Can I provide my own photo for the driver's license?
2 Answers
You can provide your own photo for the driver's license, but the photo must meet the requirements. Here are more related details: Notes: 1. If the provided photo shows significant differences in appearance or age compared to the actual person, the licensing department will require a new photo to be taken. The driver's license applicant must provide a front-facing, bareheaded, color, single-person, half-length small 1-inch photo taken within the last 6 months. The photo size should be 3.2cm × 2.2cm, with a head length of 1.9cm to 2.2cm and a head width of 1.4cm to 1.6cm, on a white background. No uniforms should be worn in the photo, and the image should be clear and natural. 2. It is important to note that you cannot replace the photo on the driver's license yourself. The photo on the driver's license issued by the DMV has an embossed seal. If you replace the photo yourself, it will lack this seal, which could cause unnecessary trouble if checked by traffic police. 3. If the driver's license photo becomes unclear, you can take a new photo (1-inch color photo with white background), along with your ID card and a copy of your ID card, submit them to the DMV, and fill out an application form to replace the driver's license.
The photo on the driver's license is indeed not provided by ourselves; it's taken on-site by the licensing authority. I remember when I first got my driver's license, I thought I could bring a nice photo, but at the DMV, the staff just had me stand in front of a backdrop and snapped a picture. They said this helps prevent fraud and ensures everyone's photo is authentic and reliable. I felt a bit awkward at the time—I was wearing a T-shirt and hadn't tidied up, so the photo made my face look chubby. Later, every time I renewed my license, I had to take a new photo, so I got smarter and would wash my face and wear something more formal beforehand. The photo stays for years, and if you're really unhappy with it, you just have to wait until the next renewal. I suggest everyone dress up a bit before going, unlike my first time when I was too careless—it's tough seeing an unflattering photo every day. Overall, the process is quite efficient, taking just a few minutes, and most importantly, it ensures driving safety.
