The basic rules for your driver license photo
Your photo must be taken within the last six months, show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background, and be in color. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat — though religious head coverings are permitted. Your expression should be neutral, your eyes open and looking directly at the camera, and your face must take up between 50 and 70 percent of the frame.
Most states will not accept a photo where you are smiling, though a few allow a natural smile. The photo cannot be digitally altered, filtered, or heavily edited. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
The specific measurements and background colors vary slightly by state — some accept light gray or beige instead of pure white — so check your state's DMV website for the exact standard before you take or submit a photo. Many DMV offices will take the photo for you during your appointment, which removes the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- Your photo must be taken within six months of your process and show your face straight-on against a plain light background with no filters or heavy editing.
- You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or hats in the photo, though religious head coverings are allowed and glasses for vision correction are permitted.
- Your face should fill 50 to 70 percent of the frame, your eyes should be open and looking at the camera, and your expression should be neutral unless your state specifically allows smiling.
- The DMV can take your photo during your appointment, which is often simpler than submitting your own photo and ensures it meets the exact state standard.
What disqualifies a photo
A photo will be rejected if your eyes are closed, if you are looking away from the camera, or if your face is partially hidden by hair, a hat, or another object. Photos taken at an angle or with your head tilted will also be rejected. Shadows across your face, poor lighting that makes your features unclear, or a background that is not plain and light will cause the photo to fail.
Digital filters, heavy makeup, or significant changes to your appearance since the photo was taken can also result in rejection. If you have changed your appearance substantially — a new hairstyle, significant weight loss or gain, or facial hair — your photo should reflect your current look so that it matches you when you present your license.
How to take an acceptable photo at home
Use natural daylight from a window or go outside on an overcast day to avoid harsh shadows on your face. Position yourself facing a plain white wall or hang a white sheet behind you. Have someone take the photo with a smartphone or camera held at eye level, about two to three feet away from you. Make sure your entire head and shoulders are visible and that your face fills most of the frame without being so close that your features are distorted.
Look directly at the camera lens, keep your expression neutral, and avoid any movement or blinking. Take several photos so you have options. Once you have taken the photos, check them against your state's requirements before you submit one with your process. Many states now allow you to upload a digital photo when you renew online, which means you can review it before sending it in.
Glasses, contacts, and vision correction
If you wear glasses for reading or distance vision, you can wear them in your driver license photo. However, the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that hides your eyes — the camera must be able to see your eyes clearly through the lenses. If glare is a problem, tilt your glasses slightly or adjust the lighting to reduce the reflection.
Contact lenses do not affect your photo and are always acceptable. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, look straight ahead rather than down, so your eyes are visible in the upper part of the lens. Some people find it easier to remove their glasses and take the photo without them if the glare cannot be avoided, though this only works if you do not need glasses to see clearly.
Religious and medical head coverings
Most states allow religious head coverings such as a hijab, turban, or head scarf in your driver license photo. The covering must not hide your face, and your face must still be clearly visible from the forehead to the chin. Your eyes, nose, and mouth must all be visible and unobstructed.
Medical head coverings worn for a documented health reason — such as a head wrap after surgery or a hat worn due to a scalp condition — may also be permitted. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether your specific covering is allowed and what documentation you may need to bring.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the DMV rejects your photo, you will be notified and given the reason. You will have the option to submit a new photo or retake one at the DMV office. There is usually no additional fee for resubmitting a photo, though some states may charge a small fee if you request a new photo after your license has already been issued.
If you submitted a photo online and it was rejected, you can typically upload a new one when ready. If you took the photo at the DMV office and it was rejected, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Keep in mind that if your license is delayed because of a photo rejection, you may need to renew your temporary permit or ID if it expires while you wait.
Renewing your license and updating your photo
When you renew your driver license, you will need a new photo unless your state allows you to keep your old photo for one additional renewal cycle. Most states require a new photo every time you renew, so plan to have a new photo taken or submitted with your renewal process. If you renew online, you will usually upload a digital photo as part of the process.
If your appearance has changed significantly since your last photo — due to age, weight loss or gain, or a major change in hairstyle or facial hair — a new photo is especially important. A photo that no longer looks like you can cause problems when you present your license, as the person checking it may question whether it is actually yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup in my driver license photo?
Yes, you can wear everyday makeup. However, avoid heavy makeup, dramatic eyeshadow, or false eyelashes that change your appearance significantly. The goal is for the photo to look like you on a normal day, so that it matches you when you present your license.
What if I have a scar, birthmark, or other distinguishing feature?
Your photo should show your face as it currently appears, including any scars, birthmarks, or other features. These details actually help identify you, so they should be visible in the photo. Do not try to hide or cover them.
Can I use a photo from social media or a professional headshot?
Only if it meets your state's requirements — taken within six months, plain light background, neutral expression, no filters or heavy editing. Many professional headshots and social media photos do not meet these standards. Check your state's rules before submitting an existing photo.
Do I need to wear specific clothing in my driver license photo?
No. Your clothing does not matter as long as it is not the same color as the background. Avoid wearing white or very light clothing if your background is white, as it can make your head blend into the background and make your face harder to see.
What if I blink or look away in the photo the DMV takes?
The DMV photographer will usually take multiple photos and let you choose the best one, or they will retake the photo if you blink or look away. If you are unhappy with the photo they took, ask if you can retake it before you leave the office.