Yes, you can wear bangs in your driver's license photo, but they have to follow specific rules
Most states allow bangs in your license photo as long as they don't cover your eyes or eyebrows. The rule exists because the photo needs to show your face clearly enough that it can be used to identify you — at a border crossing, a bank, or a police stop. If your bangs fall across your eyes or hide your eyebrows, the photo fails that purpose and the DMV will ask you to retake it.
The exact wording varies slightly by state. Some say bangs cannot "obscure" your eyes; others say they cannot "cover" them. The practical meaning is the same: your eyes and eyebrows must be fully visible in the photo. If you have bangs that naturally fall below your eyebrows, you'll need to pin them back or style them to the side before the photo is taken.
The DMV photographer will tell you if your bangs don't meet the standard before they take the photo. If they do, you can fix your hair and retake it the same day at no extra charge in most states. If the photo is already taken and the bangs are too low, you'll have to return and retake it — some states charge a small fee for a replacement photo, while others do not.
Key Takeaways
- Bangs are allowed in driver's license photos as long as they do not cover your eyes or eyebrows.
- The DMV photographer will stop you before taking the photo if your bangs are too low and ask you to pin or style them back.
- If a photo is rejected because of bangs, you can return to the DMV and retake it; some states charge a fee for the replacement photo.
- Other facial hair and hairstyles follow the same rule: nothing can hide your eyes, eyebrows, or the shape of your face.
What the DMV is actually checking for in your photo
The photo on your driver's license serves as a form of identification. That means it has to show enough of your face that someone — a police officer, a bank teller, a border agent — can compare it to your actual face and confirm it's you. Your eyes and eyebrows are the hardest parts of your face to disguise or change, so they're the parts the DMV focuses on.
Bangs that cover your eyes make that comparison impossible. Even if the rest of your face is clearly visible, an officer or agent cannot verify your identity if they cannot see your eyes. That's why the rule exists, and why it's enforced consistently across states.
The same logic applies to other things that might hide your face: hats, sunglasses, heavy makeup that changes your appearance, or hair that falls across your cheeks. None of these are allowed in the photo itself, though you can wear them before or after the photo is taken.
How to style bangs for your license photo appointment
If you have bangs, the simplest approach is to pin them back or to the side before you arrive at the DMV. You don't need to cut or permanently change your hair — you just need to move them out of the way for the photo. A bobby pin, a hair clip, or even a headband works. The photographer will let you know if the styling is sufficient.
If you prefer not to pin your bangs back, you can ask the photographer if they'll retake the photo if the first one doesn't work. Most DMV locations will do this at no charge on the same day. That said, it's faster and less frustrating to style your hair before you sit down for the photo.
If you're getting your license renewed and your current photo shows bangs covering your eyes, the DMV will likely require a new photo that meets the current standard. You cannot renew with a photo that violates the rules, even if that photo was accepted years ago.
Other hairstyle rules that work the same way
Bangs follow the same rule as any other hairstyle: your eyes, eyebrows, and the general shape of your face must be visible. That means you also cannot wear your hair in a way that covers your cheeks, hides the sides of your face, or obscures your chin. Braids, buns, and other updos are fine as long as they don't pull your hair across your face.
Colored hair, highlights, and unconventional styles are allowed. The DMV cares about what your face looks like, not what your hair color is or how trendy your cut is. The only restriction is that nothing can block the view of your eyes, eyebrows, or the outline of your face.
If you have very long hair, you may want to tie it back or pull it over your shoulder before the photo, straightforward to make sure it doesn't accidentally fall across your face during the shot. The photographer will ask you to adjust it if it does, but planning ahead saves time.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the DMV photographer takes your photo and then realizes your bangs are too low, they will show you the photo and explain the problem. You'll be asked to restyle your hair and retake the photo. In most states, this retake is free if it happens on the same day as your original appointment.
If you leave the DMV with a photo that violates the rules and later try to use your license, you may be asked to return and retake the photo. Some states will let you do this at no charge; others charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) for a replacement photo. The fee varies by state, so check your state's DMV website if you want to know the exact cost.
The safest approach is to get it right the first time by styling your bangs back before you arrive. It takes two minutes and saves you a return trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a headband or hair clip in my license photo?
No. The photo must show your bare face without accessories. You can wear a headband or clip to hold your bangs back while the photo is being taken, but you'll need to remove it before the photographer takes the actual picture. The photographer will tell you when to remove it.
What if I have bangs and also wear glasses?
Your bangs still cannot cover your eyes or eyebrows, even if you wear glasses. Glasses are allowed in the photo, but your eyes must be visible through them, and your eyebrows must be visible above them. If your bangs fall below your eyebrows, they'll need to be pinned back.
Do I have to cut my bangs to get a license photo?
No. You only need to style them out of the way for the photo. Pin them back, clip them to the side, or blow-dry them up — whatever works. You can wear your bangs however you want after the photo is taken.
What if my bangs are part of my everyday look and I can't pin them back?
The DMV requires the photo to show your eyes and eyebrows clearly, so if your everyday bangs cover them, you'll need to style them differently for the photo. This is a safety and identification requirement, not a preference. If you're concerned about how this will look, ask the photographer for suggestions — they do this every day and can help you find a style that works.
Can I wear a wig in my license photo?
Yes, as long as the wig doesn't cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the shape of your face. The same rules explore to wigs as to natural hair. If the wig has bangs that fall across your eyes, you'll need to style them back or choose a different wig for the photo.