Swedish artist to have self-portrait on driving licence

Fredrik Saker painted his self-portrait, took a photo of it and sent it to the local authorities at the time of renewing his licence.

The 29-year-old tricked staff at the Swedish Transport Agency when he sent in the photo of the painting and it was given the official seal of approval, 'Daily Mail' reported.

"I purposely chose a bad picture. It felt more realistic, I don't know anyone who holds up their drivers licence and says 'look what a nice picture'," the artist told newspaper Dagens Nyheter.

Saker said he had faith in his stunt, but was pleased when he was able to pick up his new drivers licence.

"I thought it would go through, that's how happy I was with the original painting. But you never know and I was a bit nervous. But at the same time it was a photo and I thought it fulfilled all their criterias," he said.

The Swedish Transport Agency (STA), who were stunned to find that they had been conned, said they would "definitely not recommend" the public using photographed portraits.

However, they have no issues with Saker's licence and defend the approval saying they had no reason to believe the photo was a portrait.

"I can imagine you would be able to spot defects on a larger image. The details are impossible to see on such a small picture," said STA spokesperson Peter Ranki.

"This picture is a milestone. It's a sign that my painting is getting better," Saker added.