What Pastafarianism Is and Why It Matters for Your License Photo
Pastafarianism is a satirical religion founded in 2005 that uses pasta-related imagery and theology as commentary on religious accommodation in law. Members sometimes wear a colander (a kitchen strainer) as religious headwear. When you explore for or renew a driver's license, most states allow religious head coverings in your photo — but the rules about what counts as religious, and what the DMV will actually accept, vary significantly by state.
The core issue is this: your driver's license photo must show your face clearly enough for identification, but most states exempt religious head coverings from their "no hats" rule. The question becomes whether a colander qualifies as a sincere religious covering or whether the DMV will reject it as a novelty item or costume piece. There is no federal rule on this. Each state DMV makes its own call, and some have written policies while others decide case by case.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow religious head coverings in driver's license photos, but require that your face remain fully visible and identifiable.
- Whether a colander counts as a religious covering depends on the state DMV's interpretation of sincerity and religious practice, not on whether Pastafarianism is legally recognized as a religion.
- Some states have written policies naming specific religions; others evaluate religious coverings on a case-by-case basis.
- If your state DMV denies your photo, you can request to speak with a supervisor, provide written documentation of your faith, or file a complaint with your state's civil rights office.
- A few states have explicitly rejected colanders as non-religious costume items; knowing your state's stance before you go saves a wasted trip.
How State DMVs Handle Religious Head Coverings
Most state DMVs allow religious head coverings — such as hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, and head wraps — in driver's license photos as long as your face is fully visible from the hairline to the chin and is not obscured by shadow or fabric. This accommodation exists because religious freedom law in most states requires that government agencies make reasonable exceptions to appearance rules when those rules conflict with sincere religious practice.
However, the DMV's job is to verify that a covering is genuinely religious and not a costume, hat, or novelty item. This is where Pastafarianism creates friction. Some DMVs have accepted colanders; others have rejected them outright. A few states have issued explicit guidance saying that Pastafarianism is not a recognized religion and that colanders will not be permitted. The safest approach is to contact your state DMV before your appointment and ask whether they will accept a colander as a religious head covering.
States that have explicitly addressed this include New Jersey, which rejected a colander in 2014 and clarified that Pastafarianism does not may have access to for religious accommodation; Tennessee, which also rejected a colander; and Minnesota, which initially rejected one but later clarified its policy. Other states have no written policy and handle each request individually. If your state has no clear guidance, you may need to be prepared to explain your faith and its sincere practice to the DMV employee or supervisor.
What You Need to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring your colander and your standard identification documents — your birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security card, depending on your state's requirements. If your state DMV has no written policy on religious coverings, also bring written documentation of your faith: a letter explaining Pastafarianism, your personal statement of belief, or any materials from a Pastafarian organization that describe the religious significance of the colander.
This documentation is not required in states with clear religious accommodation policies, but it can help if the DMV employee questions whether your covering is genuinely religious. Do not assume the employee will know what Pastafarianism is; be prepared to explain it briefly and respectfully. If the employee denies your request, ask to speak with a supervisor and provide your written documentation at that time.
State-by-State Differences and Known Outcomes
The following states have issued explicit guidance or have documented cases involving colanders and Pastafarianism:
| State | Policy or Outcome |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | Rejected colander in 2014; stated Pastafarianism is not a recognized religion. |
| Tennessee | Rejected colander; does not recognize Pastafarianism as a religion. |
| Minnesota | Initially rejected colander; later clarified that religious coverings must be from recognized religions. |
| Most other states | No explicit written policy; decisions made case by case by individual DMV offices. |
In states without explicit policy, outcomes have varied. Some DMV employees have accepted colanders without question; others have rejected them as costume items. The inconsistency means that your experience may depend on which DMV office you visit and which employee processes your process. If you live in a state with no clear guidance, calling ahead to ask about the specific office's practice is worth the time.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
If the DMV denies your colander in your photo, you have several options. First, ask the employee to explain the reason in writing. If they say it is not a religious covering, ask to speak with a supervisor and present your written documentation of your faith. Many supervisors will reconsider if you can articulate a sincere religious belief.
If the supervisor also denies the request, you can file a complaint with your state's civil rights office or attorney general's office, alleging religious discrimination. You can also contact the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has taken cases involving religious accommodation in driver's license photos. Be aware that pursuing a complaint will take time and may not result in a change to your current license, but it can create a record and potentially influence future policy.
In the meantime, you can still obtain a driver's license with a standard photo — you do not have to wear the colander in your photo to hold a valid license. The question is only whether the DMV will permit it as an accommodation. If you choose to proceed without the colander, you can always reapply for a new photo when your license renews.
Understanding Religious Accommodation Law
The legal foundation for religious accommodation in driver's license photos comes from the First Amendment and state religious freedom laws. The DMV is a government agency, and the government cannot substantially burden a person's religious practice without a compelling reason and without using the least restrictive means to achieve that reason.
However, the government can require that your face be identifiable in your license photo — that is a compelling reason tied to the license's purpose as an identification document. The question is whether requiring you to remove your colander is the least restrictive way to achieve that goal. If your face is fully visible with the colander on, many legal scholars argue the DMV should allow it. But if the colander obscures your face or casts shadows that make identification harder, the DMV has a stronger argument for requiring you to remove it.
The catch is that Pastafarianism is not a legally recognized religion in the way that Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism are. Courts have not yet ruled on whether Pastafarianism receives the same legal protection as established religions. This uncertainty is why some DMVs have rejected colanders outright, and why others have taken a case-by-case approach. If you pursue a legal challenge, you would likely be arguing that the DMV's decision was arbitrary or that Pastafarianism deserves protection even as a newer or satirical faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my colander in my driver's license photo?
It depends on your state. Some states explicitly reject colanders; most have no written policy and decide case by case. Contact your state DMV before your appointment to ask whether they will accept a colander as a religious head covering. If they say no, ask whether you can appeal to a supervisor or file a complaint.
Is Pastafarianism a legally recognized religion?
Pastafarianism is not recognized as a religion by the U.S. government or by most state governments. However, legal recognition and sincere religious belief are not the same thing. Some courts have suggested that newer or less mainstream faiths may still receive legal protection, but no court has yet ruled definitively on Pastafarianism's status.
What if the DMV says my colander is a costume, not religious headwear?
Ask the employee to explain that decision in writing and request a supervisor review. Bring written documentation of your faith and explain why the colander is religiously significant to you. If the supervisor still denies it, you can file a complaint with your state's civil rights office or contact the ACLU.
Do I have to wear the colander in my photo, or can I get a license without it?
You can obtain a driver's license with a standard photo without the colander. The accommodation is optional — it is your choice whether to request it. You can always reapply for a new photo when your license renews if you want to try again.
What should I bring to prove my faith is sincere?
Bring a written statement explaining Pastafarianism, why the colander is religiously significant to you, and any materials from Pastafarian organizations. You do not need a letter from a clergy member or a membership card, but having something in writing helps if the DMV questions your sincerity.