Getting your driver’s license photo taken can be nerve-wracking. You want to look nice in your ID photo, but aren’t sure what the rules are for appropriate attire. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear for your driver’s license photo.
Wear Glasses For My Driver’s License Photo
You can wear glasses for your driver’s license photo. There are no restrictions on wearing glasses or contact lenses. Make sure your eyewear is clean and free of glare so your eyes are visible. Lightly tinted prescription glasses are also allowed. However, sunglasses and heavily tinted glasses are not permitted.
The goal is to have a clear image of your face and eyes for identification purposes. As long as your glasses do not obscure your face or eyes in any way, they are perfectly acceptable to wear for your official ID picture.
| Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Clear prescription glasses | Sunglasses |
| Lightly tinted prescription glasses | Glasses with heavy tint |
| Clean glasses free of glare | Dirty glasses |
| Frames that do not obscure face or eyes | Frames that cover portions of face or eyes |
Clothes Should I wear for my license photo
When deciding what to wear for your driver’s license photo, follow these guidelines:
- Wear something simple and plain. Busy patterns or bold prints can be distracting in a headshot photo. Solid colors or basic patterns work best.
- Choose a conservative neckline. Avoid low-cut, revealing, or racy tops. A moderate crew neck or v-neck is recommended.
- Wear shirts with sleeves. Tank tops, camisoles, and sleeveless dresses or tops are not allowed in most states. Short sleeves are fine.
- Make sure clothing fits properly. Oversized or baggy clothing with a sloppy appearance is not recommended. The photo should show your head and shoulders clearly.
- Avoid hats and head coverings. Unless worn for religious reasons, hats are generally prohibited. Head wraps, scarves, and other headgear is usually not permitted.
- Take off sunglasses and headphones. Glasses without tint are fine if needed, but sunglasses are not appropriate for the photo. Jewelry should be minimal as well.
Acceptable Outfits
Here are some examples of acceptable outfits to wear for your driver’s license photo:
- A solid color T-shirt or blouse
- A basic button-down shirt
- A modest sweater
- A polo-style shirt
- A crew neck or v-neck t-shirt
The key is to dress simple and neat. Make sure your outfit follows all state regulations, allows your face to be clearly visible, and represents an accurate image of how you normally appear.
What Not to Wear
Steer clear of these types of outfits when going in for your driver’s license or ID card photo session:
- Spaghetti strap tanks, crop tops, or halter tops
- Low-cut, sheer, or mesh shirts
- Oversized t-shirts slipping off the shoulder
- Distressed, damaged, or ripped clothing
- Baggy sweatshirts covering most of the face
- Camouflage prints with busy designs
- Costume props and masks
- Intentionally obscene or offensive shirts with slogans
Keep it classy! Follow your state’s guidelines and dress appropriately. Remember, this photo will be visible every time you present your ID, so you want to put your best foot forward while meeting all requirements.
Do state driver’s license departments have dress code rules?
Most state driver’s license bureaus or DMVs have basic dress code standards that must be followed:
General DMV Dress Code Guidelines
- No sleeveless shirts
- No low cut, sheer, or revealing tops
- No hats, headgear, or sunglasses
- Facial piercings should be removed or concealed
- Face and eyes must be visible
- No masks or costume props
- No offensive slogans or prints
However, some states have additional regulations. For example:
State-Specific DMV Dress Code Rules
- No beach attire or bathing suits
Indiana
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings
Texas
- Shirt and shoes required
- No drop-shoulder shirts
- No headwear or eyewear obstructions
So check your state’s DMV website to confirm dress code do’s and don’ts for license photos in your location. When in doubt, call ahead!
Remove Religious Head Coverings For My License Photo
Most states allow applicants to wear religious head coverings like turbans, hijabs, veils and burqas for their official license photos. Requirements around hair visibility tend to exempt religious coverings.
However, the face must still be fully visible to meet identification standards. Some DMVs may request adjustments to keep the full facial features, eyes and eyebrows uncovered for the picture.
Check with your local DMV rules. But in general, religious headwear is permissible as long as it does not obscure the face. Accommodations can also be made in some cases if wearing a veil or covering is forbidden. Overall, there is flexibility around headgear worn for sincere religious beliefs.
Can I smile or should I have a serious expression?
Most DMVs allow smiling in license photos, as long as your mouth is closed. A natural, subtle smile is recommended rather than laughing or a toothy grin. Avoid any silly faces too!
Make sure your smile looks pleasant, not forced or so big that your eyes squint shut. Teeth should not be visible. A calm, slightly upbeat expression is best for an appealing license photo.
No hard-and-fast rules prohibit smiling across the board. But some countries like Germany, Switzerland and Sweden still require serious, neutral expressions without smiling. Always check regulations where you live to see smile policies for driver’s license or ID card headshots.
Wear makeup or should I go natural?
Light makeup application is perfectly fine when getting your license picture taken. The goal is to look natural but camera-ready, avoiding heavy makeup that appears artificial in color photos. Here are makeup tips for your DMV photo session:
Makeup Recommendations
Opt for light foundation, subtle eye makeup, sheer lip gloss and gentle blush. Avoid caked-on product layers.
**Focus on realism **
Play up natural features rather than masking your face with blanketing color products not matching skin undertones.
Neutral palettes work best
Stick to earth tones and nude hues. Bold reds, frosty eyeshadows or intense contouring generally don’t photograph well.
Of course, you can go makeup-free if preferred! Just make sure your skin looks fresh, hydrated and clean. Avoid redness, irritation, shine, flakes or oiliness.
Ultimately, choose which makes you feel confident and captures an accurate image for ID purposes. Get input from those you trust before your DMV appointment.
Dress Up Or Can I Wear Casual, Everyday Clothing
Casual, everyday clothing you would normally wear are perfectly fine for a driver’s license photo session. You do not need formal attire unless it coincides with how you generally dress.
The aim is for your photo ID to reflect regular appearance. So opt for neat, clean, casual clothes typical of daily wardrobe rotation. Avoid items that are overly dressy like cocktail gowns or styles considered atypical like cartoon pajamas unless that aligns with daily fashion.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper attire for your driver’s license photo is important to present your best image while following state guidelines. The ideal outfit is simple and conservative, shows your face clearly, and reflects your regular style. Check your local DMV rules on acceptable clothing, accessories, headwear and facial expressions beforehand.
Religious accommodations can be made in some cases. Going with neatly groomed, everyday casualwear in neutral solids often works well. Keep makeup subtle and natural-looking. Smile lightly but don’t bare teeth if allowed. With these tips in mind, you can dress appropriately to look and feel confident for your license picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
Can I wear a suit or formal attire?
You may wear more formal attire like a suit if you wish, as long as your face and head are clearly visible. Make sure bow ties, neck ribbons, or scarves don’t obscure facial features.
Are DMV dress code rules flexible for medical conditions?
Accommodations can be made for medical issues. Neck braces, oxygen masks, protective helmets, or other health devices can be worn if medically necessary with documentation. Check with your local DMV. Rules vary by state.
Can I wear a turtleneck?
Turtlenecks and other high-necked shirts are acceptable as long they allow full facial visibility. Mock necks or wide crew necks also work well. off-shoulder styles are not recommended.
What if my religious head covering shows no hair?
Some states provide exemptions for full facial and head coverage worn for sincere religious reasons. Others require at least some hair to be visible. Check local guidelines or request accommodations if needed.
Can I wear a shirt with writing on it?
Best avoid clothing with text, slogans, or graphics as they can be distracting in a headshot photo. However, small brand logos may be alright if subtle and not offensive per state regulations. When in doubt, opt for solid tops only.