Dress codes for driver's license photos are set by your state's DMV, and most states have the same basic rules
Your state's DMV has rules about what you can and cannot wear in your license photo. These rules exist so the photo can be used to identify you — a disguise or costume defeats that purpose. The rules are nearly identical across states, though a few have small differences. Most DMVs will reject your photo on the spot if you violate the rules, which means you pay the fee again and retake it.
The core rule is straightforward: wear what you would wear on an ordinary day, and avoid anything that hides your face or changes how you look. A DMV employee will compare your photo to your face in person, and later, police officers or TSA agents will compare it to your face at a traffic stop or airport. If your photo looks nothing like you, it fails its job.
Key Takeaways
- Wear everyday clothing in neutral colors — no costumes, uniforms, or clothing with large logos or text.
- Your face must be clearly visible and well-lit, with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
- Hats, hoods, and head coverings are not allowed unless you have a religious or medical reason, which you must document in advance.
- Glasses are allowed in most states, but some states ask you to remove them to avoid glare; check your state's DMV website before your appointment.
- Avoid heavy makeup, filters, or anything else that changes your appearance so much that you would not look the same way in person.
Clothing that is always allowed
Wear a regular shirt, blouse, sweater, or jacket in a solid color or straightforward pattern. Blues, grays, blacks, whites, and earth tones are safest because they do not create glare or distraction in the photo. A collared shirt is fine. A t-shirt with a small logo is fine. A business casual outfit is fine.
The photo is taken from the shoulders up, so your pants or skirt do not matter. Jewelry is allowed. Piercings are allowed. Tattoos visible in the photo are allowed. The point is not to look formal or perfect — it is to look like yourself on a normal day.
What the DMV will reject
Do not wear a hat, baseball cap, beanie, hood, or headscarf unless you have a documented religious or medical reason. If you do have a reason, contact your DMV before your appointment to get permission in writing. Some states allow head coverings for religious reasons but require you to show your face clearly from the front — the covering cannot shadow your face.
Do not wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or any eyewear that darkens your eyes or makes them hard to see. Regular prescription glasses are allowed in most states, though some ask you to remove them. Do not wear a costume, uniform, or clothing with large text or logos across the chest. Do not wear camouflage, military dress, or anything that looks like a disguise.
Do not wear heavy makeup that changes your face, fake eyelashes, or filters. Do not dye your hair a color so different from your normal hair that you would not look the same in person. The rule is not about looking good — it is about looking like yourself.
Glasses, contacts, and vision correction
If you wear glasses, check your state's DMV website before your appointment. Most states allow you to wear them, but some ask you to remove them to avoid glare in the photo. A few states allow glasses only if you cannot see without them — you may need to bring a prescription or a note from your eye doctor.
Contact lenses are always allowed because they do not show in the photo. If you wear glasses sometimes but not always, consider wearing contacts to your appointment to avoid any confusion later. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, look straight ahead at the camera rather than down, so your eyes are visible and not hidden behind the lower part of the lens.
Religious and medical head coverings
Most states allow head coverings for religious reasons, but the rules vary. Some states require that your face be fully visible and well-lit, which means a covering that shadows your face will be rejected. Other states are more flexible. Contact your DMV before your appointment if you wear a religious head covering — do not show up expecting approval.
Medical head coverings for hair loss, scalp conditions, or post-surgery recovery are usually allowed with documentation from a doctor. Bring a letter from your doctor stating the reason and how long you will need the covering. The DMV will keep this letter on file with your photo.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the DMV rejects your photo because of what you are wearing, you will be asked to change and retake it when ready. You will not be charged twice if the rejection is the DMV's fault — for example, if the lighting was bad or the camera malfunctioned. However, if you were wearing something against the rules, you may have to pay the photo fee again, depending on your state's policy.
If you are unsure whether something you want to wear will be allowed, call your local DMV office before your appointment. A staff member can tell you yes or no, and you will not waste a trip or a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup in my driver's license photo?
Yes, you can wear everyday makeup. The rule is that your makeup should not change your face so much that you would not look the same in person. Heavy contouring, false eyelashes, or dramatic makeup that you do not normally wear will likely be rejected. Wear what you normally wear day to day.
What if I have a scar, birthmark, or facial hair that I sometimes cover?
Your photo should show your face as it normally appears. If you usually have a beard, keep it. If you usually shave, shave. If you have a scar or birthmark, it will show in the photo — that is fine and actually helps with identification. Do not try to hide it with makeup or clothing.
Can I wear a religious head covering in my driver's license photo?
Most states allow religious head coverings, but your face must be clearly visible and well-lit. Call your DMV before your appointment to confirm the exact rules in your state and to let them know you will be wearing one. Some states ask you to bring a letter explaining your religious practice.
Do I have to wear a certain color or style of clothing?
No. Wear whatever you normally wear — a t-shirt, sweater, blouse, or jacket. Solid colors and straightforward patterns are safest because they do not create glare, but stripes or small patterns are fine. Avoid large logos, text, or anything that looks like a costume or uniform.
What if I wear glasses only sometimes — should I wear them to my appointment?
If you wear glasses sometimes, you can wear them or not — the choice is yours. If you wear them regularly, wear them to your appointment so your photo matches how you normally look. If you rarely wear them, you can remove them. Check your state's rules first, because a few states have specific policies about glasses.