Swiss Driver’s License Photo Requirements

About Swiss Driver’s License

The Swiss driver’s license is an official document that permits individuals to operate motor vehicles within Switzerland and throughout Europe. It serves as both a driving permit and a widely accepted form of identification within Switzerland and EU countries.

What is it used for?

• Legal authorization to drive vehicles in Switzerland and EU
• Primary identification document for residents
• Age verification for purchasing alcohol and tobacco
• Opening bank accounts and financial services
• Employment verification and background checks
• Proof of address for various services
• Travel identification within Europe
• Access to government and municipal services

How to Obtain a Swiss Driver’s License

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum Age: 18 years for cars, 16 years for motorcycles (with restrictions)
• Residency: Must be Swiss resident with valid address registration
• Vision: Must meet minimum vision standards
• Health: Must be medically fit to drive

Types of Swiss Driver’s Licenses:

Category B (Cars):

• Vehicles: Cars up to 3.5 tons, up to 8 passenger seats
• Age: 18 years minimum
• Training: Driving lessons and theory course required
• Validity: Unlimited (with periodic renewals)

Category A (Motorcycles):

• A1: Light motorcycles (125cc), age 16+
• A: All motorcycles, age 18+ (with restrictions until 25)
• Training: Mandatory motorcycle course required
• Validity: Unlimited (with periodic renewals)

Category C (Trucks):

• Vehicles: Trucks over 3.5 tons
• Age: 21 years minimum
• Training: Professional driving course required
• Validity: 5 years, renewable

Application Process:

Step 1: Theory Preparation

• Study Materials: Official theory book and online tests
• Languages: Available in German, French, Italian, English
• Practice Tests: Online practice exams recommended
• Course: Theory course attendance may be required

Step 2: Theory Exam

• Location: Cantonal motor vehicle office
• Format: Computer-based multiple choice test
• Languages: German, French, Italian, English available
• Fee: CHF 30-40 (varies by canton)
• Validity: Theory pass valid for 2 years

Step 3: Practical Training

• Driving School: Professional lessons required
• Minimum Hours: Varies by canton and experience
• Emergency Course: First aid course mandatory
• Traffic Sense Course: Required for new drivers

Step 4: Practical Exam

• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Content: City driving, highway, parking, emergency stops
• Examiner: Official driving examiner
• Fee: CHF 120-150 (varies by canton)

Step 5: License Application

• Documents: Theory pass, practical pass, photos, ID
• Medical: Eye test and health declaration
• Fee: CHF 35-50 for license production
• Processing: 1-2 weeks for license delivery

Required Documents:

• Identity: Swiss ID card or passport
• Residence: Current address registration (Anmeldung)
• Theory Pass: Valid theory exam certificate
• Practical Pass: Practical driving test certificate
• Photos: 2 passport-size photos meeting specifications
• Eye Test: Recent vision test certificate
• First Aid: Emergency course certificate

Processing Time:

• Theory to practical: Up to 2 years
• License production: 1-2 weeks after passing
• Express service: 2-3 days (additional fee)

Costs:

• Theory exam: CHF 30-40
• Practical exam: CHF 120-150
• License fee: CHF 35-50
• Driving lessons: CHF 80-100 per hour
• Total cost: CHF 2,000-4,000 including lessons

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Light grey or neutral, uniform
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

Swiss Driving License Standards

• Background: Light grey preferred, white acceptable
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if worn while driving
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Generally not permitted except for religious reasons
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Cantonal Variations

Different cantons may have slightly different photo requirements:

• Check with local office: Verify specific cantonal requirements
• Professional photography: Recommended for important applications
• Digital submission: Some cantons accept digital photos

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Poor color reproduction
• Digital alterations or filters applied

Size and Dimension Problems

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not exactly 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Improper cropping or framing
• Head positioned incorrectly in frame

Background Issues

• Colored or patterned backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects or people visible in background
• Non-uniform background color

Appearance Problems

• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance
• Reflections on glasses (if not worn while driving)

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Multiple people in photograph

Tips for Perfect Swiss Driver’s License Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Swiss license requirements
• Ensure they understand cantonal specifications
• Verify they can provide exact 35×45mm dimensions
• Confirm they use appropriate lighting and background

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Light grey or white wall
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear clothing you would typically wear while driving

Glasses Considerations

• Wear if required: If you need glasses for driving, wear them in photo
• No reflections: Ensure no glare or reflections on lenses
• Prescription only: No sunglasses or tinted lenses
• Clean lenses: Ensure glasses are clean and clear

Cantonal Differences

Major Cantons:

Zurich:

• Office: Strassenverkehrsamt Zurich
• Online Services: Theory booking and information online
• Languages: German, English support available
• Fees: CHF 35 for license

Geneva:

• Office: Service des automobiles et de la navigation
• Languages: French, English support
• Special Requirements: May have specific photo studios
• Fees: CHF 40 for license

Bern:

• Office: Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt
• Rural Services: Mobile services for remote areas
• Languages: German, French in bilingual areas
• Fees: CHF 35 for license

Basel:

• Office: Motorfahrzeugkontrolle Basel-Stadt
• Cross-border: Special provisions for cross-border workers
• Languages: German, French, English
• Fees: CHF 50 for license

License Renewal:

• Frequency: Every 15 years until age 75, then every 2 years
• Requirements: New photos, eye test, health declaration
• Process: Similar to initial application
• Fees: Same as new license

International Recognition:

• EU/EFTA: Valid throughout European Economic Area
• International Driving Permit: Required for travel outside Europe
• Conversion: May be converted to other countries’ licenses
• Validity: Check destination country requirements

Special Considerations

For Foreign License Holders:

• EU Licenses: Can be exchanged without tests (within 12 months)
• Non-EU Licenses: May require theory and/or practical tests
• Recognition: Check if your country has reciprocal agreement
• Time Limit: Must exchange within 12 months of residency

For Seniors:

• Age 75+: Renewal every 2 years
• Medical Exam: More comprehensive health checks required
• Vision Test: Regular eye examinations mandatory
• Driving Assessment: May be required in some cases

For People with Disabilities:

• Adapted Vehicles: Special provisions for modified vehicles
• Medical Assessment: Detailed medical evaluation required
• License Restrictions: May include specific conditions
• Support: Assistance available during testing process

Need perfect photos for your Swiss driver’s license? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all cantonal requirements for quick approval.