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 because the photo for the driver's license was already submitted when you enrolled in the driving school. There is no need to submit the photo again; you only need to participate in the license oath ceremony. The requirements for driver's license photos are as follows: Photo time: A recent front-facing, bareheaded, color, single-person half-length photo of the driver's license applicant taken within the last 6 months; Photo size: The photo should be 3.2cm x 2.2cm, with the head length between 1.9cm and 2.2cm, and the head width between 1.4cm and 1.6cm; Requirements: The background color should be white, you cannot wear white clothes, you cannot wear uniform clothing for the photo, and your facial features must be visible. You cannot privately change the driver's license photo because the license needs to be stamped, and the stamp will cover part of the license and the photo. If you change the photo, the stamp will become incomplete, which is also the reason why you cannot wear red clothes when taking the driver's license photo. How to replace or reapply: The driver's license photo can only be changed when applying for or replacing the license. You can apply for a replacement driver's license at the vehicle management office (you can also apply for a replacement even if the license is not lost). You need to prepare the original and a copy of your ID card, a one-inch white background photo, and submit the application for a replacement driver's license at the service window of the vehicle management office.
When I got my driver's license, I checked in advance and found that most places require you to bring your own one-inch bareheaded color photo with a white background, usually sized 3.5×4.5 cm. I took two photos to the DMV—they had to be freshly taken within the last six months, with no glasses, hats, or obstructions, and a clean background free of clutter. With this preparation, the application process went super smoothly—just hand them over to the staff, saving time and hassle. However, regulations vary by region—for example, some cities allow on-site photography but involve queues and cost around 30 yuan, which is more expensive than bringing your own. It's best to call the local traffic department or check online first. Photo quality is crucial—avoid blurriness or uneven lighting, as rejection could delay progress. Overall, bringing your own photos speeds up the licensing process and avoids last-minute hassles—don’t let on-site delays mess up your plans.
