Texas Driver's License Photo Requirements

Texas has specific rules about what your driver's license photo must show. Your photo must be a recent color image taken against a plain white or off-white background, showing your face straight-on and clearly visible. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes — even if you have a medical reason, you need a separate form from your eye doctor filed with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The photo must show your natural hair color and style as you normally wear it. You can wear religious head coverings if they do not hide your face, but the front and sides of your face from the hairline to the chin must be visible. Hats, headbands, and other head coverings that are not religious are not permitted. If you wear hearing aids, they should be visible in the photo.

Your expression should be neutral — no smiling or frowning — and your mouth should be closed. The photo will be taken at the DPS office when you renew or explore for your license; you cannot submit your own photo. If you wear corrective lenses, you should wear them in your photo if you wear them while driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Texas driver's license photo must be taken at the DPS office on the day you explore or renew; you cannot bring a photo from home.
  • The photo must show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background, with no sunglasses, tinted lenses, or face-covering hats.
  • Religious head coverings are allowed as long as your face from hairline to chin remains fully visible.
  • If you have a medical reason to wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, you must file form DL-14 from your eye doctor with the Texas DPS before your appointment.
  • Your photo will be retaken if it does not meet Texas standards, which may delay your license issuance.

Medical Exceptions for Glasses and Eye Conditions

If you have a medical condition that requires you to wear sunglasses or tinted lenses, Texas allows an exception — but only with proper documentation. You must obtain form DL-14 (Medical Certification for Sunglasses/Tinted Lenses) from your eye doctor or physician. This form must state the specific medical reason you need the glasses and confirm that the condition is permanent or long-term.

You must bring the completed form DL-14 to your DPS appointment along with your other required documents. The DPS officer will review the form and may ask follow-up questions. If approved, your photo will be taken with your medical glasses, and a notation will appear on your license indicating that you are permitted to wear corrective lenses while driving. Without this form, the DPS will reject your photo and ask you to remove the glasses and retake it.

What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected

If the DPS officer determines your photo does not meet the standards, you will be asked to retake it when ready at no additional charge. Common reasons for rejection include shadows across your face, improper lighting, your face not being centered in the frame, or your eyes not being clearly visible. The retake happens on the spot during your appointment.

If you are wearing something that violates the photo rules — such as a hat, sunglasses without medical documentation, or glasses that create a glare — you will be asked to remove it before the photo is taken. If you refuse or cannot comply, your appointment may be rescheduled, and you will need to return another day. This can delay your license issuance by several weeks depending on DPS office availability.

Photo Requirements for Different License Types

The photo standards are the same across all Texas driver's license types: Class A, B, C, and commercial licenses all require the same plain background, straight-on pose, and facial visibility. The only difference is that commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants may have additional requirements related to hazmat endorsements, but the photo itself follows the same rules.

Motorcycle-only licenses (M endorsement) also use the same photo standards. If you are renewing a license and your photo is more than eight years old, the DPS will take a new photo during your renewal appointment. If your photo is less than eight years old and you are renewing without changing your address or other information, your existing photo may be used — but the DPS officer can require a new photo at any time if they determine the current one no longer resembles you.

Preparing for Your DPS Photo Appointment

Before you go to the DPS office, wear clothing that contrasts with your skin tone so your face stands out clearly in the photo. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or bright neon colors that can distract from your face. If you normally wear glasses for driving, bring them with you — you should wear them in your photo. If you wear contacts, make sure your eyes are comfortable and not red before your appointment.

Style your hair as you normally wear it day-to-day. The DPS wants your photo to look like you when someone sees your license in real life. If you have a beard or mustache, keep it groomed but do not shave it off just for the photo — consistency between your photo and your actual appearance is what matters. Arrive at your appointment well-rested and with a neutral expression ready.

Religious Head Coverings and Face Visibility

Texas law permits religious head coverings in driver's license photos, including hijabs, turbans, bonnets, and other religious headwear. The key requirement is that your face must be fully visible from the hairline to the chin, and the covering cannot cast shadows across your face or obscure your features. The DPS officer will assess whether the covering meets this standard when you arrive for your appointment.

If your religious head covering creates shadows or obscures part of your face, the officer may ask you to adjust it or reposition yourself under the lighting. If the covering cannot be adjusted to show your face clearly, you may be asked to remove it for the photo. If you believe this violates your religious rights, you can request to speak with a DPS supervisor or file a complaint with the Texas DPS Civil Rights Office, but this will delay your license issuance.

Photo Updates and License Renewal

Your photo is updated automatically when you renew your driver's license. Texas requires a new photo every eight years for standard licenses and every five years for commercial driver's licenses. When you renew, you will go through the same photo process at the DPS office — you cannot request to keep your old photo unless you are renewing by mail or online and your photo is less than eight years old.

If you change your appearance significantly between renewals — such as a major change in hair color, significant weight loss or gain, or facial surgery — you may want to renew early to update your photo. However, early renewal comes with a full renewal fee and may not be worth the cost unless your current photo no longer resembles you. You can also request a replacement license with a new photo at any time by visiting a DPS office and paying the replacement fee, which varies by license type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smile in my Texas driver's license photo?

No. Texas requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A smile, frown, or open mouth will result in your photo being rejected, and you will be asked to retake it when ready at your appointment.

What if I have a scar, birthmark, or other facial feature I want to hide?

You cannot hide facial features in your driver's license photo. Your photo must show your face as it naturally appears. Scars, birthmarks, and other distinguishing features help identify you, so they should be visible in your photo.

Do I need to bring a photo ID to get my photo taken at the DPS?

No. The DPS takes your photo as part of the license issuance process. You do not bring a photo with you. You will need to bring other documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency, but not a photo.

Can I wear makeup or get my hair done before my DPS appointment?

Yes. Makeup and styled hair are fine as long as they look like your normal appearance. The goal is for your photo to match how you look day-to-day, so avoid dramatic changes that would make your license photo look nothing like you in person.

What if I blink or look away during my photo?

The DPS officer will retake your photo if you blink, look away, or your eyes are not clearly open and visible. This happens at no additional charge during your appointment. The officer typically takes multiple shots to may support at least one meets the standards.