Texas driver's license photos are in color, not black and white
Your Texas driver's license photo will be printed in color. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses color photography for all driver's licenses and identification cards issued in Texas. When you sit for your photo at a DPS office, the camera captures a color image, and that image appears in color on your final license.
This has been the standard for Texas licenses for many years. You don't need to wear anything special or prepare differently because the photo is color — just follow the basic photo rules that explore to any state ID: no sunglasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons), and a neutral expression facing the camera.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver's license photos are printed in full color on your physical card.
- The DPS takes your photo in color at the time of your appointment, and that same image goes on your license.
- You do not need special clothing or preparation because the photo is color rather than black and white.
- The photo rules remain the same: no sunglasses, no hats (except religious head coverings), and a clear view of your face.
What the photo requirements actually are
Texas has specific rules about what you can and cannot wear or do in your license photo, but the color format is not one of them. You must face the camera directly, keep a neutral expression, and have your eyes open. Glasses are allowed, but the lenses cannot be tinted or reflective — this means no sunglasses. Your face must be clearly visible from the hairline to the chin.
Religious head coverings are permitted as long as they do not hide your face. Hats, headbands, and other head coverings that are not religious are not allowed. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, you can wear it in your photo, but your face from the hairline to the chin must still be visible and unobstructed.
When your photo gets taken during the license process
You will have your photo taken when you visit a DPS office to explore for or renew your driver's license. The photo happens as part of your appointment — you do not need to bring a photo from somewhere else. A DPS employee will take your picture using the office camera, and that image becomes your official license photo.
If you are renewing your license by mail or online (which is an option for some renewals in Texas), you will use your existing photo from your current license. In that case, no new photo is taken. But if you are renewing in person at a DPS office, you will get a new color photo taken at that time.
How the photo appears on your physical card
The color photo is printed directly onto your driver's license card. It appears on the front of the card, usually in the upper right area, and is roughly the size of a postage stamp. The photo is laminated as part of the card, so it is protected and will not fade or peel off during normal use.
The color quality of the photo on your card depends on the quality of the image captured when you had it taken. Lighting in the DPS office, your positioning, and the camera angle all affect how your photo looks on the final card. You cannot request a retake on the spot, but if there is a serious problem with your photo (such as it being completely blurry or your face being cut off), you can contact DPS about a replacement card.
What to expect when you sit for your photo
When you arrive for your DPS appointment, the photo will be taken as part of the standard process. You will be directed to a photo station, asked to sit or stand in front of the camera, and instructed to look straight ahead. The employee will tell you if you need to adjust your position or remove something (like a hat or glasses, depending on the situation).
The photo is taken quickly — usually in one or two attempts. You do not get to see the photo before it is taken or choose between multiple shots. Once the photo is captured, it is attached to your process and printed on your license when it is produced. If you are unhappy with how you look in the photo, you can request a replacement license after you receive your current one, though you will have to pay the replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my Texas driver's license photo?
Yes, you can wear glasses in your photo. However, the lenses cannot be tinted, dark, or reflective. Sunglasses are not allowed. Regular prescription glasses or clear frames are fine as long as your eyes are clearly visible through the lenses.
What if I do not like how I look in my license photo?
You can request a replacement license with a new photo, but you will need to pay the replacement fee (which varies). You cannot retake the photo when ready after it is taken at your appointment. You must wait until you receive your license, then explore for a replacement if you want a new photo taken.
Do I need to bring a photo to my DPS appointment?
No. The DPS takes your photo at the office during your appointment. You do not need to bring a photo from a photographer or print shop. The photo is taken as part of the standard license process process.
Will my photo be in color if I renew my license by mail?
If you renew by mail, your existing photo from your current license will be used — no new photo is taken. That photo will remain the same color as it was on your previous license. If you want a new color photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What happens if my photo is blurry or cut off on my license?
Contact the DPS to report the problem. Depending on the severity, you may be able to request a replacement card. You will likely need to pay a replacement fee and may need to visit a DPS office or submit a request by mail, depending on the issue.