AB 60 Driver License Photo Requirements

California's AB 60 driver license allows you to get a license without a Social Security number, but the photo rules are the same as any other California license. You must provide a color photograph taken within the last six months, showing your face clearly from the front, with a plain background. The DMV will not accept photos that are blurry, heavily filtered, or taken at an angle.

You cannot wear a hat, headwear, or sunglasses in the photo, unless you have a religious or medical reason. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you may wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot be tinted and you cannot have a glare that hides your eyes. The photo must show your natural hair color and style as you normally wear it.

The DMV accepts photos you bring yourself or takes a new one at the office during your appointment. If you bring your own photo, it must be printed on photo paper (not regular paper), measure 2 inches by 2 inches, and be in color. Many people choose to have the DMV photograph them instead, which costs nothing extra and guarantees the photo meets all requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Your AB 60 photo must be in color, taken within six months, and show your face straight-on against a plain background.
  • You cannot wear hats, headwear, or sunglasses unless you have a documented religious or medical reason.
  • If you bring a printed photo, it must be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches on photo paper, not regular printer paper.
  • The DMV will photograph you at your appointment at no extra cost, and this is the simplest way to meet all requirements.
  • Glasses for vision correction are allowed, but tinted lenses and glare that hides your eyes will cause the DMV to reject the photo.

Bringing Your Own Photo vs. DMV Photography

If you bring a photo from home, you save time during your appointment because the DMV does not need to photograph you. However, the photo must meet exact specifications: 2 inches by 2 inches, color, printed on photo paper, taken within six months, and showing your face clearly without shadows or glare. Many people find it easier to let the DMV photograph them instead, since the staff knows the exact requirements and can retake the photo if needed.

If you choose DMV photography, bring nothing — the photographer will take your picture during your appointment at no charge. This photo becomes your license photo when ready. You cannot request a retake after you leave the office, so if you are unhappy with how you look, you will need to wait until your license renewal to get a new photo.

Photo Rejection and What Happens Next

The DMV may reject your photo if it does not meet requirements. Common reasons include: the photo is too old (more than six months), the background is not plain, your face is at an angle, there is glare on your glasses, or the image is blurry. If your photo is rejected, you have two options: bring a new photo that meets the rules, or let the DMV photograph you at that moment.

If you are at your appointment and your photo is rejected, the DMV can usually photograph you right away. You will not need to reschedule. If you are submitting documents by mail and your photo is rejected, the DMV will contact you and ask you to send a new one or come in for a photograph.

Religious and Medical Headwear Exceptions

California law allows you to wear religious headwear in your license photo if it is part of your sincere religious practice. Examples include a hijab, turban, or head covering worn for faith reasons. You must be able to document that the headwear is part of your religious practice, though the DMV does not require formal proof — your statement is usually sufficient.

Medical headwear is also allowed if you have a documented medical reason, such as a head covering needed after surgery or for a scalp condition. You may be asked to provide a note from a doctor, but this is not always required. If you wear religious or medical headwear, your face must still be fully visible from the front, and the headwear cannot cast shadows that hide your features.

Glasses, Contacts, and Vision Correction in Photos

You may wear regular eyeglasses in your AB 60 photo if you wear them for vision correction. However, the lenses cannot be tinted (including blue-light filtering lenses), and there cannot be a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. The DMV needs to see your eyes clearly to verify your identity when you use the license.

If you wear contact lenses, you do not need to wear them in your photo. Many people find it easier to remove contacts for the photo to avoid any glare or reflection issues. Sunglasses, even if you wear them for medical reasons like light sensitivity, are not allowed unless you have a documented medical reason and bring a doctor's note.

Digital Photos and Smartphone Pictures

If you want to bring your own photo, you must have it printed on photo paper before you go to the DMV. A photo printed from your smartphone or digital camera on regular printer paper will be rejected. You can print a photo at home if you have a color printer and photo paper, or you can use a pharmacy, drugstore, or professional photo service to print it.

When you take a digital photo at home, use natural lighting from a window or go outside on a cloudy day. Avoid shadows on your face and do not use a filter or edit the photo. The background should be plain — a white wall, light-colored curtain, or plain backdrop works well. Have someone else take the photo if possible, so your face is straight-on and not at an angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled differently in my AB 60 photo?

Yes. You can wear makeup and style your hair however you normally do. The DMV only requires that your hair color and style be as you normally wear it — not that you wear it a specific way. Makeup is fine as long as it does not change your appearance so much that you would not be recognized.

What if I took my photo more than six months ago?

The DMV will reject it. You must bring a new photo taken within the last six months, or let the DMV photograph you at your appointment. There is no exception for older photos, even if you look the same.

Can I use a photo from social media or a professional headshot?

Only if it meets the requirements: color, plain background, face straight-on, taken within six months, and printed on photo paper at 2 inches by 2 inches. Many professional headshots have backgrounds that are too busy or artistic. Social media photos are often edited or filtered, which the DMV will reject.

Do I need to smile in my AB 60 license photo?

No. You can smile or have a neutral expression — the DMV has no rule about this. A natural expression works best because it is easier to match your face to the photo later if you need to prove your identity.

What happens if I wear a wig or have changed my hair color since my last license?

You can wear a wig in your photo if it is your normal style, but it must look natural and not hide your face. If you have changed your hair color, your new photo should show your current color. The DMV updates your photo each time you renew, so a change in appearance is normal and expected.