Can I bring my own driver's license photo?
2 Answers
You can bring your own driver's license photo. Regardless of the method used by the vehicle management office to produce the driver's license, as long as you inform the staff in advance and provide them with a satisfactory photo that meets the requirements, there should be no issue. Requirements for driver's license photos: 1. The photo size should be one inch, and it must be a recent front-facing photo without a hat, taken within six months before applying for the license; 2. The background of the photo should be white; 3. Women should not have loose hair, and men should not have excessively long hair; 4. Both men and women should not wear earrings, but those who need vision correction should wear glasses. The driver's license photo can be changed. You can apply for a replacement driver's license at the vehicle management office, and it is possible to replace the license even if it is not lost.
I remember a few years ago when I went to get my driver's license, I initially thought of bringing my own photos to save time. However, when I arrived at the DMV, the staff directly told me it wasn’t allowed—I had to take the photo on-site. They emphasized that the photos have strict standards: the background must be pure white, the size must be one-inch without a hat, and it must be a front-facing shot with no obstructions. If you bring your own, the lighting or pose might not meet the requirements, which could lead to blurry license information or potential forgery. I was quite puzzled at the time, but later, after checking some information, I learned that this is a unified national policy to prevent document fraud. Looking back now, although this rule seems minor, it’s reasonable—it ensures the safety and identification efficiency of every driver. My advice to new drivers is not to rush to bring your own photos. Just prepare your documents, queue up at the designated spot, and get it done in one shot, avoiding any extra hassle.
