Everything you need to know about Ireland SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) taxi driver licence photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant taxi licence photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Document Type | SPSV Driver / Taxi Licence |
| Photo Size | 70 × 100 mm (7 × 10 cm / 2.76 × 3.94 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Photo Style | Passport-style, full frontal view of head and shoulders |
| Background Colour | Plain white |
| Number of Photos Required | 3 identical photos |
| Printable | Yes — on photo-quality paper |
| Colour | Colour |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The National Transport Authority (NTA) requires SPSV driver licence applicants to provide passport-style photos. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Source: National Transport Authority — Applying for an SPSV Driver Licence
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant SPSV taxi driver licence photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take a quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies for the best angle.

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources to eliminate shadows if needed.

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Ensure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and head level. The photo should show your head and full shoulders.

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable taxi licence photos
An Ireland SPSV taxi driver licence photo must be approximately 70×100 mm (7×10 cm), which is significantly larger than a standard passport photo. This is a passport-style photo showing a full frontal view of your head and shoulders.
You need 3 identical photos for your SPSV driver licence application. These are submitted along with your PSV 15 form at your local Garda station.
No. An SPSV taxi driver licence photo is 70×100 mm, which is roughly double the size of a standard passport photo (35×45 mm). However, the style is the same — a passport-style frontal head and shoulders photo.
Yes! You can take your SPSV photo with any smartphone. Upload it to Passport Size Photo and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all SPSV photo requirements.
SPSV licence photos are submitted with your PSV 15 form at your local Garda station as part of the SPSV driver licence application process administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
A plain white background is required with clear contrast between your face and the background. No shadows, patterns, or objects should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white if needed.
Your SPSV photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance.
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