How many driver's license photos are required?
3 Answers
2-3 photos (regulations vary slightly by region, please check local requirements). One-inch white background color photos are required. Below are the relevant materials: Required materials: "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form"; Original and copy of valid identity proof: Residents within Bazhou submit "Resident ID Card" or "Resident Household Registration Book"; Non-Bazhou residents submit "Resident ID Card" (or "Resident Household Registration Book") and "Temporary Residence Permit"; Hong Kong and Macau residents submit "Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents"; Taiwan residents submit "Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents"; Overseas personnel submit passport and residence permit; Active military personnel (including armed police) submit "Resident ID Card"; Motor vehicle driver's license; "Motor Vehicle Driver Physical Condition Certificate" issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military regiment-level or above medical institution; Three one-inch white background color photos without hats; Additional information: Motor vehicle drivers should apply for a license renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was issued within one year before the expiration of the driver's license. When applying, fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" and the "Driver's Physical Condition Certificate Form" and undergo a physical examination at the physical examination room set up by the Second Agricultural Division Hospital at the vehicle management office or submit a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military regiment-level or above medical institution, along with a copy of the driver's license and ID card, and three one-inch white background color photos.
I remember my experience at the DMV when applying for a driver's license. The staff told me to bring two one-inch photos, both in color with a white background—one for the ID card and the other for the records. The photo size standard is 25×35mm, and it must be a recent, front-facing, bareheaded photo without hats or glasses, with hair not covering the eyebrows. When I took the photos at the studio downstairs, I made sure to confirm the specifications and took three extra shots as backups in case any were rejected. The process itself was quick, but if there were issues with the photos—like an impure white background or a blurry face—it would mean retaking them and wasting time. So bringing two photos is sufficient, but having an extra one as a backup doesn’t hurt. Preparing the photos properly was the key step—if they weren’t right, all other procedures would stall. I’ve also heard some places now offer on-site photography, but at a much higher cost. In short: prepare two standard-compliant photos in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
According to the regulations for motor vehicle driver's license applications, two one-inch white-background color photos are required, sized 25mm×35mm. They must be bareheaded front-facing photos, not reproductions or processed images. One photo is used for printing the driver's license, and the other for electronic archiving. Standards may vary slightly by region, but two photos are generally sufficient. The requirements are strict: pure white background without shadows, and a clear, unblurred facial image. Before helping a friend with the application, I specifically checked the official manual to ensure accuracy and avoid delays. It's best to bring original photos when applying, not photocopies. Additionally, photo requirements for license renewal are similar. If the photos are outdated or problematic, they will need to be resubmitted. Preparing two photos in advance can save a lot of trouble, so it's recommended to have them taken at a professional photo studio.
