What the DMV requires for your driver license picture
California's Department of Motor Vehicles has specific rules about what your photo must show. Your picture must be a recent color photo taken straight-on, with your face clearly visible and centered. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes — even if you need glasses to see, you must wear them for the photo and they cannot have a glare on the lenses.
The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, shadows, or other people in the frame. Your head must take up between 50 and 70 percent of the photo. You can wear your normal everyday clothing, but religious head coverings are allowed only if they do not hide your face or the hairline around your face.
The photo must be printed on photo paper, not a digital screen or photocopy. It should be 2 inches by 2 inches in size. If you are renewing your license and the DMV has a recent photo of you on file from a previous visit, you may be able to use that photo instead of providing a new one — the DMV will tell you when you start your renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Your photo must show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background, with no sunglasses, tinted lenses, or glare.
- The photo must be a recent color print on photo paper, sized at 2 inches by 2 inches, with your head taking up 50 to 70 percent of the frame.
- Religious head coverings are permitted only if they do not hide your face or the hairline around your face.
- If you are renewing your license, the DMV may let you use an existing photo from a previous visit instead of providing a new one.
Where to get your photo taken
You can have your photo taken at most drugstore photo departments, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Many of these locations have photo booths or can take a portrait-style photo that meets DMV standards. When you go, tell the staff you need a photo for a California driver license so they know the exact size and background requirements.
You can also use a professional photographer, though this is usually more expensive. Some DMV field offices offer photo services on-site, though availability varies by location. You can call your local DMV office to ask whether they take photos and what the fee is.
Photo booths at malls or airports typically do not meet California's requirements because the background is often not plain enough and the photo size may not be correct. It is safer to go to a drugstore or professional photographer who understands DMV standards.
Bringing your photo to the DMV
When you go to the DMV to get or renew your license, bring your printed photo in its original size — do not cut it down or alter it. Bring it in a protective sleeve or envelope so it does not get bent or creased before the DMV staff see it. The DMV will examine it to make sure it meets all the requirements before they accept it.
If your photo does not meet the standards, the DMV will tell you and you will need to get a new one taken. This can delay your license, so it is worth double-checking the requirements before you have the photo printed.
What happens if you do not like your photo
If you receive your license and are unhappy with how the photo looks, you have limited options. You cannot request a new photo just because you do not like the way you appear in it. However, if the photo is blurry, cut off, or does not meet the DMV's technical standards, you can contact your local DMV office and ask about a replacement.
If you are renewing your license before the current one expires, you can request a new photo at that time. Otherwise, you will have to wait until your license is due for renewal to have a new photo taken.
Medical or religious exceptions
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from looking directly at the camera or removes you from having a plain background, you can request an exception. You will need to provide a letter from a doctor explaining the condition and why a standard photo is not possible.
Religious head coverings are allowed as long as they do not hide your face, your chin, or the hairline around your face. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, the DMV staff will work with you to position it so your face is fully visible. If the covering prevents this, the DMV may deny the photo and ask you to remove it.
Renewing your license with an old photo
When you renew your California driver license, the DMV may use the photo from your current license instead of taking a new one. This happens automatically for some renewals, especially if you renew by mail or online. If the DMV has a photo of you on file from a recent visit to an office, they may use that instead.
If you want a new photo taken at renewal time, you can request one when you submit your renewal paperwork. There is usually a small fee for a new photo, but the exact amount depends on the DMV office and the renewal method you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled differently for the photo?
Yes. Your everyday appearance is fine — the DMV wants your photo to look like you normally do. Makeup, hairstyles, and normal clothing are all permitted. The rules are only about what covers your face (sunglasses, tinted lenses) or changes the background.
What if I wear glasses for vision correction?
You must wear your glasses in the photo if you need them to see. The lenses cannot have a glare or reflection on them. If glare is a problem, the photographer can adjust the lighting or angle to reduce it.
Can I use a photo from my phone or a digital copy?
No. The photo must be printed on photo paper. Digital images or screenshots will not be accepted. You can take a digital photo and have it printed at a drugstore, but the DMV must receive the physical print.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew my license?
Not always. The DMV may use your existing photo from file if it is recent enough. You can request a new photo when you renew, usually for a small fee, but it is not required.
What if my photo was taken more than a year ago?
The DMV considers a photo "recent" if it was taken within the last few years, though the exact timeframe can vary. If your current photo is very old, the DMV may ask you to provide a new one when you renew your license.