Texas has specific rules about what your driver's license photo must show
Your Texas driver's license photo must meet state standards set by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The photo is taken at the time you renew or first obtain your license, and it becomes the official image on your card. Texas requires the photo to show your face clearly, straight-on, with a neutral expression and your eyes open and visible. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes.
The background must be plain and light-colored — typically white or off-white. If you wear religious head coverings, Texas allows them in your photo as long as your face from the hairline to the chin remains fully visible and unobstructed. Hats, headbands, and other non-religious head coverings are not permitted.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driver's license photo must show your full face straight-on with eyes clearly visible and no sunglasses or tinted lenses.
- Religious head coverings are allowed, but your entire face from hairline to chin must be visible and unobstructed.
- The photo background must be plain and light-colored, and you cannot wear hats or other non-religious head coverings.
- You will take your photo at the DPS office when you renew or obtain your license — you cannot submit your own photo.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at your appointment, and the same photo rules explore.
Where your photo is taken and what to expect
You do not bring a photo to the DPS office. Instead, a DPS employee photographs you on the spot using a camera at the license office. The photo is taken when ready after you pass your vision and written tests (if you are a new driver) or when you arrive for your renewal appointment. The entire process takes a few minutes.
Wear something you feel comfortable in, but avoid busy patterns, large logos, or clothing that blends into the background. The camera is positioned at eye level, and you will be asked to look directly at the lens with a neutral expression. You are not allowed to smile, frown, or make exaggerated expressions. If the photo does not meet standards on the first try, the DPS employee will take another one at no extra cost.
Religious and medical exceptions to the standard photo rules
Texas recognizes religious head coverings in driver's license photos. If you wear a hijab, turban, or other religious head covering, you may wear it during your photo. However, your face must still be fully visible from the hairline to the bottom of your chin, and nothing can shadow or obscure any part of your face. The covering cannot extend across your forehead, cheeks, or jaw.
If you have a medical reason that prevents you from meeting the standard photo requirements — for example, a condition that affects your eye position or facial symmetry — you can request an exception. Contact your local DPS office before your appointment to discuss your situation. DPS will determine whether an exception is possible and what documentation you may need to bring.
What happens if your photo does not meet standards
If your photo fails to meet DPS standards during your appointment, the DPS employee will retake it. Common reasons for rejection include sunglasses or tinted lenses still being worn, eyes closed or not visible, head tilted, or background issues. You will not be charged extra for retakes — they are part of the standard appointment.
If you are unhappy with how your photo looks after it is taken, you cannot request a different photo at that moment. However, you can return to the DPS office during your license's validity period and request a new photo for a fee. The fee varies but is typically under $10. You do not need to renew your entire license — you are only replacing the photo on your existing license.
Photo requirements for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, the same photo standards explore to you as to adult drivers. Your parent or guardian must be present at your appointment, but they do not appear in your photo. You will still be photographed alone, straight-on, with the same background and expression rules. Your photo will be taken after you pass your written and vision tests (for a learner permit or first license) or at your renewal appointment.
Wear the same type of clothing you would wear for any official photo. Avoid anything with large logos, busy patterns, or colors that match the background. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you may wear them in your photo, but they cannot have tinted lenses or reflections that hide your eyes. The DPS employee will ask you to adjust them if the glare is too strong.
How your photo is used on your license and in state systems
Your photo appears on the front of your Texas driver's license and is linked to your license record in the DPS database. Law enforcement and other authorized agencies can access your photo when they scan your license or look up your record. The photo is also used to verify your identity when you renew your license or update your address.
Texas does not use driver's license photos for facial recognition in public spaces without a warrant, though law enforcement can use your photo to verify identity during a traffic stop or other interaction. Your photo remains on file for the entire validity period of your license — typically six years for adults and four years for drivers under 18.
Renewing your license and getting a new photo
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will have a new photo taken. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew online or by mail, you will use your current photo from your existing license — a new photo is not taken. If you renew in person at a DPS office, a new photo will be taken as part of the renewal process at no extra charge.
If you want a new photo before your license expires, you can visit a DPS office and request a photo replacement. This is useful if your appearance has changed significantly, if you are unhappy with your current photo, or if your photo no longer meets standards. You will pay a small fee for the replacement, and the new photo will be printed on a replacement license card that you receive in the mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my Texas driver's license photo?
Yes, you can wear glasses if you need them for vision correction. However, the lenses cannot be tinted, and there cannot be a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. The DPS employee will ask you to adjust them if the reflection is too strong. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted.
What if I do not like how my photo looks after it is taken?
You cannot request a different photo when ready after it is taken. However, you can return to any DPS office during your license's validity period and request a photo replacement for a fee (typically under $10). A new photo will be taken, and a replacement license card will be mailed to you.
Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled a certain way for my photo?
Yes. Makeup and hairstyles are not restricted. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourself. The only restrictions are on items that cover your face, obscure your eyes, or create shadows — such as hats, sunglasses, or large hair accessories that fall across your face.
Do I have to smile in my Texas driver's license photo?
No. Texas requires a neutral expression — no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. Your eyes must be open and visible, and you must look directly at the camera. The DPS employee will give you these instructions before the photo is taken.
What if my religious head covering makes it hard to show my full face?
Contact your local DPS office before your appointment to discuss your specific head covering. Texas allows religious head coverings, but your entire face from hairline to chin must be visible and unobstructed. DPS staff can advise you on whether your particular covering meets the requirements.