Photo requirements for your driver's license

Your photo must be taken within the last six months, show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background, and be in color. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat that covers your hair. Your expression should be neutral — no big smile, but a natural, relaxed face. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot reflect light or glare back at the camera.

The specific size and format depend on your state's requirements. Most states accept digital photos taken on a smartphone or camera, but some still require prints. A few states have their own photo booths at the DMV or partner locations where you can have the photo taken on-site for a small fee. Check your state's DMV website before you go — some states will reject your process outright if the photo does not meet their exact specifications, and you will have to retake it and resubmit.

Religious head coverings are permitted in most states if they do not shadow your face or hide your facial features. Medical reasons — such as a bandage or brace — are usually allowed if you bring documentation from a doctor. Contact your state DMV directly if you have a medical or religious reason for your photo, because the rules vary and you want written confirmation before you show up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your photo must be in color, taken within six months, and show your full face against a plain background with no sunglasses or hat.
  • Glasses for vision correction are allowed, but tinted lenses and frames that create glare will cause your photo to be rejected.
  • Most states accept digital photos from a phone or camera, but a few require prints or photos taken at a DMV location.
  • Religious head coverings and medical devices are usually permitted, but you should confirm with your state DMV in writing before your appointment.

Where to have your photo taken

You have three main options: take the photo yourself or have someone take it for you, use a professional photo service, or have it taken at the DMV. The cheapest route is a selfie or a photo taken by a friend at home, as long as you follow the background and lighting rules. Use natural light from a window or go outside on an overcast day — harsh shadows or yellow indoor lighting will make the photo fail inspection.

A professional photo studio or pharmacy photo service (like those at CVS or Walgreens) costs between $10 and $25 and guarantees the photo meets DMV standards. Many studios now know the exact requirements for each state and will retake the photo for free if it does not pass. If you are unsure whether your home photo will work, paying for a professional photo removes the risk of rejection and having to start over.

Some states offer photo services at the DMV itself, usually for $5 to $15. This is the safest option because the DMV photographer knows exactly what will pass, but it also means a longer appointment and sometimes a wait. A few states require you to have your photo taken at the DMV — check your state's rules before you book an appointment or take a photo at home.

Lighting and background setup for a home photo

The background must be plain white, off-white, cream, or very light gray — no patterns, no objects, and no shadows. If you do not have a plain wall, hang a white sheet or poster board behind you. The background should fill the entire photo behind your head and shoulders; do not crop it later or use a blurred background.

Position yourself about two feet from the background so your head and shoulders take up most of the frame. Your eyes should be level with the camera lens, so if you are taking a selfie, hold the phone at eye level or slightly above. Use natural light from a window in front of you, or go outside on an overcast day. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows on your face, and avoid indoor overhead lights, which cast yellow tones and shadows under your eyes.

Take several photos and pick the clearest one. Your face should be evenly lit with no dark shadows, your eyes should be open and looking straight at the camera, and your expression should be calm and natural. If you wear glasses, tilt them slightly so the camera does not catch a reflection of the flash or window in the lenses.

What will get your photo rejected

The most common rejections are for glare on glasses, shadows on the face, a background that is not plain, or a photo that is too old. If you wear glasses, the DMV will reject the photo if light reflects off the lenses — this happens most often with flash photography or when you are backlit by a window. Tilt your glasses down slightly or ask the photographer to angle the light to avoid the reflection.

Shadows under your eyes, across your nose, or on one side of your face will also cause rejection. This usually happens indoors under overhead lights or in direct sunlight. Move to a spot with even, diffuse light — a shaded outdoor area or a room lit by a window on an overcast day works best.

A background that is not plain white or off-white, a photo taken more than six months ago, or a photo where you are wearing a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup will be rejected. Some states also reject photos where your mouth is open in a smile or where you are not looking directly at the camera. If your photo is rejected, you will have to take a new one and resubmit your process, which delays your license by one to two weeks.

Special situations: glasses, contacts, and medical conditions

If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them in your license photo. However, the lenses cannot have a tint, and they cannot reflect light or create glare. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, position your eyes so you are looking straight ahead through the main part of the lens, not through the reading section at the bottom.

If you wear contact lenses, you do not need to mention this on your photo or process. Your license will show you wearing whatever you wore in the photo — if you wore glasses, your photo shows glasses; if you wore contacts, it does not. Some people choose to wear contacts for their license photo so their eyes are fully visible, but this is optional.

If you have a medical condition that affects your appearance — such as a bandage, brace, swelling, or scarring — contact your state DMV before your appointment. Most states allow medical devices or bandages if you bring a letter from a doctor explaining why they are necessary. Some states also allow you to request a photo waiver if a medical condition makes it impossible for you to have a standard photo taken.

Retaking your photo if it is rejected

If the DMV rejects your photo, you will receive a notice explaining why. Common reasons are glare on glasses, an improper background, shadows, or a photo that is too old. You then have a set amount of time — usually 30 to 60 days depending on your state — to submit a new photo. Some states let you submit a new photo by mail; others require you to come back in person.

Before you take a new photo, address the specific reason for rejection. If it was glare on glasses, have the photo taken without glasses or with the glasses tilted to avoid reflection. If it was shadows, move to a location with better lighting. If it was the background, use a plain white wall or hang a white sheet. Taking time to fix the problem the first time around prevents a second rejection.

You do not have to pay a new process fee if your photo is rejected — you only pay once when you first submit your process. However, the rejection does delay your license, so it is worth taking extra care with the photo before you submit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smile in my driver's license photo?

Most states allow a natural, closed-mouth smile or a neutral expression. A big open-mouth smile is usually rejected. The safest approach is a calm, natural face — as if you are looking at someone across the room. Check your state's DMV website for their specific photo guidelines, because a few states require a completely neutral expression.

What if I look very different from my photo after a few years?

Your license photo does not have to look exactly like you on the day you renew it. The DMV expects people to age, gain or lose weight, change their hair, and grow facial hair. As long as the photo is clearly you and shows your basic facial features, it will be accepted. You only have to retake your photo when you renew your license, which is typically every 4 to 10 years depending on your state.

Can I wear makeup in my driver's license photo?

Yes, you can wear makeup. Wear what you normally wear — the photo should look like you on an average day. Heavy makeup, false eyelashes, or dramatic contouring that changes the shape of your face may cause issues, but everyday makeup is fine. Avoid anything that makes you look significantly different from how you appear in person.

Do I need a new photo if I change my hair color or cut?

No. You do not have to retake your photo just because your hair changed. Your license photo does not have to match your current appearance exactly. You only have to retake your photo when you renew your license at the end of its validity period.

What if I cannot take a photo because of a disability or medical condition?

Contact your state DMV directly to discuss your situation. Many states offer accommodations such as allowing someone else to take your photo, waiving certain requirements, or allowing you to submit a photo taken in a medical setting. Some states also allow you to request a waiver of the photo requirement entirely, though this is rare and usually requires documentation from a doctor.