Dress normally, avoid patterns, and skip the sunglasses
Your driver's license photo needs to be clear enough for identification, which means the DMV has rules about what you can and cannot wear. The core rule: wear something you would actually wear in daily life, avoid anything that obscures your face or creates glare, and do not wear a hat or sunglasses unless you have a medical or religious reason. Most people pass on the first try by dressing like themselves and following a few specific restrictions.
The photo will be taken indoors under controlled lighting, so what matters is not fashion but clarity. The DMV is looking at your face, not your outfit. Wear clothes that make you feel like yourself — that usually shows better in a photo than clothes you think you "should" wear.
Key Takeaways
- Wear everyday clothing in solid colors or straightforward patterns; busy prints, logos, and neon colors can interfere with the camera's focus on your face.
- Do not wear hats, baseball caps, or head coverings unless you have a documented medical condition or sincere religious belief — the DMV will ask you to remove them.
- Sunglasses are not allowed because the camera needs to see your eyes clearly, even if you have light sensitivity or wear them for medical reasons.
- Avoid large dangling jewelry, heavy makeup, or anything that changes your appearance significantly from day to day, since the photo needs to match you when you show the license.
- Check your state's DMV website for specific rules, because a few states have additional restrictions on clothing color or style.
What colors and patterns work best
Solid colors photograph better than patterns because they do not compete with your face for the camera's attention. Dark colors like navy, black, gray, or brown are standard choices. Light colors like white, cream, or light blue also work well. The goal is contrast between your clothing and your face, so if you have very pale skin, avoid white; if you have darker skin, avoid black.
Busy patterns — stripes, checks, small prints, neon colors — can create visual noise in the photo and sometimes cause the camera to focus on the pattern instead of your face. Avoid them. A straightforward solid shirt or sweater is the safest choice. If you wear a logo or text on your shirt, it is allowed, but keep it small and not directly over your chest where it might distract from your face.
Hats, head coverings, and religious exceptions
Hats, baseball caps, beanies, and hoodies must come off for the photo. The DMV needs to see your full face and hairline for identification purposes. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons — a hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other religious head covering — you can keep it on. You will need to bring documentation of your religious belief, which can be as straightforward as a letter from your place of worship or a statement of your faith. Some states ask you to sign a form affirming the religious purpose.
Medical head coverings are also allowed if you have a documented condition. If you wear a wig, head wrap, or covering for hair loss, medical treatment, or another health reason, bring a letter from your doctor. The DMV staff will ask questions to confirm the reason is genuine, but they do approve these requests regularly.
Eyes, glasses, and why sunglasses do not work
The camera must see your eyes clearly. If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them in the photo — in fact, many people do. The only rule is that the lenses cannot create a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. If your glasses have a strong reflection or anti-glare coating that bounces light back at the camera, tilt them slightly or ask the photographer to adjust the lighting. Most DMV photographers know this and will help you position your glasses correctly.
Sunglasses are not allowed, even if you have light sensitivity, photophobia, or another medical condition that makes bright light painful. The DMV needs to see your eyes for identification. If you have a medical condition that requires you to wear sunglasses indoors, bring a doctor's letter explaining it. Some states will make an exception and allow you to wear them, but you will need documentation. Contact your state DMV before your appointment to ask whether an exception is possible in your situation.
Makeup, jewelry, and looking like yourself
Wear makeup the way you normally do. If you do not wear makeup, do not start for the photo. If you wear heavy makeup daily, wear it the same way. The reason is practical: your license photo needs to look like you when you show it to a police officer, bank teller, or airline agent. If the photo shows you with dramatic makeup and you show up without it, or vice versa, the photo becomes less useful for identification.
Large dangling earrings, multiple piercings, or heavy chains can distract from your face in the photo. Small studs, straightforward necklaces, and normal jewelry are fine. Avoid anything that moves or catches light in a way that draws attention away from your face. Facial piercings like nose rings or lip rings are allowed and should stay in — again, the photo needs to match you.
What happens if you wear something not allowed
If you show up wearing a hat, sunglasses, or something that violates your state's rules, the DMV photographer will ask you to remove it or change it before taking the photo. You will not be turned away or charged extra. The process is straightforward: they will point out the issue, you will adjust, and the photo will be taken. If you wore a hat and did not bring a religious or medical letter, you just take it off. If you wore sunglasses, you remove them.
The only time you might need to reschedule is if you wore something that cannot be quickly removed or adjusted — for example, if you showed up in a costume or outfit that is part of a religious or medical accommodation but did not bring the required documentation. In that case, bring the letter or documentation to your next appointment and the photo will be retaken at no charge.
State-specific rules to check before you go
Most states follow the same basic rules: no hats, no sunglasses, solid colors preferred, and religious or medical exceptions with documentation. A few states have additional restrictions. Some states ask you to wear light-colored clothing to create contrast with the background. Others have rules about visible tattoos or piercings, though these are rare and usually only explore to certain types of tattoos.
Before your appointment, visit your state's DMV website and search for "photo requirements" or "what to wear for license photo." The page will list any state-specific rules. If you have a question about a religious or medical accommodation, call the DMV directly — they handle these requests often and can tell you exactly what documentation to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a turtleneck or high neckline?
Yes. Turtlenecks, crew necks, and high necklines are fine. The DMV only cares about what is visible in the photo — your face, neck, and shoulders. Wear whatever is comfortable and makes you feel like yourself.
What if I have a visible scar, birthmark, or tattoo on my face or neck?
Leave it visible. These are identifying features and actually help the DMV match the photo to you. Do not try to cover them up with makeup or clothing. The photo should look like you do in real life.
Do I need to smile or look serious?
Most states ask for a neutral expression — not a big smile, not a frown. A slight, natural smile is usually fine. Check your state's website for the specific instruction, but most photographers will tell you what expression they want before taking the photo.
Can I wear a wig or hair extensions?
Yes, if you wear them regularly. The photo needs to match you as you appear day to day. If you wear a wig every day, wear it to your appointment. If you only wear it occasionally, wear your natural hair or the style you wear most often.
What if I just got a haircut or dyed my hair?
That is fine. Your hair changes and the DMV knows this. The photo does not need to match your hair from five years ago — it needs to match you now. If you dyed your hair the day before your appointment, just go as scheduled.