Wondering how to take a decent photo for your first driver’s license? Or not satisfied with your driver’s license photo and wish for a retake? This guide will walk you through the US driver’s license photo rules in 2024 and offer you some great tips for a satisfactory driver’s license photo. We’ll also explain how to change your photo on your driver’s license.
US Driver’s License Photo Rules in 2024
When you obtain a driver’s license, your photo will be taken by the DMV. Therefore, it is important to know the latest US driving license photo regulations in 2024 and prepare well for the photo session.
Size:
The driver’s license photo must be 2 inches x 2 inches in size. Your head must be between 1 and 1.4 inches in total height and centered in the photo.
Posture:
Keep your head and shoulders straight ahead of the camera with your face fully visible. Do not tilt your head when taking the picture.
Facial Expression:
You should maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Your eyes should be wide open and looking directly at the camera, clearly visible in the driver’s license photo.
Clothing:
It is advisable to wear daily clothes such as T-shirts in colors that contrast with the white background. Uniforms and low-cut tops are not permitted.
Accessories:
Generally, small earrings and other facial jewelry are acceptable if they don’t obstruct any part of your face. If your piercings obstruct your face or cause any glare, you need to remove them when taking a driver’s license photo. Necklaces are not allowed.
Glasses:
If you wear optical glasses daily, you should wear them as well when taking a driver’s license photo. If wearing contacts, make sure they do not change the color of your eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed in a driver’s license photo.
Hats & Religious Coverings:
Hats of any kind are not allowed in a driver’s license photo. For religious reasons, you may wear a religious covering such as a hijab.
Makeup:
It is acceptable to wear makeup that reflects your natural look. Make sure it does not change your facial features.
Hairstyles:
There are no septic requirements on hairstyles in the driver’s license photo. But it is best to keep it neat and not cover your face.
Beards:
Beards are allowed in the driver’s license photo. It is recommended to have them trimmed to present the best look.
What to Wear for a Driver’s License Photo
When taking a driver’s license photo, make sure that you follow the dress code and dress appropriately. After all, you don’t want to be asked for a change of clothes at the photo center. Here are some head-ups:
❌Do not wear white:
Avoid wearing white or any light-colored clothing that could blend into the background since the photo background is white, too.
❌Avoid clothes with patterns:
Patterns, slogans, and pictures on clothes may cause distortions in the image, so it is best to avoid them.
✅Try with a neutral color:
From experience, the best color to wear for a driver’s license photo is neutral colors such as grey and blue. Such color matches well with the skin tone and the background.
✅Wear daily and casual clothes:
Simply stick with what you wear on a daily basis such as a T-shirt and shirts. Avoid low-cut tops, because they will make you look like not wearing clothes. Uniforms and business attire are not allowed in a driver’s license photo.
❌Avoid excessive accessories:
If you wear a necklace, big earrings, or piercings, it is best to take them off when taking a driver’s license photo. Such accessories can cause distraction and glare in the image. Small earrings are acceptable.
❌Do not wear any head covering:
Headdress can obstruct the hair or hairline, so generally, you will be asked to take them off when taking the driver’s license photo. If not for religious reasons, do not wear any head covering for the photo.
How to Post for Driver’s License Photo
An appropriate posture will make you look sharp in the driver’s license photo. Here is how you should post:
👉Stand or sit straight:
Straighten your back and keep your shoulders back a little when taking a driver’s license photo. This way will make you look more confident.
👉Raise your chin:
To show a full-face view in the photo, you should raise your chin, and keep your head up and straight to the camera. This posture will allow your face to be evenly illuminated, so you’ll look more attractive.
👉Keep your eyes open naturally:
Forcing your eyes open will make you look goofy. Instead, just look at the camera naturally. If you still fail to do the trick, here is a useful tip: close your eyes and open them as soon as your photographer finishes counting down and takes a picture of you.
👉Push your head forward slightly:
Stretch your neck out a little bit and keep your chin down, to avoid a double chin and make your jawline look sharper in the driver’s license photo.
