Wear something you'll recognize yourself in, but follow your state's rules first
Your driver's license photo will be on your ID for years, so it's natural to want to look good. The catch is that each state has specific rules about what you can and cannot wear — and those rules exist so the photo actually identifies you, not so you look like a portrait. The basics are the same almost everywhere: solid-colored clothing that contrasts with your skin tone, no hats or head coverings (except for religious reasons in most states), and nothing that obscures your face or changes your appearance dramatically.
Before you get dressed for your appointment, check your state's DMV website for the exact rules. Some states are stricter than others. For example, some allow glasses and some do not. Some permit certain religious head coverings and some do not. A few states have rules about patterns or logos. Showing up prepared means you won't have to change clothes in the DMV parking lot or reschedule your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Check your state's DMV website for specific clothing rules before your appointment, because rules vary by state and change occasionally.
- Wear solid colors that contrast with your skin tone — avoid busy patterns, logos, or anything that draws attention away from your face.
- Most states prohibit hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup, but allow religious head coverings with a signed statement.
- Wear what you normally wear — the photo needs to match how you actually look when you show your ID, not how you look dressed up.
- If you wear glasses regularly, find out whether your state allows them, because mismatched photos cause problems at airports and banks.
Solid colors and contrast matter more than style
The DMV wants your face to stand out in the photo, which is why they ask for solid-colored clothing. A solid color behind your head makes your face easier to see and easier for someone checking your ID to match it to you in person. Stripes, busy patterns, and logos pull the eye away from your face and can make the photo harder to use.
Choose a color that contrasts with your skin tone. If you have a light complexion, a dark shirt works better than a white one. If you have a darker complexion, a light or bright shirt works better. You do not need to wear formal clothing — a regular t-shirt or casual button-up is fine as long as it is solid colored and creates contrast with your face.
Hats, glasses, and head coverings — what each state allows
Most states prohibit hats, baseball caps, and anything that covers your hair or forehead. The photo needs to show your full face clearly, and a hat changes how you look. However, religious head coverings are permitted in nearly all states, though you will usually need to sign a statement saying the covering is for religious reasons. Some states require you to remove the covering briefly so your face is photographed, then allow you to put it back on for a second photo.
Glasses are a state-by-state question. Some states allow them if you wear them regularly, some prohibit them entirely, and some allow them only if you cannot see without them. The reason this matters: if you wear glasses every day but your license photo shows you without them, the photo will not match you when you show your ID. Call your local DMV or check their website to find out the rule in your state. If glasses are allowed, make sure they do not have a glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
Makeup, jewelry, and other details
You can wear makeup, but keep it natural-looking. Heavy makeup, false eyelashes, or dramatic eyeshadow can change how your face looks and make the photo less useful as identification. The same goes for jewelry — small earrings or a necklace are fine, but large or dangling jewelry can be distracting. Remove anything that moves or catches light.
Avoid anything that changes your appearance significantly from day to day. If you normally wear your hair down, wear it down. If you normally wear it pulled back, pull it back. The person checking your ID at an airport or bank will be comparing the photo to your face right then, and the closer they match, the faster the process goes.
What not to wear
Do not wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that covers your eyes. Do not wear a uniform, costume, or clothing with large logos or text. Do not wear white or very light clothing if you have a light complexion — the photo background is usually light, and you will blend in. Do not wear anything that obscures your chin, jaw, or the sides of your face.
Some states have specific rules about religious or cultural clothing. If you wear a head covering, face covering, or other religious garment, check your state's DMV website or call ahead. Most states accommodate religious dress, but the process varies. Knowing the rule in advance saves time and prevents frustration on the day of your appointment.
Dress for how you actually look, not for a special occasion
The most important rule is this: wear what you normally wear. Your license photo is identification, not a portrait. If you show up in a suit and tie but you wear jeans and t-shirts every day, the photo will not match you when you use your ID. If you get your hair colored or styled dramatically for the photo, but you do not maintain that style, the photo becomes less useful.
You will carry this ID for years. You want the photo to look like you on an ordinary day, so that when you hand it to someone — at the airport, at a bank, at a bar — they can match your face to the photo without confusion. That is the whole point of the photo, and it is more important than looking your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a hat or beanie for religious reasons?
Most states allow religious head coverings, including beanies, turbans, and headscarves. You will usually need to sign a statement confirming the covering is for religious reasons. Some states photograph your face without the covering first, then allow you to wear it for a second photo. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm the process.
What if I wear glasses every day but my state doesn't allow them in photos?
If your state prohibits glasses, you will need to remove them for the photo even though you wear them daily. This creates a mismatch between your photo and how you look in person. When you use your ID, mention that you wear glasses regularly so the person checking it knows to expect the difference.
Can I wear colored contacts or change my eye color for the photo?
You can wear contacts, but do not change your eye color for the photo. Your license is identification, and your eye color is a identifying feature. If your contacts change your eye color, remove them for the photo so it matches your actual appearance.
Do I need to wear formal clothing or dress up?
No. Wear casual, everyday clothing in a solid color that contrasts with your skin tone. Formal clothing is not required and is not recommended — you want the photo to match how you normally look, not how you look dressed up for an event.
What if I'm not sure about my state's rules?
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "photo requirements" or "what to wear." Most states have a detailed page. If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office — they can answer specific questions about clothing, glasses, head coverings, and anything else you are unsure about.