Wear solid colors and avoid patterns that distract from your face
Your driver license photo needs to show your face clearly enough that someone can recognize you at a glance. The DMV's main rule is straightforward: wear something that doesn't pull attention away from your features. A solid-colored shirt or top works best. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or anything shiny that will reflect the camera flash.
The background of your photo is almost always plain white or light gray, which means dark or medium-toned clothing creates contrast and makes your face stand out. Bright neon colors or very light pastels can wash you out under the harsh lighting most DMV photo booths use. A navy, dark gray, burgundy, or black top is a safe choice. If you prefer lighter colors, a medium blue or forest green works well too.
Avoid anything that looks like you're dressed for a costume or special occasion. The photo is meant to match how you normally look, so someone checking your ID can actually verify it's you. Wear what you'd wear to work or to run errands.
Key Takeaways
- Solid colors photograph better than patterns, stripes, or logos, which distract from your face.
- Dark or medium-toned clothing creates contrast against the light background and prevents your face from looking washed out.
- Avoid shiny fabrics, large jewelry, or anything reflective that will create glare in the photo.
- Wear clothing you'd normally wear in everyday life so the photo matches how people actually see you.
- Avoid hats, sunglasses, and head coverings unless you have a religious or medical reason, which requires advance approval.
What not to wear: common mistakes that delay your photo
The most common reason a DMV photo gets rejected is not the clothing itself, but what's on top of it. Hats, baseball caps, and beanies are not allowed because they shadow your face and make identification harder. Sunglasses are also prohibited, even if you have light-sensitive eyes. If you need to wear either for a medical reason, you'll need to bring documentation and request an exception before your appointment.
Large dangling earrings, multiple piercings with visible jewelry, or heavy necklaces can distract from your face or create shadows. Keep jewelry minimal and close to your body. The same goes for scarves, bandanas, or anything wrapped around your neck or head unless it's for a documented religious practice.
Avoid white or very light-colored clothing if possible. White shirts blend into the white background, making it hard to see where your body ends and the background begins. This can make the photo look odd and may cause the DMV to ask you to retake it. If white is all you have, wear a dark jacket or cardigan over it.
Religious head coverings and medical exceptions
If you wear a head covering for religious reasons — a hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other religious garment — you can wear it in your driver license photo. The DMV allows this in all states, though the specific rules vary slightly. Your face must still be fully visible and unobstructed from the forehead to the chin, and the covering cannot cast a shadow across your face.
Medical reasons for head coverings or sunglasses are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you have a condition like alopecia, severe hair loss, or a scalp condition you prefer to cover, or if you have a documented eye condition that requires you to wear sunglasses indoors, contact your local DMV office before your appointment. Bring a letter from your doctor explaining the medical need. The DMV will tell you whether an exception can be made and what documentation you need to bring.
Makeup, facial hair, and grooming
Wear makeup the way you normally do. There's no rule against it, and the photo should look like you. If you never wear makeup, don't start for the photo. If you wear it daily, wear it as you usually would. Heavy makeup, dramatic eyeshadow, or a completely different look than your normal appearance can make the photo look unlike you, which defeats the purpose of an ID photo.
Facial hair is fine. If you have a beard or mustache, you can keep it for the photo. If you normally shave, shave before you go. The point is consistency — the photo should match how people see you regularly. If you're planning to grow or shave off significant facial hair soon after getting your license, consider whether you want the photo to reflect your current look or your planned look.
Avoid extreme changes right before your appointment. Don't dye your hair a completely different color the day before, get a dramatic new haircut, or make other major changes to your appearance. The photo is valid for several years, and you want it to look like you for most of that time.
Glasses and contacts
You can wear glasses in your driver license photo if you normally wear them. In fact, it's better to wear them if you use them regularly, because the photo should match how you look day to day. If you wear glasses only sometimes, you can choose either way — just be aware that if you're stopped and you're not wearing glasses but your photo shows you in them, it might raise a question.
Make sure your glasses don't have a heavy glare or reflection. Tilt them slightly if needed so the camera can see your eyes clearly. Avoid very dark or mirrored lenses that hide your eyes completely. Clear or lightly tinted lenses work best.
Contacts are fine and don't require any special consideration. If you wear contacts and not glasses, just wear your contacts as usual. There's no rule about which you should choose.
Clothing fit and neckline
Wear something that fits you comfortably and doesn't bunch up or look awkward when you're sitting. You'll be sitting for the photo, so a shirt that fits well when you're standing might look different when you're seated. A crew neck, V-neck, or scoop neck all work fine. Avoid very low necklines or anything that will shift when you move.
The photo is typically framed from the shoulders up, so the exact style of your shirt matters less than the color and how it frames your face. A collared shirt, t-shirt, sweater, or blouse all work equally well. Choose whatever you'd normally wear and feel confident in.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the DMV photographer says your clothing doesn't meet the requirements, they'll ask you to change before taking the photo. Some DMV offices keep a small selection of plain-colored shirts available for this reason, though you shouldn't count on it. If you're asked to change and no replacement is available, you may need to reschedule your appointment and come back in appropriate clothing.
If your photo is taken but later rejected during processing because of what you're wearing, the DMV will contact you and ask you to come back for a new photo. This delays your license, so it's worth getting the clothing choice right the first time. When in doubt, wear a solid dark or medium-toned top with nothing on your head or face, and you'll be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a turtleneck or high neckline?
Yes. Any neckline works as long as the shirt is solid-colored and fits comfortably. Turtlenecks are fine. Just make sure the fabric doesn't bunch up around your neck or create shadows on your face when you're seated.
What if I have a visible scar or birthmark I want to cover?
Don't try to hide it with clothing or makeup. Your driver license photo is meant to match your actual appearance so you can be identified. Scars and birthmarks are part of how you look, and covering them makes the photo less useful as an ID.
Do I need to wear business clothes or can I wear a t-shirt?
A t-shirt is fine. There's no dress code for a driver license photo. Wear whatever you'd normally wear — a t-shirt, sweater, blouse, or casual shirt all work equally well as long as it's solid-colored and doesn't distract from your face.
Can I wear a colored background or patterned shirt if it's not too busy?
Patterns, even subtle ones, can create visual noise in the photo and make your face harder to recognize. Solid colors photograph much better. Stick with a single, solid color for the clearest result.
What if I'm wearing a cast or medical device?
If a cast or medical device is visible in the photo frame, it's fine to leave it in. The DMV understands that people have temporary injuries and medical needs. Just wear solid-colored clothing that doesn't compete with your face for attention.