Do I need to bring my own photo to get a driver's license?
2 Answers
When collecting your driver's license, you do not need to bring a photo ID. This is because the photo ID for the driver's license was already submitted when you registered at the driving school, and there is no need to submit the photo again. You only need to participate in the license oath ceremony. When registering at the driving school, you can bring your own photo ID, but it must have an electronic copy. Requirements for the driver's license photo: 1. The photo must be a white background, front-facing, bareheaded color ID photo taken within the last 6 months of the driver's license applicant. 2. The size must be 3.2cm*2.2cm (1 inch), with a head width of 1.4cm*1.6cm and a head length of 1.9cm*2.2cm. 3. Clothing requirements: no white clothes or uniforms are allowed. The portrait in the photo must be clearly visible, with distinct layers and no obvious distortion, and the person's facial expression must be natural. 4. No earrings, scarves, loose hair, or other accessories that cover the facial features are allowed.
I've been a seasoned driver for decades, and when I took my driving test back then, I had to bring my own photos to the DMV—standard small one-inch blue or white background shots, sized around 35×45 mm, with a clear headshot occupying most of the frame. Nowadays, things have gotten much more convenient in most places, as you can simply have your photo taken and printed on-site at the DMV, saving you the hassle of hunting down a photo studio. If you live in a small town or rural area, you might still need to prepare a recent photo taken within the last six months—front-facing, without a hat, and with hair not covering your face or eyes—to avoid any last-minute issues. These photos aren’t just for ID purposes on your license; they’re also a crucial part of your safety records, so pick a good one to avoid regrets. Before heading out, I’d recommend checking the local DMV’s requirements online or giving them a quick call to confirm, as rules can vary slightly by region. Back in my younger days, I once wasted a trip because my photo didn’t meet the standards—thankfully, things are much more standardized now.
