The driving test photo — 2026 rules
When registering for driving lessons and the license exam in Vietnam, a compliant portrait photo is a mandatory part of the dossier. A non-compliant photo can get the whole application returned.
Important update: from July 1, 2026, Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security (replacing Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA) is in effect. Portrait photos in driving-test and license-issuance dossiers now use a white background, sized 3x4 cm — replacing the previous blue background. See the details in the new white-background rule for driver license photos.
Applies to Every License Class
The photo specs below apply to all classes: A1, A2 (motorbike), B, C, D (car/truck/bus) and above. Motorbike or car — the photo requirements are the same.
Photo requirements from July 1, 2026
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 3 × 4 cm (30 × 40 mm) |
| Background | White (per Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA, from July 1, 2026) |
| Resolution (digital file) | At least 300 DPI — i.e., 354 × 472 pixels |
| Face | Looking straight, eyes open naturally, both ears visible, hair off the eyebrows |
| Clothing | A dark collared shirt is recommended; no uniforms |
| Expression | Neutral and composed, no open-mouth smile |
| Recency | Recent photo reflecting your current appearance |
Exact pixel sizes for a 3x4 at each DPI level: see the 3x4/4x6 cm-to-pixel conversion table.
How many photos do you need?
Under Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA, for the test and license-issuance dossier you can:
- Submit one white-background 3x4 cm portrait at the receiving office;
- Or use the photo already stored in your national ID (căn cước) data;
- Or have the photo taken directly at the receiving office.
Ask Your Training Center First
Beyond the official dossier, training centers may want extra prints for their internal paperwork (registration form, health certificate). Quantities vary by center — ask where you register. With a digital file you can print as many as needed.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Wrong background: using an old blue-background photo for a dossier filed from July 1, 2026, or a patterned, shadowed, uneven backdrop;
- Wrong clothing: collarless t-shirts, white tops that blend into the white background, uniforms;
- Wrong pose or expression: tilted head, open-mouth smile, closed eyes, glasses, hair covering eyes or ears;
- Technical issues: blurry or underexposed shots, wrong 3x4 size, face too small or too large in the frame, outdated photo.
How to make a driving test photo at home
No studio needed — just your phone and a few minutes:
- Take a portrait: face a window for even light, stand in front of any plain wall (no white backdrop needed — the system removes the background), rear camera at eye level, 1–1.5 meters away, look straight. See the at-home ID photo rules;
- Create the compliant photo: open anhthe.io, pick the Driver license photo product, upload — AI removes the backdrop, adds the white background required by the new rule and crops to exactly 3x4;
- Use the digital file: submit it with your dossier as instructed by the receiving office, or send it to your training center via Zalo/email for them to print.
Renewing or converting an existing license instead of taking the test? See the online license-renewal photo guide.
Create Your Driving Test Photo Now
Shoot at home — AI removes the background and applies the white backdrop required by Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA — digital file in 30 seconds.
Start NowNote
This article reflects Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security (effective July 1, 2026) and current practice as of July 2026. Requirements may change — verify with your training center or the Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn) before preparing your dossier.