Dress normally, avoid patterns, and skip the sunglasses
Your driver's license photo will be taken the day you pass your road test or when you visit the DMV to get your first license. Wear something you would wear to work or school — nothing costume-like, nothing with large logos, and nothing that will look dated in five years. The photo needs to show your face clearly, so avoid anything that shadows your eyes or covers your features.
The most common mistake is overdressing or underdressing for the occasion. You are not going to a formal event or the gym. A plain t-shirt, a button-up shirt, a sweater, or a casual dress all work fine. The DMV does not care what you wear as long as your face is visible and the photo is usable for identification.
Key Takeaways
- Wear everyday clothing you would wear to school or work — nothing costume-like, nothing with large logos, and nothing that will look outdated in five years.
- Avoid sunglasses, hats, and anything that shadows your eyes or covers your face, because the photo must show your features clearly for identification.
- Do not wear busy patterns, bright neon colors, or clothing that blends into the background, because these make the photo harder to use.
- Most DMVs allow you to wear religious head coverings if they do not cover your face, but call ahead to confirm your state's rules.
What the DMV will reject
The DMV will ask you to remove sunglasses, hats, and anything else that hides your face or eyes. If you wear glasses for vision, you can keep them on — but the DMV may ask you to tilt them slightly so there is no glare on the lenses. If you wear them, bring them to your appointment.
Avoid busy patterns, stripes, or large checks, because they can create visual noise in the photo and make it harder to see your face. Solid colors or straightforward patterns work best. Neon colors and very bright colors can also cause problems with the camera, so stick to neutral or medium tones.
Do not wear clothing that is the same color as the background. Most DMVs use a plain light blue or white background, so avoid wearing all white or all light blue. If you are not sure what color the background will be, a medium or dark color is the safest choice.
Religious head coverings and special circumstances
Most states allow you to wear a religious head covering — a hijab, turban, or similar garment — as long as it does not cover your face. Your face from the hairline to the chin must be visible in the photo. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, call your local DMV office before your appointment to confirm their specific rules, because they vary by state.
If you have a medical reason to wear something specific — a medical head covering, a wig, or a brace — tell the DMV staff when you arrive. They will work with you to take a photo that meets identification standards while respecting your needs.
Hair, makeup, and grooming
Wear your hair the way you normally wear it. If you usually wear it down, wear it down. If you usually wear it up, wear it up. The photo should look like you on an ordinary day, not like you have done something special for the camera. Avoid hairstyles that cover your eyes or shadow your face.
Makeup is fine — wear as much or as little as you normally do. The goal is to look like yourself, not to look dramatically different from how you appear in person. Heavy makeup, glitter, or anything that changes your appearance significantly can make the photo less useful for identification.
Jewelry and accessories
Small jewelry is fine — earrings, a necklace, or a ring will not cause problems. Avoid large dangling earrings or anything that moves or catches light in a way that distracts from your face. Do not wear anything that covers your neck or shoulders unless it is part of your regular clothing.
Do not wear a scarf, bandana, or anything else around your neck unless it is part of your outfit. Anything that covers your neck or jawline can make identification harder.
What to bring on photo day
Bring your glasses if you wear them for vision. Bring any religious head covering you plan to wear. If you have questions about whether something is allowed, call your DMV office the day before your appointment — they can tell you whether your specific item will work.
Arrive with enough time to use the bathroom and check your appearance before the photo. You cannot retake the photo if you do not like how it looks, so take a moment to make sure your hair is not in your face and your clothing is not wrinkled.
After the photo is taken
You will not see the photo before it is printed on your license. Once your license arrives in the mail, the photo is permanent — you cannot change it until you renew your license, which is usually five to eight years later depending on your state. This is another reason to dress normally and avoid anything trendy or costume-like on photo day.
If the photo is blurry or your eyes are closed, some states allow you to request a retake at your next renewal. A few states allow retakes within a certain time period if there is a genuine problem with the photo. Check your state's DMV website to see what your options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a hat or beanie in my driver's license photo?
No. The DMV will ask you to remove any hat, beanie, hood, or headwear before the photo is taken. The only exception is a religious head covering that does not cover your face. Call your DMV office if you have a religious head covering and want to confirm it is allowed.
What if I wear glasses for vision — should I take them off for the photo?
You can wear your glasses if you need them to see. The DMV may ask you to tilt them slightly to reduce glare on the lenses. If you wear glasses sometimes but not always, wear them the way you normally do — the photo should look like you in everyday life.
Can I wear makeup or nail polish in my driver's license photo?
Yes. Wear makeup the way you normally do. The goal is to look like yourself, not to look dramatically different. Avoid heavy makeup, glitter, or anything that changes your appearance significantly, because it can make the photo less useful for identification.
What color should I wear to make the photo look better?
Wear a color that contrasts with the background. Most DMVs use a light blue or white background, so medium or dark colors work best. Avoid neon colors and busy patterns. A solid color or straightforward pattern is your safest choice.
What happens if I do not like how my photo looks on my license?
You cannot change the photo until you renew your license, which is usually five to eight years later depending on your state. Some states allow retakes within a certain time period if there is a genuine problem with the photo. Check your state's DMV website to see what your options are.