Why the photo on the card matters
The licencia de conducir is the official document that lets you drive a motor vehicle on public roads in Mexico. It is also a photo ID: people show the card at the bank or to prove their age. Because the card doubles as a photo ID, the Mexico driving license photo on it has to show your face clearly and match how you look today. Prepare a sharp, well-lit photo in advance.
Driving license photo size explained
Our template for the Mexico driving license photo is a 35×45 mm portrait photo, about 1.38×1.77 inches. In this format the head takes up 34.5 mm from the chin to the top of the hair, and the top of the hair sits 4.5 mm below the upper edge of the photo, so your face fills most of the photo. The photo background is plain white. A photo in another format, for example a square photo made for another document, has the wrong proportions, and the face in it ends up too small or cut off. Our photo maker places your face in the photo for you, so the photo matches these numbers.
Printing your driving license photo
The photo file you download is prepared for a 600 DPI photo print, which keeps the photo sharp at 35×45 mm. You can print the photo at home or at a photo shop. Print the photo at its real size, without "fit to page" scaling, then cut along the photo edge. Check the printed photo in daylight: natural colours, a white photo background, no lines, smudges or shadows.
Taking the photo with help
A selfie works, but a photo taken by a friend at eye level often looks more natural. Take a few photos and upload the sharpest one. Any plain wall will do, as the AI replaces the background of the photo.
Digital photo file
The same driving license photo also works as a digital photo file. Keep the original photo file from our photo maker rather than a screenshot or a scan of a print: every new copy makes the photo softer. If the office asks you to send or upload the photo, use that original file so the photo keeps its 35×45 mm proportions and white background. Messaging apps often compress a photo, so send the photo file itself. Save a copy so you can print another photo later.
Classes of the licencia de conducir
Most Mexican states issue the same main classes: Class A for private vehicles, Class B for public transport vehicles and Class C for heavy vehicles. Applicants must be at least 18 for Class A. The photo rules are the same for every class, so one driving license photo fits whichever class you apply for.
Documents to bring with your photo
- Valid identification, such as a passport or voter ID (see our Mexico passport photo page).
- Proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill.
- Your CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) number.
- A medical certificate, if your state asks for one.
How to apply for a Mexico driving license
Gather the documents, then visit the nearest Secretaría de Movilidad or Dirección General de Tránsito office in your state; the Gobierno de México site points you to the office for your location. Fill out the application form, pay the fee for your license type, then pass a written test on traffic rules and a driving test. Once approved, you receive the license. Check every detail and the photo on it before you leave.
A new photo for each renewal
A license usually needs renewal every 3 to 5 years, depending on the state. An old photo may no longer look like you, so prepare a recent Mexico driving license photo for each renewal rather than reusing an old photo. With our photo maker, a new photo takes one selfie and a few seconds.
Driving in Mexico as a foreigner
Foreigners and tourists may need an International Driving Permit to drive legally in Mexico; it is issued in your home country before you travel. Planning a longer stay? See the Mexico visa photo page and the permanent resident visa photo page.
Driving license photo checklist
- Correct format: a 35×45 mm portrait photo.
- Head height of 34.5 mm, with the hair 4.5 mm below the top edge of the photo.
- Plain white photo background, no shadows or patterns.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
- Head straight and centred, eyes looking into the camera.
- Sharp colour photo with no filters, printed at 600 DPI.
- A recent photo that looks like you today.
