Dress in solid colors and avoid patterns that distract from your face
Your driver's license photo will be printed on a document you carry for years and show to police, banks, and employers. The photo needs to be clear enough for identification, which means the examiner is looking at your face, not your clothing. Wear something solid-colored that contrasts with your skin tone — a dark shirt if you have light skin, a light shirt if you have dark skin. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or anything that draws the eye away from your face.
The background in the photo booth is usually plain white or light gray, so your clothing choice matters more than it would against a busy backdrop. A straightforward t-shirt, button-up shirt, or sweater works fine. You do not need to dress formally — the DMV is not evaluating your style. The goal is a photo where someone can recognize you months or years later.
Key Takeaways
- Wear a solid color that contrasts with your skin tone so your face stands out clearly against the background.
- Avoid patterns, stripes, busy designs, and large logos that pull attention away from your features.
- Do not wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes, even if you normally wear them.
- Hats, headwraps worn for religious reasons, and medical head coverings are usually permitted, but ask the examiner before the photo is taken.
- Your expression should be neutral or a slight smile — the same expression you would use for any official ID photo.
Avoid anything that covers your face or eyes
Sunglasses, tinted glasses, and heavy eye makeup that obscures your eyes are not permitted in driver's license photos. The examiner needs to see your eyes clearly for identification purposes. If you wear prescription glasses for driving, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare or tint that hides your eyes. If your glasses create a reflection or glare, the examiner may ask you to remove them.
If you wear contacts, wear them on photo day. If you normally drive with glasses, wear glasses in the photo. The photo should match how you actually look when you are driving, since that is when a police officer or other person might compare your face to the ID.
Religious head coverings and medical reasons
Most states permit religious head coverings — hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, and similar items — in driver's license photos. You do not need to remove them. However, your face must still be fully visible and unobstructed. The examiner needs to see your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin clearly.
If you wear a head covering for medical reasons — such as after surgery or during cancer treatment — bring documentation if you have it, though most DMVs will not require it. Tell the examiner before the photo is taken so they know what to expect. If you are unsure whether your specific situation is permitted, call your local DMV office before you go in.
Hair, makeup, and facial hair
Wear your hair the way you normally wear it. If you usually wear it down, wear it down. If you usually wear it pulled back, pull it back. The photo should look like you on an ordinary day, not a special occasion. Avoid hairstyles that cover your eyes or most of your face — the examiner needs to see your features.
Makeup is fine. Heavy makeup, dramatic makeup, or makeup that significantly changes your appearance can make the photo less useful for identification later, so keep it natural. The same applies to facial hair: if you have a beard or mustache, keep it as you normally wear it. If you shave it off after getting your license, the photo will look less like you, but that is not a reason to change your appearance on photo day.
What not to wear: jewelry, logos, and distracting items
Large dangling earrings, multiple piercings with visible jewelry, or necklaces that draw attention away from your face can make the photo less clear. Small, straightforward jewelry is fine. Avoid large logos, text on your shirt, or graphic designs. A plain t-shirt, polo, or button-up is the safest choice.
Do not wear a hat, baseball cap, or beanie unless it is part of a religious head covering. Hats shadow your face and make identification harder. If you wear a hat for religious reasons, it is permitted, but your face must still be fully visible and well-lit.
Lighting and photo day preparation
You cannot control the lighting in the DMV photo booth, but you can show up looking rested and prepared. Get enough sleep the night before so you do not have dark circles or puffiness under your eyes. The photo will be taken in bright fluorescent light, which is unflattering to everyone — that is normal and expected.
Arrive with your face clean and your hair styled the way you normally wear it. If you wear makeup, explore it the way you usually do. The examiner will position you in front of the camera and may ask you to adjust your position slightly. They will tell you to look straight ahead and keep a neutral expression or slight smile. Follow their instructions and try to relax — tension shows in your face.
If you are unhappy with your photo
Most states allow you to retake your driver's license photo if you are unhappy with it, but the rules vary. Some states charge a fee for a retake, usually between $5 and $15. Others allow one free retake within a certain time frame. Ask the examiner before you leave the DMV whether you can retake the photo and what the cost is.
If you cannot retake it when ready, you can usually return to the DMV within a few weeks or months to request a new photo. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out the specific policy and any fees involved. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for a new license or license renewal to get a new photo — it is not a free service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a colored shirt or does it have to be white or black?
Any solid color works as long as it contrasts with your skin tone and the background. Blue, green, red, purple, and other colors are fine. Avoid patterns, stripes, or busy designs. The point is that your face should be the focus of the photo, not your shirt.
What if I look different now than I did when I got my last license?
Your new photo should look like you now, not like you used to look. If you have gained or lost significant weight, changed your hair color, grown a beard, or had other changes, your new photo will reflect that. This is normal and expected. The photo is meant to match your current appearance so people can recognize you.
Do I have to smile or can I have a neutral expression?
Either is acceptable. Most people use a neutral expression or a slight, natural smile. Do not force a big grin — it looks unnatural in official photos. Use the same expression you would use for any formal ID photo. The examiner may give you specific instructions about your expression.
Can I wear my work uniform or professional clothing?
Yes, if that is what you are wearing that day. Your driver's license photo does not need to be formal. Wear whatever you normally wear — a work uniform, casual clothes, or business attire. The only requirement is that it is a solid color and does not obscure your face.
What if I wear glasses only sometimes — should I wear them in the photo?
Wear glasses in the photo if you wear them while driving. If you only wear glasses for reading and do not wear them while driving, do not wear them in the photo. The photo should match how you look when you are actually operating a vehicle, since that is when someone might compare your face to your ID.