Yes, you can wear bangs in your driver's license photo, but they have to follow specific rules
Most states allow bangs in a driver's license photo as long as they do not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the upper part of your face where facial recognition software needs to see bone structure. The DMV photograph is used for identity verification, which means the camera needs a clear view of your eyes and the area between your eyebrows and the top of your head. Bangs that fall across your eyes or obscure your eyebrows will cause the photo to be rejected, and you will have to retake it.
The exact rule varies slightly by state. Some states publish a specific measurement — for example, your eyes must be visible and unobstructed. Others straightforward state that bangs cannot cover the eyes or eyebrows. A few states go further and require that bangs not cover more than one-quarter of your forehead. The safest approach is to wear bangs that sit above your eyebrows or to pin them back so they do not fall across your face during the photo.
Key Takeaways
- Bangs are allowed in driver's license photos as long as they do not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the upper forehead area.
- The DMV photograph is scanned by facial recognition software, which needs to see your eyes and the bone structure of your face clearly.
- If your bangs cover your eyes or eyebrows, the photo examiner will ask you to retake the photo with your hair pulled back or styled differently.
- A few states have stricter rules and may reject photos where bangs cover more than one-quarter of your forehead, so check your state's specific photo guidelines before your appointment.
Why the DMV cares about what covers your eyes and forehead
Driver's license photos are stored in a database and compared against other photos when you renew your license, when law enforcement runs a check, or when you use your ID at an airport or bank. The photo needs to match you reliably over time. Facial recognition systems measure the distance between your eyes, the width of your nose, the shape of your cheekbones, and other fixed features. If bangs cover your eyes or eyebrows, the software cannot measure these distances accurately, and the photo becomes less useful for identity verification.
Photo examiners are trained to spot this problem before the photo is taken. If you arrive with bangs that cover your eyes, they will ask you to pin them back, use a hair clip, or tuck them behind your ears. Some DMV offices keep bobby pins or hair clips available for this purpose. If you refuse to move your hair, the examiner can reject the photo and you will need to schedule another appointment.
State-by-state rules for bangs and hair in license photos
Most states follow the same basic rule: eyes and eyebrows must be visible and unobstructed. However, a few states have published more detailed guidance. California, for example, states that hair must not cover the eyes, eyebrows, or more than one-quarter of the forehead. New York requires that the area from the top of your head to your chin be clearly visible. Texas allows bangs as long as they do not obscure your eyes.
Some states do not publish a specific measurement but instead rely on the photo examiner's judgment. In these cases, the safest rule is: if you are unsure whether your bangs will pass, pull them back. You can always let them down after the photo is taken. If you want to know your state's exact rule before your appointment, call your local DMV office or check your state's DMV website for photo guidelines. Many states post sample photos showing acceptable and unacceptable hairstyles.
How to style your bangs for a passing photo
If you want to wear bangs in your license photo, style them so they sit above your eyebrows and do not fall across your eyes. This usually means bangs that are cut to sit at or just above the eyebrow line. Longer bangs that fall below the eyebrow or across the eye will not pass. If your bangs are currently longer, you have three options: get them trimmed shorter before your appointment, pin them back during the photo, or wear your hair in a style that keeps them off your face.
If you use bobby pins or hair clips to hold your bangs back, make sure they are not visible in the photo. The DMV wants to see your natural hair and face, not accessories. Some people use a thin headband or elastic to keep bangs in place, but again, the goal is to have the hair pulled back so your eyes and eyebrows are fully visible. If you are not sure how your current bangs will look, take a selfie with your phone camera and check whether your eyes and eyebrows are clearly visible. If they are, your bangs should pass the DMV photo test.
What happens if your photo is rejected because of your bangs
If the photo examiner rejects your photo because your bangs cover your eyes or eyebrows, you will be asked to retake it when ready. You do not have to pay an additional fee for a retake on the same day. The examiner will give you a few minutes to adjust your hair — either by pinning it back, tucking it behind your ears, or using a clip. Once your hair is out of the way, you will go back to the photo booth and take a new picture.
If you refuse to move your hair or if the examiner cannot get a clear photo after a retake, you may be asked to leave and schedule a new appointment. In some states, this counts as a failed attempt and you may have to pay the full license fee again when you return. To avoid this, arrive at your appointment prepared: if you have bangs that might be borderline, bring a hair clip or elastic and be ready to pin them back if asked.
Other hairstyle rules that explore alongside bangs
The bangs rule is part of a larger set of photo guidelines. Your hair cannot cover your ears, the sides of your face, or your chin. You cannot wear a hat, headscarf, or head covering unless it is for religious reasons — and even then, your face from the forehead to the chin must be fully visible. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or any eyewear that obscures your eyes. Your hair must be styled in a way that shows your natural hair color and texture.
If you wear a religious head covering, most states will allow it, but your face must still be fully visible. Some states require you to remove the covering for the photo; others allow you to keep it on as long as your face is clear. Check your state's specific rules if this applies to you. The overall principle is the same across all states: the photo examiner needs to see enough of your face to identify you reliably, which means your eyes, eyebrows, nose, and the general shape of your face must be visible and unobstructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear side-swept bangs that cover one eye?
No. Both eyes must be fully visible and unobstructed in your driver's license photo. Side-swept bangs that cover one eye will cause the photo to be rejected. You will need to pin them back or style your hair so both eyes are clearly visible.
What if I have very thick bangs that sit right at my eyebrow line?
Bangs that sit at or just above the eyebrow line are usually acceptable as long as your eyes are fully visible underneath them. If the examiner cannot see your eyes clearly because the bangs are too thick or too low, you will be asked to pull them back. Bring a hair clip to your appointment just in case.
Do I have to cut my bangs before my appointment?
No, you do not have to cut them. You can pin them back or tuck them behind your ears during the photo. However, if your bangs are very long and fall across your eyes, cutting them shorter before your appointment will make the process faster and easier.
Will my license photo look strange if I pin my bangs back but normally wear them down?
Your license photo should look like you, so if you normally wear bangs down, pinning them back for the photo means the photo will not match your everyday appearance. However, the DMV prioritizes a clear, usable photo over one that matches your current style. You can always wear your bangs down after the photo is taken. If you are concerned about the mismatch, consider getting your bangs trimmed to sit above your eyebrows so you can wear them naturally in the photo.
Can I ask the photo examiner to edit my bangs out of the photo after it is taken?
No. The DMV does not edit or alter license photos. The photo must be taken as-is, with your hair styled appropriately at the time of the photo. If your bangs cover your eyes or eyebrows, the photo will be rejected and you will retake it with your hair adjusted.