The basics of a driver license photo

Your driver license photo must be a recent color photograph taken straight-on, with your head centered and filling most of the frame. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat that covers your hair. Your expression should be neutral — no big smiles, no frowns. The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns.

Most states require the photo to be taken within the last six months, though some allow photos up to a year old. If you wear glasses for driving, you must wear them in the photo. If you wear them only for reading, you should remove them. The photo size varies slightly by state — typically 2 by 2 inches or 1.5 by 1.5 inches — but the DMV will tell you the exact dimensions when you schedule your appointment or visit in person.

You do not have to bring a photo from home. Most DMV offices have a camera on-site and will take your photo as part of the license process process. If your state allows you to submit a photo in advance, the DMV website will specify the format (digital file, printed copy, or both) and where to send it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your photo must be recent (usually within six months), in color, taken straight-on with a plain white or off-white background, and show your face clearly without sunglasses or hats.
  • If you wear glasses for driving, wear them in the photo; if you wear them only for reading, remove them.
  • Most DMV offices photograph you on-site during your appointment, so you do not need to bring a photo from home.
  • Some states allow you to submit a digital photo in advance; check your state DMV website for the exact file format and submission method.
  • Photo size requirements vary by state, but the DMV will provide the exact dimensions when you book your appointment.

What disqualifies a photo

A photo will be rejected if your face is not clearly visible, if the background is not plain, or if you are wearing anything that obscures your features. Hats, headbands, and hair clips that cover your forehead are not allowed. Religious head coverings are permitted in most states, but they cannot shadow your face or hide your hairline.

Sunglasses and tinted lenses are rejected even if you have a medical reason for wearing them while driving — the DMV needs a clear view of your eyes for identification purposes. If you have a medical condition that requires you to wear dark glasses while driving, you may be able to request an exception, but you will need to provide documentation from a doctor and explore for a special permit or notation on your license.

Photos taken at an angle, with your head tilted, or with your chin too high or too low will be rejected. The camera must be at eye level, and your shoulders should be straight. If the DMV takes your photo and it does not meet standards, they will retake it at no extra cost.

Smiling, expressions, and what the camera sees

Most states require a neutral expression — neither smiling nor frowning. A slight, natural smile is acceptable in some states, but a wide grin will likely be rejected. The reason is that facial recognition software and human identification both work better with a neutral or near-neutral face. A big smile changes the shape of your face enough that it becomes harder to match your photo to your actual appearance months or years later.

Your eyes should be open and looking directly at the camera. If you blink during the photo, the DMV will retake it. If you wear makeup, wear what you normally wear — the photo should look like you on an ordinary day, not a special occasion.

Glasses, contacts, and vision correction

If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, you must wear your glasses in the photo. Your license will be marked with a restriction code that says you must wear corrective lenses while operating a vehicle. If you wear contacts, you do not need to wear them in the photo — contacts are invisible, so the photo looks the same either way.

If you wear reading glasses only and do not need them for driving, remove them for the photo. The DMV will not mark your license with a vision restriction if you do not wear glasses while driving.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, look straight ahead at the camera, not down. The camera should capture your eyes clearly, not the lower part of your lenses.

Hair, facial hair, and major changes to your appearance

Your hair should be styled normally and not cover your eyes, forehead, or ears. If you have very long hair, you can wear it down, but it cannot shadow your face. Facial hair is allowed — a beard, mustache, or goatee will not disqualify your photo. However, if you shave off a full beard between your photo and a traffic stop, an officer may ask you to verify your identity, so consider whether a major change is worth the hassle.

If you dye your hair a very different color, change your hairstyle dramatically, or gain or lose a significant amount of weight between your photo and your next renewal, your license photo may look noticeably different from your current appearance. This is not a reason to retake the photo — the DMV expects people to change over time — but it may slow down identification at a traffic stop or when you use your license as ID.

Taking your photo at the DMV

When you arrive for your appointment, tell the DMV staff if you need a retake for any reason — if you blinked, if the background was not plain, or if you are unhappy with how you look. Most DMV offices will retake your photo once at no charge. Some states allow one free retake; others allow unlimited retakes during your visit.

Wear clothing with good contrast to the plain background. A white shirt against a white background will wash you out. Dark or bright colors photograph better. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or writing on your shirt.

Arrive with clean skin and your hair styled the way you normally wear it. You do not need to dress up or wear makeup if you do not normally wear it — the goal is a photo that looks like you.

Digital photos and submitting photos online

Some states allow you to upload a digital photo before your DMV appointment. If your state offers this option, the DMV website will specify the file format (usually JPEG), the exact dimensions in pixels, and the file size limit. Common requirements are 2 by 2 inches at 300 dots per inch, or 600 by 600 pixels.

If you submit a digital photo, take it yourself or have someone take it with a smartphone camera in good natural light. Use a plain wall as your background. Make sure your face fills the frame and your eyes are in focus. If the DMV rejects your digital photo, you can retake it and resubmit, or you can have your photo taken at the DMV office instead.

Do not use a photo from social media, a professional headshot, or a photo that has been edited or filtered. The DMV will reject photos that have been altered, even slightly. A photo taken with a selfie stick or at an angle will also be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup or nail polish in my driver license photo?

Yes. Wear the makeup and nail polish you normally wear. The photo should look like you on a typical day. Heavy makeup, false eyelashes, or dramatic nail art may distract from your face, but there is no rule against them.

What if I have a scar, birthmark, or tattoo on my face?

Your photo should show your face as it normally appears, including scars, birthmarks, and visible tattoos. These features help identify you and are not grounds for rejection.

Do I have to smile for my driver license photo?

No. Most states require a neutral expression. A slight, natural smile is acceptable in some states, but a wide grin will likely be rejected. Check your state DMV website for the specific expression requirement.

Can I wear a religious head covering in my driver license photo?

Yes, in most states. Religious head coverings are permitted, but they cannot shadow your face or hide your hairline. Your forehead, eyes, and cheeks must be clearly visible.

What if I do not like how my photo looks?

You can request a retake at the DMV office, usually at no charge. If you are unhappy with the retake, you can request another one, though some states limit free retakes to one per visit. You can also retake your photo at your next license renewal.