Must the driver's license application photo be taken on-site?
2 Answers
Due to varying procedures among driving schools in different regions, the photos used for driver's licenses may also differ. In some areas, the driver's license photo will use the one-inch photo submitted during registration, while in others, applicants may bring their own photos after passing the fourth subject test, or have their photos taken on-site during the license production. Below is a detailed introduction regarding driver's license photos: 1. Photo requirements: The photo must be one-inch in size, taken within six months prior to the license application, and must be a front-facing, bareheaded photo with a white background. The head should occupy about two-thirds of the photo. Both men and women are not allowed to wear earrings. 2. Can the photo be changed: The photo can be changed, but not privately. The driver's license requires a stamp, which often partially covers the photo. If the photo is changed privately, the stamp will appear incomplete, and this will be treated as using a forged or altered driver's license.
When I first signed up for a driver's license, I really wanted to know if I could bring my own photo to save time. But when I went to the DMV, the staff directly said it had to be taken on-site, mainly to ensure the photos meet uniform standards—like a white background and clear front-facing shots—otherwise, there might be issues uploading them. The on-site process uses a professional camera and takes just a minute or two, which is very convenient. You can even preview and retake the photo immediately. Although I’ve heard that in some big cities, they occasionally allow you to bring your own photo, it must be a bareheaded photo taken within the last six months. For specific local policies, it’s best to call the local DMV in advance to avoid a wasted trip. Also, a quick tip: wearing a dark-colored top will make the photo turn out better.