👉Maintain a natural expression:
There should be no expression on your face. Relax your facial muscles and concentrate on the camera.
👉Make your face look slimmer:
You can make your face look thinner by placing the tip of your tongue on the back of your upper teeth. This trick can tighten your facial muscles and needs practice.
How to Look Good in a Driver’s License Photo
In addition to dress recommendation and posture guidance, here are some great tips for a decent-looking driver’s license photo:
✅Get plenty of rest:
Having a good rest before taking the photo will make you look radiant when taking the driver’s license photo.
✅Wear natural makeup:
Wearing natural makeup will make you look fresh and radiant as well. But make sure it reflects your natural look and does not change your facial features. Avoid applying heavy and excessive cosmetic products such as purple lipstick and volumizing mascara.
✅Practice in front of a mirror:
Before taking a driver’s license photo, you can practice your facial expressions and posture in front of a mirror. This way you will know how to present a natural look.
✅Keep your hair neat:
Having your hair combed neatly will present your best look. If you wear long hair, tie it up to show your full face view or place it evenly on both shoulders so it frames your face. For males, it is best to have your beard trimmed.
✅Be on time:
Show up at the photo center on time, or you may be rushed through when taking the photo, or end up at the end of the line.
✅Ask for a retake:
If you are not satisfied with the first photo taken, you can try to ask for a retake. Whether you will get a retake depends on how busy the photographer is at the moment. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Can You Take Your Own Driver’s License Photo
No, you can’t use a photo taken by yourself in a driver’s license. The photograph for a driving license must be taken by the DMV photo center. Searching “driver’s license photo center near me” on Google will help you locate the nearest location that offers photo-taking service. After that, book an appointment at your local DMV office.
Fees for Updating the Driver’s License Photos
The cost of updating the photo on a driver’s license varies in different states. Here’s what you can expect to pay in several major states:
| California | $32 |
| New York | $17.5 |
| Georgia | $32 |
| Florida | $30.5 |
| Illinois | $5 |
| Texas | $11 |
| Ohio | $24.5 |
| North Carolina | $13 |
| Michigan | $5 |
| Pennsylvania | $30.5 |
FAQs
- Can you smile in a driver’s license photo?
No, you are not allowed to smile in a driver’s license photo. Instead, keep a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open when taking a driver’s license photo.
- Can you wear glasses in a driver’s license photo?
Yes. If you wear optical glasses daily, you should wear them as well when taking a driver’s license photo. If wearing contacts, make sure they do not change the color of your eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed in a driver’s license photo.
- What color can I wear for a driver’s license photo?
Avoid wearing shirts in white, black, or with slogans and pictures. Instead, wear daily clothes such as t-shirts in soft colors such as blue, grey, and green.
- Can you update your driver’s license photo online?
No. The driver’s license photo cannot be updated in person. You must make an appointment at your local DMV office for a photo retake in the photo center.
- Can I wear a hat in my driver’s license photo?
Hats of any kind are not allowed in a driver’s license photo. However, for religious reasons, a religious head covering such as a hijab is acceptable.
- Can I wear a headband in a driver’s license photo?
No. It is not allowed to wear headbands or any hair accessories as they could obstruct your
- Can I wear a wig in my driver’s license photo?
Yes, you can wear a wig in a driver’s license photo so long as it does not obstruct your facial features.
- Where can I get my PA driver’s license photo taken?
The driver’s license photo must be taken in a DMV photo center. You can find a photo center in your nearest location to take a driver’s license photo using this online service.
- How to retake a driver’s license photo in California?
You can retake a driver’s license photo only when you need to renew or replace your driver’s license if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. Otherwise, you will need to make an appointment with the DMV office and pay a fee for a new driver’s license, where you get to retake a new driver’s license photo. The California driver’s license photo rules follow the general rules mentioned above.
Conclusion
It is important to take a nice driver’s license photo, after all, it will stay with you for the next few years to come. Even if your current driver’s license photo is not satisfactory, you can have it retaken. As long as you follow the US driver’s license photo rules and advice provided in this article, you are guaranteed to present your best look in your driver’s license photo.