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The Challenge
Ireland SPSV Driver Licence and Taxi Licence applications require 70×100mm photos (larger than passport format) with specific head positioning and matte paper. Using wrong format or passport-sized photos = automatic rejection by National Transport Authority.
SPSV licence photos use larger 70×100mm format
National Transport Authority (NTA) requires 70×100mm photos for SPSV Driver Licence and Taxi Licence applications—significantly larger than passport format (35×45mm). This ensures clear identification for professional driver licensing. Using passport-sized photos will result in automatic rejection. SPSV photos are only accepted in physical print format on matte paper—no digital submissions.
NTA SPSV photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 70×100mm dimensions (exactly 7×10 cm)
- Head height 50-60mm from chin to crown
- Taken within last 6 months
- Light grey, cream, or off-white background with no shadows
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible (no hair covering)
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- At least 827×1181 pixels at 300 DPI for printing
- Printed on matte photo paper (glossy not accepted)
- No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons by NTA
- Using passport-sized photos (35×45mm) instead of required 70×100mm
- Head size outside 50-60mm range
- Photo older than 6 months
- Printed on glossy paper instead of matte
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Low resolution causing pixelation
- Background too dark or has patterns
- Attempting digital submission (print-only accepted)
How to print SPSV licence photos
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper (required by NTA). Glossy paper will be rejected.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 2 photos, or A4 for 4 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 70×100mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '70×100mm on matte paper' or '7×10cm matte'.
What is SPSV Driver Licence?
Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Driver Licence is required for anyone driving taxis, hackneys, or limousines in Ireland. Issued by National Transport Authority (NTA), it's separate from regular driving licence. Application requires 70×100mm photo, medical certificate, Garda vetting, and driver theory test. Valid for 5 years. Renewal applications also require new 70×100mm photo taken within 6 months.
SPSV photo vs Passport photo - key differences
SPSV licence application process
- Garda vetting: Apply for disclosure from National Vetting Bureau (3-4 weeks processing)
- Driver theory test: Book and pass Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test at approved centre
- Medical certificate: Get Form D.503 completed by GP (covers medical fitness to drive)
- Photo: Prepare two 70×100mm photos on matte paper taken within last 6 months
- Application form: Complete SPSV-1 form with all supporting documents
- Submission: Submit to National Transport Authority with €250 application fee
- Processing: 4-6 weeks for initial licence, 2-3 weeks for renewal
Taxi Licence photo requirements
Taxi Licence (vehicle licence, not driver licence) applications require same 70×100mm photo if attaching driver photo to vehicle licence application. However, most taxi operators already have SPSV Driver Licence before applying for vehicle licence. If submitting driver photo with taxi vehicle licence: use 70×100mm format, matte paper, taken within 6 months. Check NTA guidance for current vehicle licence requirements.
Cost comparison for SPSV photos
- Professional photo studio: €15-25 for 2 photos (some studios unfamiliar with 70×100mm format)
- Local camera shop: €12-20 for 2 photos on matte paper
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.40-0.80 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Print at photo shop: €3-8 for custom size print if you provide file
- Savings: €12-25 per application using DIY approach
- Tip: Many photo services charge premium for non-standard sizes—confirm price before ordering
Need passport or visa photo?
This tool is specifically for SPSV Driver Licence and Taxi Licence (70×100mm format). For Irish passport, visa, or Age Card applications, use the 35×45mm passport photo tool. They are different formats and not interchangeable.
Official NTA and Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Print Photo Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 70×100 mm (7×10 cm)
- Resolution
- 827×1181 pixels at 300 DPI
- Head Height
- 50-60 mm (50-60% of frame)
- Background
- Light grey, cream, or off-white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper only
- Valid For
- SPSV Driver Licence, Taxi Licence
Best Practices
- 70×100mm is significantly larger than passport photos—do not use passport format for SPSV
- Matte paper is mandatory—NTA will reject glossy prints
- Take photos with plain clothing (avoid uniforms or branded items)
- Ensure head height is 50-60mm using crop guidelines (larger range than passport photos)
- Print multiple copies—NTA requires two photos, keep extras for renewals
- Digital submission not accepted by NTA—physical prints only
- Photos valid for 6 months—plan SPSV application timing accordingly
- Some print services charge extra for non-standard 70×100mm size—provide file and specify dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are SPSV licence photos?
SPSV Driver Licence and Taxi Licence photos must be 70×100mm (7×10cm). This is significantly larger than passport photos (35×45mm). Using passport-sized photos will result in rejection by National Transport Authority.
Can I use passport photos for SPSV licence?
No. Passport photos are 35×45mm. SPSV requires 70×100mm—twice the size. They are completely different formats. You must use 70×100mm photos or your application will be rejected.
Does NTA accept digital photo submissions?
No. SPSV Driver Licence applications only accept physical printed photos on matte paper. Digital or online submission is not available. You must print photos and submit with paper application.
What paper type for SPSV photos?
Matte photo paper only. National Transport Authority will reject glossy prints. Specify matte finish when printing at home or at photo services.
How recent must SPSV photos be?
Within last 6 months. Same recency requirement as passport photos. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in SPSV licence photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Same rules as passport photos: if you have medical need, provide signed statement from doctor. No tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.
Where can I print 70×100mm photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper, or at local camera shops/photo services. Many standard photo services are unfamiliar with this size—specify '70mm by 100mm on matte paper' or '7cm by 10cm matte'. Confirm they can print custom sizes before ordering.
How many photos do I need for SPSV application?
Two identical 70×100mm photos required for initial application. Print extras for future renewals (every 5 years). This tool generates sheets with multiple copies.
What's the difference between SPSV Driver Licence and Taxi Licence?
SPSV Driver Licence is personal licence for the driver (required to drive any taxi/hackney/limousine). Taxi Licence is vehicle licence for the car. Both may require 70×100mm photos depending on application type. Most drivers get SPSV Driver Licence first.
Can I use this photo for passport applications?
No. This 70×100mm format is only for SPSV/Taxi Licence. Passport applications require 35×45mm format. Use the passport photo tool for passport/visa/Age Card applications.