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🇦🇪 UAE Driving License Photo Resizer

Applying for a UAE Driving License (RTA)? Use our free tool to create 100% compliant photos. We target the 600x800px (Digital) and 4.3x5.5cm (Physical) standards required by RTA.

✅ 600 x 800 px 📏 4.3 x 5.5 cm ⚪ Plain White BG

Target Specifications

Dimensions:
600 x 800 px
Physical:
4.3 x 5.5 cm
Format:
JPG
Background:
White

Also compatible with: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah.

🇦🇪 Ultimate Guide: UAE Driving License & Visa Photo Requirements (2026)

Applying for official documents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires strict adherence to biometric standards. Whether you are applying for a Dubai RTA Driving License, a Federal Emirates ID, or a Golden Visa through ICP/GDRFA, the photograph is the most common reason for application delays or rejections. The UAE government uses advanced AI-based facial recognition systems that instantly flag non-compliant images. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know to get your photo approved on the first try.

1. Official Photo Specifications (At a Glance)

Attribute Digital Requirement (Upload) Physical Requirement (Print)
Dimensions 600 x 800 pixels (preferred)
300 x 369 pixels (minimum)		 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm (43mm x 55mm)
Aspect Ratio 3:4 (Portrait) 3:4
File Size 30 KB – 300 KB N/A
File Format JPG / JPEG (No PNG/PDF for upload) High-quality Photo Paper
Resolution Min 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) Min 600 DPI
Background Plain White (Solid color) Plain White

2. Detailed Visual Standards

A. Background & Lighting

  • Color: The background must be plain white. Off-white, light gray, or patterned backgrounds are not accepted.
  • Shadows: There must be zero shadows. Common rejection causes include shadows behind the ears (from flash) or shadows under the nose/chin (from overhead lighting).
  • Lighting: Lighting should be uniform and even. Avoid "hotspots" (shiny areas on the forehead) or "red-eye" effects from direct flash.

B. Facial Positioning & Expression

  • Head Orientation: Look straight at the camera. Do not tilt your head up, down, or sideways. The photo must be a frontal view showing both edges of the face clearly.
  • Expression: Maintain a neutral expression. Mouth must be closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows. The goal is to capture your neutral biometric features.
  • Eyes: Eyes must be open, level, and clearly visible. Hair should not obscure the eyes.

C. Attire (Dress Code)

  • Contrast: Do not wear white clothing, as it blends into the white background. Wear dark colors (Navy, Black, Dark Grey) to create a clear separation between your shoulders and the background.
  • Shoulders: Shoulders must be visible and square to the camera.
  • Religious Headwear: Hijabs, Ghutras, and other religious head coverings are permitted but must not obscure the face. The face oval (forehead to chin, ear to ear) must be fully visible. No shadows should be cast by the headwear on the face.
  • Glasses: It is strongly recommended to remove glasses. If worn, frames must not be thick, and there must be absolutely no glare or reflection on the lenses. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Photo Guide

You don't need a professional studio. You can take a compliant photo at home using your smartphone follow these steps:

Step 1: Set the Scene Find a wall with good natural light (facing a window). Ideally, stand 1 meter away from a white wall to avoid casting shadows behind you.
Step 2: Camera Setup Use the rear camera of your phone (better quality). Ask a friend to take the photo or use a tripod. Position the camera at eye level, about 1.5 - 2 meters away from your face. Do not take a selfie (selfies distort facial features).
Step 3: Capture Stand straight, relax your shoulders, and look directly at the lens. Ensure even lighting on your face. Take multiple shots.
Step 4: Resize & Crop Upload your best photo to this UAE Driving License Photo Resizer tool. We will automatically crop it to the standard 600x800px or 4.3x5.5cm ratio, center your face, and ensure the background is white.

4. RTA Smart App vs. Printed Photos

The requirements differ slightly based on your application method:

  • RTA Smart App (Digital Renewal): When renewing your license via the RTA Dubai app or website, you upload a digital image. The system validates the file size (must be under 2MB usually, but recommended under 300KB for speed) and dimensions (600x800px). Our tool produces the exact digital format needed.
  • Driving Institute (Physical File): When opening a traffic file at EDI, GMDC, or Belhasa, you typically submit physical photos. These MUST be 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm. This is a unique size (different from the standard 4x6cm used elsewhere). Ensure you print on high-quality matte paper.

5. Common Rejection Reasons to Avoid

The "Blurry Zoom"

Taking a photo from too far away and zooming in digitally reduces quality. Stand closer (1.5m) instead of zooming.

The "Selfie Arm"

Selfies often show a raised shoulder or distorted nose/ears. Use the rear camera with a timer or friend.

The "Shadowed Wall"

Standing too close to the wall creates a shadow behind your head. Step forward 1 meter.

The "Heavy Filter"

Beauty filters that smooth skin or change eye shape are strictly forbidden. The photo must be a true representation.

6. Extensive FAQ

Q: Does this work for all Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)?

Yes, the photo standards for driving licenses and IDs are federalized under the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and ICP. Whether you are in Dubai (RTA), Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah, the 4.3x5.5cm / 600x800px standard applies.

Q: Can I wear makeup in my driving license photo?

Yes, light, natural makeup is permitted. However, avoid heavy contouring that alters facial structure or heavy eyeliner/eyeshadow that obscures the eyes. The goal is for your digital ID to match your natural face.

Q: My photo was rejected for "Poor Lighting". What does that mean?

This usually means the photo is either too dark (under-exposed), too bright (over-exposed/washed out), or has uneven lighting (one side of the face is darker than the other). Face a window directly to fix this.

Q: What should men wear?

For UAE Nationals, official dress (Kandura) is preferred. For expats, smart casual or formal wear is best. A collared shirt or suit jacket in a dark color looks professional and provides good contrast.

Q: Why is the size 4.3x5.5cm and not 4x6cm?

The 4x6cm is a standard passport size for many countries, but the UAE Traffic Department historically settled on 4.3cm x 5.5cm for physical license cards. Always stick to the specific dimension requested by your driving institute.

Q: Can use a photo with a blue background?

No. Blue backgrounds are common for some other countries (like Kuwait) or specific visa types historically, but modern UAE systems (ICP/RTA) mandate a white background for standard IDs and Licenses.

Q: How do I print the photo?

If you need physical copies, download the image from our tool. Then, you can use a "Passport Photo Sheet" layout tool (or ask a print shop) to tile 4 or 8 copies onto a single 4x6 inch (10x15cm) photo paper sheet. Do not print a single small image on a full A4 page as the quality will suffer when cut.

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