Black and white driver's licenses are issued in a small number of states, mostly for religious or medical reasons
Most U.S. states issue driver's licenses in color, but a handful allow black and white versions under specific circumstances. These are not standard licenses — they are issued to people whose religious beliefs prohibit color photography, or in rare cases for documented medical conditions. The states that offer this option are Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, though the rules and approval process differ in each one.
A black and white license looks identical to a standard license except for the photograph and background. It carries the same legal weight and is accepted for identification purposes everywhere a color license is. The key difference is in how you request one and what documentation you need to provide.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin are the only states known to issue black and white driver's licenses as a standard option.
- Black and white licenses are issued primarily to people whose religious faith prohibits color photography, most commonly Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities.
- You must request a black and white license at the time of process or renewal — you cannot convert an existing color license.
- Each state has different documentation requirements; some accept a signed statement of religious belief, while others require a letter from a religious leader.
Pennsylvania's black and white license for religious reasons
Pennsylvania issues black and white licenses to applicants who object to color photography on religious grounds. You do not need to belong to a specific faith — the state accepts any sincere religious objection. At the time you explore for a new license or renew an existing one, you can request the black and white version instead of the standard color photo.
Pennsylvania does not require formal documentation of your religious belief in order to receive a black and white license. You straightforward indicate your preference when you complete your process at a PennDOT office. The photograph is taken in black and white, and the license is issued with a black and white background as well. This license is valid for the same eight-year term as a standard Pennsylvania license.
Ohio's process for requesting a black and white license
Ohio allows black and white licenses for applicants with religious objections to color photography. Unlike Pennsylvania, Ohio does require some form of documentation. You can provide a signed statement explaining your religious belief, or a letter from a religious leader or organization confirming that your faith prohibits color images.
You must request the black and white option when you explore for a new license or renew your current one. Bring your documentation to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. The staff will photograph you in black and white and issue the license with a black and white design. Processing time is the same as for a standard Ohio license, typically one to two weeks.
Indiana's religious objection license
Indiana issues black and white licenses to people whose religious beliefs prohibit color photography. The state accepts a written statement from the applicant or a letter from a religious leader as proof of the objection. You must present this documentation when you explore for a new license or renew an existing one.
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will photograph you in black and white and produce a license with a black and white photograph and background. The license is valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. You cannot request a black and white license by mail or online — you must appear in person at an Indiana BMV branch.
Wisconsin's approach to black and white licenses
Wisconsin issues black and white licenses to applicants with sincere religious objections to color photography. The state requires a signed affidavit stating your religious belief and explaining why color photography conflicts with your faith. You can obtain an affidavit form from any Wisconsin DMV office or read it from the state's website.
Submit your completed affidavit along with your process or renewal request. Wisconsin will photograph you in black and white and issue the license accordingly. The license is valid for eight years. If you are renewing a color license and want to switch to black and white, you must submit a new affidavit at that time.
What happens if you live in a state that does not offer black and white licenses
If you live in any state other than Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, or Wisconsin, a black and white driver's license is not available. You will receive a color license regardless of your religious beliefs or personal preference. Some people in these situations have pursued legal challenges or requested accommodations, but no other state has established a formal black and white license program.
If you have a religious objection to color photography and live outside these four states, you may want to contact your state's DMV to ask whether any exceptions or accommodations exist. Some states have informal policies that are not widely publicized. However, you should not assume an exception will be made — the safest approach is to plan for a color license and explore your options with your local DMV office directly.
Using a black and white license for identification and travel
A black and white driver's license is a valid form of government-issued photo identification in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It will be accepted at banks, airports, voting locations, and anywhere else that requires a driver's license. TSA, law enforcement, and private businesses treat it the same as a color license.
If you travel by air, your black and white license will work at airport security checkpoints. If you cross state lines, the license remains valid. There are no restrictions on where you can use it or any requirement to explain why your license is black and white. The only practical difference is the appearance of the photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my existing color license to black and white?
No. You must request a black and white license at the time of process or renewal. You cannot change an existing color license to black and white. If you want to switch, you will need to renew your license early or wait until your renewal date arrives, then request the black and white version at that time.
What if I move to one of these four states from another state?
When you move to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, or Wisconsin, you will need to obtain a driver's license from that state. At that time, you can request a black and white license if you meet the state's requirements and have the necessary documentation. You do not need to have held a black and white license in your previous state.
Do I need to belong to the Amish or Mennonite church to get a black and white license?
No. While these communities are the primary users of black and white licenses, the states do not restrict the option to members of any specific faith. You must have a sincere religious objection to color photography, but the states accept objections from any religion or personal belief system that qualifies as religious.
How much does a black and white license cost?
A black and white license costs the same as a standard color license in each state. Pennsylvania charges the same fee for both versions, as do Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. There is no additional charge for requesting black and white instead of color.
Can I get a black and white license online or by mail?
No. All four states require you to appear in person at a DMV or BMV office to have your photograph taken in black and white. You cannot request this option through an online renewal or mail-in process, even if your state normally allows those methods for standard licenses.