Applicants can use an existing photo from the national ID photo database to complete their application, provided it meets the age requirements. Until now, applicants have had to visit a District Commissioner’s office to submit a photo and a medical certificate. The national ID photo database is a central database used by Registers Iceland and District Commissioners to issue and produce identity documents. The new application process also allows applicants to submit a medical certificate when required.

Around 8,000 applications for provisional driving licences are received each year. After one to three years, drivers can apply for a full driving licence, with approximately 8,000 applications submitted annually. In 2025, around 20,000 applications were also received for driving licence renewals from people aged 65 and older, along with approximately 4,000 applications for duplicate driving licences.

The change aims to simplify the application process and reduce the need to visit a District Commissioner’s office. The project is a collaboration between the Icelandic Police, the Icelandic Transport Authority, Digital Iceland and Registers Iceland.

Photo age requirements

The maximum age of photos from the national ID photo database depends on the applicant's age:

• Aged 16–17: No more than 1 year old

• Aged 18: No more than 2 years old

• Aged 19: No more than 3 years old

• Aged 20: No more than 4 years old

• Aged 21: No more than 5 years old

• Aged 22: No more than 6 years old

• Aged 23–24: No more than 7 years old

• Aged 25–26: No more than 9 years old

• Aged 26 and older: No more than 10 years old