Is it the same size as the passport photo?

Yes — 35 × 45 mm, white background, the ICA baseline.

Untinted only. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are refused.

Why does a Singapore driving licence photo need both ears and eyebrows showing?

TL;DR Because the Traffic Police say so, and it is the one Singapore document that does. Citizens and PRs have the photo taken at the driving centre; a foreigner converting a foreign licence brings a passport-sized photo with both ears and both eyebrows visible and untinted spectacles.

Who brings a photo and who does not

For a Singapore citizen or PR passing the test, the driving centre takes the licence photo. There is nothing to prepare. The rule matters for a foreigner converting a licence from another country, who supplies the photo.

What "both ears and both eyebrows" does to a head covering

A tudung, turban or songkok is permitted, but it must sit back far enough that both ears and both eyebrows are fully visible — which many coverings cannot do while staying worn as intended. This site's tool keeps the covering and asks the model to show the ears; it will not remove it. If the covering cannot clear the ears, the photo will be refused, and it is better to know that before paying.

Driving licence vs passport photo

Document	Size	Head in frame (as we compose it)	Background	Max age	Source
Singapore driving licence	35 × 45 mm	56–78%	pure featureless white	3 months	www.police.gov.sg
Singapore passport	35 × 45 mm	56–78%	pure featureless white	3 months	www.ica.gov.sg

A real case

A converting driver from India wore a turban to the Traffic Police counter and was asked for a new photo — the turban is fine, but it covered the ears. The second attempt, worn higher, showed both ears and was accepted.

Common questions

Is it the same size as the passport photo?: Yes — 35 × 45 mm, white background, the ICA baseline.
Can I wear glasses?: Untinted only. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are refused.

Sources

Read on the issuing authority's own pages on the dates shown on each document page:

Singapore driving licence: www.police.gov.sg

SGfoto is independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority — and does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements change; the authority's page is the one that counts. Rebuilt 2026-09-06.