Ontario G1 Photo Requirements: What DriveTest Captures and How Long It Lasts (2026)

DriveTest captures your photo and signature during the G1 application. The permanent plastic licence card is mailed afterward, typically within 4 to 6 weeks.

DriveTest takes a digital photo and signature at the counter when you apply for a G1. The photo appears on your plastic licence card, which arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks.

• DriveTest takes a digital photo and captures your signature at the counter when you apply for a G1 licence.
• The photo appears on your plastic licence card, which arrives by mail within 4-6 weeks.
• You do not need to bring a photo, the centre equipment handles everything on site.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

Does Ontario DriveTest take your photo when you get a G1 permit?

Yes, a digital photo is taken during your G1 application. This photo is used for your permanent plastic licence card and your official driver record.

When and Where the Photo is Taken

Bringing Your Own Photo for a G1 Licence

No. DriveTest captures the licence photo during the G1 application. You do not bring a passport-style or printed photo for the driver's licence card.

The photo capture happens when you submit your application at a DriveTest Centre or ServiceOntario location. It occurs after you pass the vision and knowledge tests but before you receive your temporary paper licence.

• Timing: Photo is taken on your G1 test day at the service counter.
• Purpose: The image enters Ontario's facial recognition database to prevent fraud.
• Long-term use: Photo stays on your plastic licence until renewal or replacement.

Photo Guidelines and Restrictions

Makeup, Piercings and Jewellery in a G1 Photo

Ontario's photo rules focus on a clear, unobstructed face, a neutral expression, and looking straight at the camera. Makeup, piercings, or jewellery are not listed as automatic disqualifiers, but staff can ask you to remove anything that blocks the face or interferes with the photo. See the MTO photo rules.

Ontario has strict permit photo guidelines due to facial recognition technology.

• Expression: Maintain a neutral expression. Smiling is not permitted.
• Eyewear: Remove glasses to avoid glare. Sunglasses are prohibited.
• Headwear: Hats must be removed. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not obscure the face.

A student in Ottawa arrived wearing a baseball cap for their 9 AM appointment. The clerk turned them away from the camera, causing a delay while they fixed their hair in the lobby.

At a Mississauga DriveTest centre, an applicant's photo was rejected by the system because their smile altered key facial landmarks. They had to retake it with a neutral expression.

Retaking Your G1 Licence Photo

A photo can be retaken during the same visit when there is a technical problem, such as closed eyes or a camera error. Wanting a different photo later is a separate replacement/photo-change process and may involve a fee.

Visit the Ontario learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

• Allowed: Blinking, closed eyes, or camera malfunction.
• Not Allowed: Disliking your hair, expression, or lighting.
• Later Change: You can pay a $35.75 replacement fee at ServiceOntario for a new photo after receiving your plastic card.

A Toronto applicant blinked during the flash. The clerk immediately recognized the issue and took a second photo. However, another applicant who simply said 'I look tired' was denied a retake.

How the Photo Appears on Your Documents

How Long the Same G1 Licence Photo Is Used

Ontario may require a new driver's licence photo about every 10 years. You can also request a photo retake earlier at ServiceOntario for the applicable fee.

Is the photo on the temporary paper G1 licence? The temporary document is a paper driver's licence used while you wait for the official plastic photo card. The photo captured during the G1 application is used for the permanent plastic card.

The picture on your temporary permit is text-only. Your learners permit picture appears on the plastic card mailed to you.

Practical Tips to Avoid Issues

Wear natural-looking clothing. Remove glasses only if not needed for the vision test. No hats that obstruct your face.

• Complete Form 023-SR-LD-054 online before your visit to avoid filling errors at the busy counter during peak hours.
• Check your identification documents for exact name matches to prevent immediate rejection due to mismatched details.
• Arrive for a mid-morning appointment on a weekday to avoid the long lunchtime and after-school rushes that can make clerks rushed during photo capture.

Other G1 Requirements During the Same Visit

The total G1 licence package fee is $159.75. You must pass two test sections:

• Signs section: 16 out of 20 correct.
• Rules section: 16 out of 20 correct.

Failing either section requires a $16.00 retake fee. Ensure your immigration or work status in Canada is valid, as expired documents will cause rejection.