Can I wear makeup for my driver's license photo?
2 Answers
Driver's license photos prohibit heavy makeup, but light makeup is allowed. Requirements for driver's license photos: The photo must be a straight-edged, front-facing, bareheaded color portrait of the applicant taken within the last 6 months, without uniforms. The image should be clear with natural expression and no obvious distortion. Note that if the submitted photo shows significant discrepancies in facial features or age compared to the applicant, the licensing department will require retaking the photo. Size requirements for driver's license photos: The photo dimensions should be 32mm x 22mm (1-inch), with head width between 14mm-16mm and head length between 19mm-22mm. You can follow the standards for second-generation ID card photos when taking the picture.
I've previously studied the DMV regulations on this matter. For driver's license photos, heavy makeup is not allowed in principle, but going completely bare-faced isn't necessary either. The key is that your makeup shouldn't obscure facial features - things like thick false eyelashes, exaggerated eyeliner, or extremely thick foundation are prohibited. When I took my photo, I just applied some BB cream, drew natural-looking eyebrows, and used a nude lip color, which passed inspection without issues. Remember not to wear colored contacts or false eyelashes, and don't let your hairline cover your eyebrows, as this can cause problems with facial recognition. You should also remove earrings and necklaces to avoid glare. It's best to wear a dark-colored collared shirt and find a plain white wall with even lighting for the photo - this will help you pass the inspection on the first try.
