Do I need to wear glasses when taking a driver's license photo?
3 Answers
Individuals with corrected vision must wear glasses when taking the photo. Here are the relevant details: 1. Photo requirements: According to regulations, the driver's license photo should be a recent, bareheaded, color frontal photo with a white background. Those with corrected vision must wear glasses. The photo dimensions should be 32mm×22mm (1 inch), with the head occupying two-thirds of the photo length and a resolution of 300dpi. 2. Photo location: Photos can be taken at the vehicle management office or at a licensed photography studio. If taken at an external studio, simply inform them that the photo is for a driver's license application, and the studio will follow the required specifications. Just follow the studio's instructions to complete the photo session.
When I took my driver's license photo back then, the staff specifically asked me if I usually wear glasses. This is because if you have myopia or astigmatism that requires vision correction, you must wear them for the photo. This ensures the photo accurately reflects your appearance, making it easier for traffic police to verify your identity during checks. A friend of mine forgot to wear his glasses, and when he went to handle a traffic violation, he was almost mistaken for someone else, which caused quite a delay. Looking back, this rule is quite considerate—safety comes first when driving, and the photo must match your actual appearance. The background should be plain white, and wearing dark-colored clothes is sufficient. Don’t just focus on looking good; the key is clarity and compliance. If your vision is normal, you don’t need to worry about glasses—just go ahead and take the photo. The whole process is actually very straightforward.
Last week, I just got my driver's license. I was quite excited when taking the photo, but the staff repeatedly confirmed: 'Do you need to wear glasses?' It turned out that since I usually drive with glasses, I had to wear them for the photo. At first, I was puzzled why it was so strict, but later I learned it's to prevent others from misusing the license or causing confusion during checks. Before going, it's best to check the local DMV website or app for photo guidelines, so you don't end up cramming like I did. The photo equipment is quite professional, with accurate lighting, but remember not to wear light-colored clothes or reflective jewelry to avoid retakes. The entire application process went quite smoothly.
