What happens at the photo appointment
When you go to the DMV or your state's licensing office to get a driver license photo, a staff member will take a digital photograph of your face against a plain background. The photo becomes part of your license and is used to verify your identity at traffic stops, when you cash checks, or when you board a plane. The process itself takes less than a minute — you sit or stand in front of a camera, the staff member adjusts the lighting and your position, and they take the shot.
You do not get to see the photo before it is printed on your license. Most states take one photo and use it; you cannot request retakes. Some states allow you to request a new photo at your next renewal if you are unhappy with the first one, but this varies by state. The photo is taken the same day you complete your license process, so plan for the photo as part of your full appointment, not as a separate step.
Key Takeaways
- Wear clothing you would normally wear; avoid large logos, busy patterns, and anything that obscures your face or neck.
- Remove sunglasses, tinted glasses, and hats unless you have a religious or medical reason — you will need to provide documentation if you do.
- Your photo must show your natural hair color and current appearance, so the DMV can use it to identify you years later.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any other documents your state requires for a license process.
- Most states do not allow you to retake the photo if you dislike it, so ask the staff member to check the image before they finalize it.
What to wear for your photo
Wear everyday clothing — a shirt, blouse, or sweater in a solid color or straightforward pattern works best. The background is plain, so your clothing should not blend into it or distract from your face. Avoid large logos, busy stripes, or anything with text across the chest. Avoid neon colors or very bright white, which can cause glare in the photo.
Do not wear a hat, hood, or head covering unless you have a documented religious or medical reason. If you do wear a head covering for religious reasons, bring a letter from your place of worship or a statement signed by you explaining the reason. Medical reasons — such as hair loss from chemotherapy or a scalp condition — require a doctor's note. Even with documentation, the photo must still show enough of your face for identification.
Avoid wearing large dangling earrings, multiple face piercings, or anything that moves or catches light, as these can distract from your face in the photo. Wear your hair the way you normally wear it. If you usually wear it pulled back, pull it back; if you usually wear it down, wear it down. The goal is for the photo to look like you on an ordinary day.
Glasses, contacts, and eye appearance
Remove regular eyeglasses for your photo unless you wear them constantly and cannot see without them. If you do wear glasses in your photo, the lenses must not be tinted, and there must be no glare or reflection on the lenses. Sunglasses are never allowed, even if you have light sensitivity — if you have a medical condition that requires you to wear dark glasses, bring a doctor's note and discuss it with the DMV staff when you arrive.
Contact lenses are fine and do not need to be removed. If you wear colored contact lenses, wear the color you normally wear, since the photo is meant to show how you look day to day. Do not wear false eyelashes or heavy eye makeup that changes the shape of your eyes, as this can make the photo look unlike you in person.
Hair color and facial hair
Your photo must show your current hair color. If you have recently dyed your hair, get your photo taken after the dye job, not before. If you are planning to dye your hair soon, wait until after your appointment. The same rule applies to facial hair — if you usually have a beard or mustache, wear it for your photo. If you usually shave, shave before you go. The photo should match how people see you most of the time.
If you have very long hair, you can wear it down or pull it back — either is fine as long as it is your normal style. Avoid wearing your hair in a way you never normally wear it, such as in an elaborate updo or with a large accessory, because the photo will not look like you in everyday situations.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring your current driver license or state ID if you have one. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement usually works. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it. Bring your birth certificate or passport. Bring any other documents your state requires; check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary.
If you are renewing your license, bring your current license. If you are getting your first license, bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring all of these documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies usually are not accepted.
Before the photo is taken
When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff member if you have any concerns about the photo — for example, if you have a visible injury, rash, or other temporary condition that you want them to know about. They cannot remove it from the photo, but they will note it in your file. If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, explain this when you check in so the staff member knows to expect it.
Ask the staff member to show you the photo on the screen before they finalize it. Some states allow this and some do not, but it is worth asking. If the photo is blurry, your eyes are closed, or you have a major concern, mention it when ready — some staff members will retake it on the spot, though this is not may provide. Once the photo is printed on your license, you cannot change it until your next renewal.
After your photo is taken
The staff member will print your photo on your license or ID card. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks in most states, though this varies. Some states offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the card to arrive. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to show ID.
When your new license arrives, check that the photo is clear and that your personal information is correct. If the photo is damaged, blurry, or printed incorrectly, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement. If your information is wrong, contact the DMV when ready to have it corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup for my driver license photo?
Yes, you can wear makeup as long as it looks like your everyday makeup. Avoid heavy makeup that changes the shape of your face or makes you look significantly different from how you appear in person. The photo is meant to identify you, so it should look like you on a normal day.
What if I blink or look bad in the photo?
Most states do not allow retakes if you are unhappy with how you look. Ask the staff member to show you the photo before it is finalized and speak up when ready if there is a technical problem — such as blurriness or glare — that makes the photo unusable. If you dislike how you look, you may be able to request a new photo at your next renewal, depending on your state.
Do I have to show my teeth in the photo?
No. A neutral expression with your mouth closed is standard for driver license photos. You can smile slightly if you want to, but a closed-mouth neutral expression is perfectly acceptable and is what most people do.
Can I wear a religious head covering in my photo?
Yes, if you have a religious reason. Bring a letter from your place of worship or a signed statement explaining your religious practice. Your face must still be clearly visible for identification purposes, so the covering cannot obscure your features.
What if I look very different from my old license photo?
This is normal and expected — people change over time. Your new photo should show how you look now. If you have made significant changes to your appearance since your last license, the new photo will reflect that, and this is fine. The DMV uses the most recent photo to identify you.