Dress in solid colors and avoid patterns that will distract from your face
Your driver license photo needs to show your face clearly, so the DMV has rules about what you can and cannot wear. The main rule is straightforward: wear something solid-colored that contrasts with your skin tone, and avoid busy patterns, large logos, or anything that draws the eye away from your face. A plain t-shirt, collared shirt, or sweater works. The photo is cropped to show your head and shoulders, so what matters is what appears in that frame.
Avoid white or very light colors if your state's photo background is also white or light gray — you need contrast so your head stands out from the background. Similarly, avoid black or dark colors if your state uses a dark background, though most states use a light blue or white background. If you are unsure what your state uses, call ahead or check the DMV website for your state.
Key Takeaways
- Wear a solid-colored shirt or top that contrasts with your skin tone and the photo background.
- Do not wear hats, headbands, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face or head, except for religious head coverings in most states.
- Avoid large logos, busy patterns, stripes, or anything with words or images that will distract from your face.
- Wear your normal everyday makeup and hairstyle — the photo should look like you do on a regular day, not a special occasion.
- Check your state's DMV website before you go, because a few states have specific color rules or restrictions you should know about.
What you cannot wear: hats, glasses, and head coverings
The DMV will not take your photo if you are wearing a hat, baseball cap, hood, or headband. Sunglasses are also not allowed, even if you have light-sensitive eyes — you will need to remove them for the photo. The rule exists because the photo is used to identify you, and anything covering your head or face makes that harder.
Religious head coverings are an exception in most states. If you wear a hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other religious head covering, you can usually keep it on. A few states require you to show your full face, so call your local DMV office ahead of time if you wear a religious head covering and want to confirm the rule in your state.
If you wear prescription glasses, you have a choice: wear them in the photo or do not. Either is fine. If you do wear them, make sure the lenses are not tinted and that the frames do not cast a shadow across your eyes. Avoid frames with very thick or reflective frames, because they can create glare in the photo.
Makeup, hair, and facial hair: keep it normal
Wear your everyday makeup and hairstyle. The photo should look like you on a regular day, not like you just got ready for a wedding or special event. Heavy makeup, dramatic eyeshadow, or a completely different hairstyle than you normally wear can make the photo look unlike you, which defeats the purpose of a license photo.
If you have facial hair, you can keep it. Beards and mustaches are fine. If you normally shave, shave before you go. If you normally have a beard, keep the beard. The point is that the photo should match how people will recognize you in real life.
If you are planning to make a major change to your appearance — cutting your hair very short, growing a beard, or changing your hair color significantly — it is worth thinking about timing. A license is valid for several years, and a photo that looks nothing like you now can cause problems at airports or when you are pulled over. That said, small changes like a new haircut or growing out facial hair are normal and do not require you to get a new photo.
Jewelry and accessories: keep them minimal
Small earrings, necklaces, and rings are fine. Large dangling earrings, multiple piercings in your face, or anything that moves or reflects light can be distracting in the photo. The rule is not that you cannot wear jewelry — it is that the jewelry should not draw attention away from your face.
Avoid wearing anything around your neck that will cover your neck or shoulders in the photo. A scarf, large chain, or bulky necklace can make it hard to see your neck and shoulders, which are part of what the photo captures.
Tattoos and piercings: they are fine
Visible tattoos and piercings are allowed in your driver license photo. You do not need to cover them up. The DMV takes photos of people as they are, and tattoos and piercings are a normal part of how many people look.
If you have a facial piercing that you remove sometimes, you can choose whether to wear it in the photo. Just remember that the photo will be on your license for several years, so think about whether you will still have it by the time you renew.
What to do the day of your photo appointment
Get a good night's sleep before you go. You will look more alert and less tired in the photo. Avoid heavy meals right before your appointment, because bloating can make your face look different than it normally does.
Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to use the bathroom and check your appearance. Most DMV offices have a mirror near the photo station. Use it to make sure your hair is not in your face, your shirt is not wrinkled, and you do not have anything stuck in your teeth.
When the photographer tells you to look at the camera, look straight ahead and relax your face. A natural expression is better than a big smile or a frown. You will probably be asked to remove your glasses if you are wearing them, so be ready for that. The photo usually takes less than a minute from start to finish.
State-specific rules you should know about
Most states follow the same basic rules, but a few have specific requirements. Some states do not allow you to wear certain colors, or they have rules about the size of logos on your shirt. A small number of states require you to show your full face with no head covering at all, which affects people who wear religious head coverings.
The best way to find out what your state requires is to visit your state's DMV website and look for "photo requirements" or "what to wear for your license photo." You can also call your local DMV office and ask. It takes two minutes, and it means you will not show up and have to retake your photo because your shirt did not meet the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smile in my driver license photo?
Yes, you can smile. A natural smile is fine. Avoid a huge grin or a fake-looking smile — just look like yourself. The photo should look like you on a normal day, so if you normally smile, smile. If you normally have a neutral expression, that is fine too.
What if I look terrible in my photo and want to retake it?
Most states allow you to retake your photo if you are not happy with it, but you usually have to pay a fee — often $10 to $20. Ask the DMV employee before you leave the office whether you can retake it. Some states let you retake it on the spot if you ask right away. Others require you to come back another day.
Do I have to wear the same thing I wore when I took my photo?
No. Your driver license photo is just a photo. You can wear whatever you want after you get your license. The photo is used to identify you, but people recognize you by your face, not by your shirt.
Can I wear colored contacts in my driver license photo?
Yes, colored contacts are fine. Wear whatever you normally wear. Just make sure your eyes are open and visible in the photo.
What if I have a scar or birthmark on my face?
Leave it visible. Scars and birthmarks are part of how you look, and they help identify you. Do not try to cover them up with makeup or anything else.