Wear something you'll recognize yourself in, but follow your state's photo rules

Your driver's license photo will be on your ID for years, so you want to look like yourself — but not so styled that you look like a different person when you're stopped by police or trying to board a plane. The DMV has strict rules about what you can and cannot wear in the photo booth, and they exist to make sure the photo actually matches you when someone needs to verify your identity.

The rules are mostly the same across states, but a few details vary. Before you go to your appointment, check your state's DMV website for the specific list. What follows is what nearly every state requires or prohibits.

Key Takeaways

  • Wear everyday clothing in a color that contrasts with the plain background — avoid white, cream, or very light colors that blend in.
  • Do not wear hats, headwear, sunglasses, or tinted glasses unless you have a medical or religious reason, and you will need to document it.
  • Your face must be fully visible and take up most of the frame — no filters, heavy makeup, or extreme styling that makes you unrecognizable.
  • Hair should be out of your eyes and face, and you should look directly at the camera with a neutral expression or natural smile.
  • If you wear glasses every day, wear them in the photo; if you do not, do not put them on just for the picture.

Colors that work and colors to avoid

Wear a color that stands out against the plain white or light gray background most DMVs use. Dark colors — navy, black, dark green, burgundy, dark gray — all photograph well. Medium tones like forest green, teal, or brown work too. The goal is contrast: if you wear white, cream, beige, or pale yellow, your head and shoulders will blur into the background and the photo will be hard to use.

Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or anything that draws attention away from your face. A solid color or straightforward pattern is best. You do not need to dress formally — a regular t-shirt, sweater, or collared shirt is fine. The DMV is not judging your fashion; they are making sure the photo is clear and usable.

Glasses, hats, and headwear rules

If you wear glasses every day, wear them in your photo. If you do not normally wear them, do not put them on for the picture. The photo needs to match how you actually look when someone is checking your ID in real life.

Sunglasses are never allowed, even if you have light-sensitive eyes. Tinted glasses are also prohibited in most states because they obscure your eyes. If you have a medical condition that requires tinted lenses, contact your DMV ahead of time — some states will make an exception if you bring a doctor's note.

Hats, baseball caps, beanies, and religious head coverings are not allowed in most states, with one exception: if you wear a head covering for religious reasons, most DMVs will allow it as long as your face is fully visible and unobstructed. Some states require advance notice or a signed statement. Check your state's rules before you arrive, because the photo booth operator may not know the exception.

Hair, makeup, and facial hair

Your hair should be out of your eyes and face. If you normally wear your hair covering part of your face, move it for the photo. The camera needs a clear view of your full face, including both eyes and your forehead.

Makeup is fine — wear what you normally wear. Heavy makeup, false eyelashes, or dramatic styling that makes you look significantly different from your everyday self can cause problems later. The point is that someone checking your ID should recognize you, not wonder if you are the same person.

Facial hair is allowed. If you have a beard or mustache, keep it as you normally wear it. If you are clean-shaven most of the time, shave before your appointment. Again, the rule is consistency: the photo should match how people see you regularly.

Expression and positioning

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression or a natural, closed-mouth smile. Do not make a funny face, wink, or pose. Your eyes should be open and clearly visible. Many people look uncomfortable in license photos because they are trying too hard — just relax and look at the camera the way you would in a normal conversation.

The photo booth operator will position you so your face takes up most of the frame. Your head should be centered, and you should not tilt your head to the side. If the operator asks you to adjust, follow their direction — they have taken thousands of these photos and know what works.

What not to do: filters, edits, and extreme changes

Do not ask the DMV to use a filtered or edited version of a photo you took at home. The photo must be taken at the DMV on the day of your appointment, and it cannot be altered. Phone filters, beauty apps, and photo editing are not allowed.

Do not make extreme changes to your appearance between your appointment and when you pick up your license. If you dye your hair a completely different color, get a dramatic haircut, or gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the photo may not match you well enough to be useful as ID. This is not a rule the DMV enforces — it is a practical problem that affects you. If you know you are planning a major change, consider scheduling your appointment after the change is complete.

What to do if you wear religious or medical head coverings

Most states allow religious head coverings — hijabs, turbans, bonnets, and similar items — as long as your face is fully visible and unobstructed from the forehead to the chin. Your face must not be shadowed by the covering, and the covering cannot hide your hairline or ears if those are normally visible.

If you wear a head covering for medical reasons — such as a wig or scarf due to hair loss from illness or treatment — contact your DMV before your appointment. Bring documentation from a doctor if the DMV asks for it. Most states will work with you, but calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Wear the makeup and nail polish you normally wear. The goal is for the photo to look like you, not for you to look polished or formal. Avoid heavy makeup or dramatic styling that makes you look significantly different from how you appear day to day.

What if I wear contacts and glasses depending on the day?

Wear whichever you use more often, or whichever you will be wearing when someone checks your ID. If you wear glasses most days, wear them in the photo. If you wear contacts most days and only put on glasses occasionally, wear contacts for the photo. The rule is consistency with your normal appearance.

Do I have to smile, or can I have a blank expression?

Either is fine. A natural, closed-mouth smile is common and acceptable. A neutral expression is also acceptable. Do not force a big grin or make a face — just look at the camera the way you would in a normal photo. The operator will tell you if they need you to adjust.

Can I wear a hat if I have a medical reason, like hair loss?

Contact your DMV before your appointment. Many states will allow a hat or head covering for medical reasons if you bring a doctor's note. Do not assume — call ahead so you know what documentation to bring and whether an exception is possible in your state.

What if my photo looks nothing like me when I pick up my license?

Most states allow you to request a new photo within a certain time frame — often 30 to 60 days — at no extra cost. If you think the photo is unusable, ask the DMV about their retake policy. Keep your receipt from your appointment in case you need to prove when the photo was taken.