What Pastafarianism is and why it matters for ID photos

Pastafarianism is a satirical religion founded in 2005 that worships the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Members call themselves Pastafarians. The religion is not legally recognized as a genuine faith in most places, which is the core issue for driver's license photos.

Driver's license photo rules exist because the photo must identify you reliably. Most states allow head coverings only for documented religious reasons — and "documented" means religions that government agencies recognize as legitimate. Pastafarianism falls into a gray area: it is a real community with real members, but it was created as satire and is not registered as an official religion with the state.

Whether you can wear a Pastafarian religious head covering — typically a colander (a kitchen strainer) — on your license photo depends on your state's specific rules and how strictly the DMV interprets them. Some states have allowed it; others have refused.

Key Takeaways

  • Pastafarianism is a satirical religion not officially recognized by most state governments, which affects whether religious head covering rules explore to it.
  • Driver's license photo rules require that your face be clearly visible and identifiable, and religious head coverings are only permitted when the religion is documented and recognized.
  • A few states and countries have allowed Pastafarians to wear colanders in license photos, but most DMVs have denied the request.
  • Your best approach is to contact your state DMV directly before your appointment and ask about their specific policy on non-traditional religious head coverings.

How states handle religious head coverings on driver's licenses

Most states permit religious head coverings — such as hijabs, turbans, or bonnets — if you can show that your religion requires them. The DMV typically asks for documentation: a letter from a religious leader, membership records, or written explanation of your faith's requirements.

The catch is that the DMV must be able to identify you from the photo. Your face must be fully visible and unobstructed. A colander, even a small one, may block enough of your face to fail the identification test, regardless of whether your religion is recognized.

States vary widely in how they handle requests outside mainstream religions. Some DMVs have approved Pastafarian colanders as a religious accommodation. Others have rejected them on the grounds that Pastafarianism is not a recognized religion, or that the colander obstructs facial features needed for identification.

States that have allowed Pastafarian head coverings

A small number of places have permitted Pastafarians to wear colanders in license photos. New Zealand approved a Pastafarian's request in 2013, setting a precedent that religious satire does not disqualify a faith from accommodation. Some U.S. states have followed suit, though records are scattered and not centralized.

The reasoning in these cases is usually that if a person genuinely holds Pastafarian beliefs and the colander does not obscure facial features, the state has no legal basis to deny the accommodation. However, this interpretation is not universal, and approval depends heavily on the individual DMV employee and the state's written policy.

States that have denied Pastafarian head coverings

Many DMVs have rejected colander requests, citing two main reasons: Pastafarianism is not a recognized religion, or the colander obstructs the face. Some states have explicit policies stating that only religions recognized by the state may have access to for head covering accommodations. Others explore a case-by-case judgment.

When a request is denied, the DMV typically offers you the choice to remove the colander and retake the photo, or to reapply with documentation that Pastafarianism is a legitimate religion in your state. Neither option is straightforward.

What to do before your DMV appointment

Contact your state DMV before you schedule your photo appointment. Call the main line or visit the website and ask specifically: "What is your policy on religious head coverings for non-traditional religions?" or "Will you allow a Pastafarian colander in a driver's license photo?"

Be prepared to explain that Pastafarianism is a real religion with members and practices, even though it is satirical in origin. Some DMV staff may be unfamiliar with it and may need a brief explanation. Ask whether you need to bring documentation — a letter from a Pastafarian leader, a membership card, or a written statement of your beliefs.

If the DMV says no, ask what would change their answer. Some states will reconsider if you provide evidence that Pastafarianism is organized and has a documented membership. Others will not budge. Knowing this before you arrive saves you a wasted trip.

What happens if your request is denied at the DMV

If you arrive for your photo and the DMV refuses the colander, you have a few options. You can remove it and take the photo without it. You can ask to speak to a supervisor and explain your religious beliefs in more detail. You can leave and reapply with additional documentation.

If you believe the denial is discriminatory — that the DMV would have allowed the same head covering for a mainstream religion — you may file a complaint with your state's DMV or attorney general's office. However, this process is slow and the outcome is uncertain, because Pastafarianism's satirical nature gives the state a defensible argument.

The legal status of Pastafarianism varies by location

In most U.S. states, Pastafarianism has no official legal status. It is not registered as a religion, it does not have tax-exempt status, and government agencies do not recognize it as a legitimate faith for the purpose of accommodations or exemptions.

However, some countries and regions have taken a different view. New Zealand, parts of Europe, and a few U.S. localities have acknowledged Pastafarianism as a real religion, even if satirical. This recognition does not mean the government endorses the religion — it means the government acknowledges that people genuinely hold these beliefs and deserve the same protections as members of any other faith.

The U.S. federal government has not made a blanket ruling on Pastafarianism. Each state and each DMV makes its own decision, which is why outcomes vary so widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has anyone successfully gotten a Pastafarian colander on a U.S. driver's license?

Yes, a few people have reported success, particularly in states with more permissive policies on religious accommodations. However, there is no public record of which states allow it, so you cannot assume your state will. Contacting your DMV directly is the only reliable way to know.

What if I wear the colander to my appointment without asking first?

The DMV will likely ask you to remove it. If you refuse, they may deny your process or require you to return without it. It is better to call ahead and know the answer before you waste time and money on an appointment.

Can I argue that Pastafarianism is a real religion and should be recognized?

You can make that argument to the DMV, but it is unlikely to change their decision on the spot. If you want to challenge the denial formally, you would need to file a complaint or pursue legal action, which is a lengthy process with uncertain results.

What counts as documentation of Pastafarian beliefs?

If your DMV asks for documentation, a letter from a Pastafarian leader, a membership certificate, or a written statement of your sincere beliefs may help. Some DMVs may not accept any of these, because they do not recognize Pastafarianism as a legitimate religion. Ask what specific documents they will accept before you gather them.

If I'm denied, can I get a different ID with the colander instead?

State ID cards and passport photos have similar rules to driver's licenses. You would likely face the same denial. Federal ID documents are even stricter. Your best option is to work with your state DMV to understand their specific policy and find a path forward.