Photo for a Swiss driving licence
You can create a recent colour photo for a Swiss driving licence or learner’s permit with Photo Express, using your smartphone. Select “Swiss Driver License” to receive a correctly proportioned digital file; if your canton requires paper, you can order professional prints in Switzerland.
The submission method depends on your canton
Swiss driving-licence applications are handled by the road traffic office in your canton of residence. There is no single photo-upload process for every canton or every type of application.
Some cantons offer digital submission. For example, Zurich provides a QR-code photo upload for relevant licence forms, while Bern offers online applications that include smartphone upload of the photo and signature. Other cantons may still require a recent physical photo. Vaud’s current learner’s-permit form, for example, asks applicants to attach a photo and states that a digitised photo is not accepted.
Before ordering, open the current form or online service from your cantonal road traffic office and check whether it asks for:
- a digital file uploaded in an online application;
- a separate photo upload reached through a QR code;
- a printed 35 × 45 mm colour photo attached to a paper form; or
- a photo taken or reused directly by the authority.
Typical requirements for a Swiss driving-licence photo
Cantonal forms commonly ask for a recent colour portrait measuring 35 × 45 mm. The photo should show you from the front against a plain, neutral background, with even lighting and a sharp, high-contrast image. Headwear and uniforms are normally not accepted. The exact rules on glasses, recency and digital file delivery come from the canton handling your application.
For the best result, keep your head straight, look into the camera, open both eyes and close your mouth. Use soft front light and avoid shadows or reflections. Ask another person to hold the smartphone at eye level instead of taking a close selfie.
Create the photo with Photo Express
- Choose “Swiss Driver License” on the Photo Express start page.
- Follow the guided capture on your smartphone.
- Review the result and choose a digital download or printed delivery.
- Submit it in the way specified by your cantonal road traffic office.
Photo Express prepares the background, face position and crop for the selected format and checks common image-quality problems. The cantonal authority makes the final acceptance decision.
Check the official instructions first
Check the current instructions from the road traffic office in your canton of residence rather than assuming every canton works the same way. Use the application form or online service provided for your specific request.