Do I need to bring my own photo to get a driver's license?
2 Answers
When receiving 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 registered at the driving school. There is no need to submit the photo again; you only need to participate in the license issuance oath ceremony. The requirements for the driver's license photo are as follows: Photo timing: A recent front-facing, bareheaded, color, single-person, half-length, one-inch photo of the driver's license applicant taken within the last 6 months. Photo size: 3.2cm × 2.2cm, head length 1.9cm to 2.2cm, head width 1.4cm to 1.6cm. Requirements: The background must be white, you cannot wear white clothing, you cannot wear a uniform in the photo, and your facial features must be visible. The driver's license photo cannot be changed privately because the license needs to be stamped, and the stamp will cover part of the license and the photo. If the photo is changed, the stamp will become incomplete, which is also the reason why you cannot wear red clothes in 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 your 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 a driver's license replacement application at the vehicle management office service window.
I recently went to the DMV to pick up my new driver's license, and the process went really smoothly. I remember being particularly worried about the photo issue when I first took my driving test. A friend told me I had to bring my own one-inch photo and queue up. But when I got there, the staff directly took me to the photo area and took a standard ID photo on the spot—no need to bring my own photo at all, which saved a lot of trouble. They explained that the DMV has uniform format requirements to avoid issues like incorrect dimensions or background colors, so they usually handle it on-site. There were quite a few people during the process, but I had made an online appointment in advance, so I was done in just half an hour. The whole process was simple and quick. If you're also preparing to get your license, I suggest not worrying about the photo—just go directly. Bring your phone for checking information or charging in case the wait is too long. This is what I learned from this experience: newbies fear hiccups the most, but the DMV's services are now well-optimized, which is quite reassuring.
