That’s why we’ve put together a few guidelines for getting a decent driver’s licence shot, and it involves much more than brushing your hair. In fact, there are a few legal requirements you need to follow when getting a snap at Service SA.

Wipe that smile off your face

If your smile is your best feature, we have some bad news. Flashing those pearly whites is against the rules. Guidelines for Australian driver’s licence photos follow the same strict rules as passport photos. That means no smiling; you must have a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

You need to remain expressionless due to facial recognition software. In 2017, SA’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) joined the Federal Government’s National Driver Licence Facial Recognition Solution (NDLFRS), which is designed to protect Australians from identify theft and prevent crime.

The system works by identifying distinctive facial characteristics, which can then be compared against driver’s licence images and other credentials. This technology is already in use in Australia for passport and immigration purposes. Unfortunately, smiling can make it hard for this software to read your face.

What Service SA says

There are other criteria you must meet to ensure your photo is up to scratch in the eyes of the law. To understand more about what makes a picture-perfect (and valid) driver’s licence, we spoke to Service SA where licence photos are taken.

“Prior to taking a photo, staff must ensure the customer has their eyes open and is facing the camera front-on with their whole face visible,” a Service SA spokesperson says.

Hair must not cover the face and facial piercings, such as nose rings and studs that are worn permanently by the customer must not cause a reflection.

While hats aren’t allowed, there are some exemptions. Religious headwear that needs to be worn in public, like a hijab are permitted as well as headscarves required for medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

Chances are you’ve cringed when your photo’s arrived in the mail, or there’s the possibility you’ve had having trouble seeing it altogether. This leads us to the next rule. Glasses mustn’t be worn in the photo as they can cause glare and reflection.

According to Service SA, you’re not permitted to be pictured with glasses even if you’re required to wear them while driving. Mild vision impairment – like being long or short-sighted – isn’t a valid reason to hide behind your specs, unless you provide a medical certificate stating otherwise.

“In line with the guidelines, in rare cases, glasses may be permitted where they cannot be removed for medical reasons, like severe light sensitivity or recent eye surgery,” a Service SA spokesperson says.