, passport, identity card, and foreigner's registration offices may only accept digital photos for the application of identity documents such as passports, national ID cards, and residence permits. The photo is transmitted digitally using a special process and is assigned a Data-Matrix-Code – similar to a QR code.
Exception: Driver's licenses still require a printed photo
The driver's license is exempt from the new digital regulation. The legislator has not yet provided for a digital photo submission process for the driver's license.
- A printed biometric passport photo on paper is still required for the driver's license.
- The new digital photo submission rule does not apply to the driver's license.
- The photo must comply with biometric requirements (35 x 45 mm, portrait format, neutral facial expression).
Digital or paper? How driver's license offices handle it
There is no nationwide requirement for a digital photo for the driver's license. Some license offices, for example the city of Münster, now offer to take the photo on site at a terminal. Image files you bring yourself are not accepted.
- Accepted everywhere: a printed biometric passport photo (35 × 45 mm) on photo paper.
- Sometimes possible: a digital photo taken directly at the license office (usually for a fee).
- Not accepted: your own image files on a phone, USB stick, by email or as a QR code.
Driver's license exchange: who needs a new photo now?
All German driver's licenses issued before 19 January 2013 must be exchanged for the new EU card license in stages. For the exchange you need a current biometric passport photo on paper. What counts is the issue date in field 4a on the front of your card license.
| Year of issue | Exchange by | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 – 2001 | 19 January 2026 | Deadline passed |
| 2002 – 2004 | 19 January 2027 | Next deadline |
| 2005 – 2007 | 19 January 2028 | |
| 2008 | 19 January 2029 | |
| 2009 | 19 January 2030 | |
| 2010 | 19 January 2031 | |
| 2011 | 19 January 2032 | |
| 2012 to 18 Jan 2013 | 19 January 2033 |
Requirements for the driver's license photo
The photo for a German driver's license must comply with the Passport Regulation, so the same biometric rules apply as for a passport:
- 35 × 45 mm, portrait format; the face (chin to crown) is 32 to 36 mm high.
- Current: the photo shows you as you look today. Rule of thumb: no older than about one year.
- Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible, the lenses don't reflect and the frame doesn't cover your eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, head straight, looking into the camera.
- No headwear, except for religious or medical reasons. The face must be fully visible.
- Light, plain background without shadows; sharp and evenly lit.
What is a Data-Matrix-Code and why can't I use it?
A Data-Matrix-Code is a digital code (similar to a QR code) attached to a biometric passport photo for digital transmission to authorities. This code is used for passports, national ID cards, and residence permits. If you have already received a photo with such a code, please note:
How do I get the right passport photo for my driver's license?
For your driver's license, you need a classic biometric passport photo (35 x 45 mm) on paper. You can easily create your photo with our website and then have it printed at any drug store or pharmacy.
How to print your passport photo:
How much does a driver's license photo cost?
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Photographer | from €15.00 |
| Photo booth | €6.00 to €10.00 |
| On site at the license office (where offered) | approx. €6.00 |
| Passbild-SelberMachen.com + print at a drugstore | €6.99 + approx. €0.27 print |
Create a passport photo for your driver's license
Create your biometric passport photo for your driver's license now \u2013 quickly and easily from the comfort of your home.
Create driver's license photoFrequently asked questions about the driver's license photo
Do I need a digital passport photo for my driver's license?
No. The digital photo requirement introduced in May 2025 only applies to ID cards, passports and residence permits. A printed biometric passport photo is still valid nationwide for the driver's license. Some license offices also offer to take the photo digitally on site.
Can I use the same photo as for my ID card?
Yes, if you have it as a paper print and it is still current. A Data Matrix code or an image file alone is not enough for the driver's license.
How old can the photo for my driver's license be?
There is no fixed maximum age, but the photo must show you as you look today. Rule of thumb: no older than about one year. If in doubt, the license office decides.
Can I wear glasses in my driver's license photo?
Yes, as long as your eyes are clearly visible, the lenses don't reflect and the frame doesn't cover your eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.
Can I take the driver's license photo myself?
Yes. What matters is that the photo meets the biometric requirements and is printed on photo paper at 35 × 45 mm. Who takes the photo is not prescribed.
Do I need a new photo for the driver's license exchange?
Yes. To exchange your license for the EU card license you need a current biometric passport photo. The photo from your old license cannot be reused.
Conclusion
Even though the rules for passports and national ID cards changed in May 2025, the driver's license still requires a printed paper photo. Create your biometric passport photo online with our photo generator and have it printed at a drug store – quick, convenient, and fully compliant with the requirements.
Sources and legal basis
The information in this article is based on the following legal texts and information from the responsible authorities:
- Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), § 21 (3): photo according to the Passport Regulation
- Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), Annex 8e: deadlines for the license exchange
- Passport Regulation (PassV): requirements for the biometric photo
- District of Tübingen: photo for the driver's license
- City of Münster: which photos the license office accepts
- City of Stuttgart: only digital photos for ID documents since 1 May 2025