Should I bring my own photo or take it on-site for the driver's license?
2 Answers
You can either bring your own photo or take it on-site for the driver's license. Here are the relevant details: 1. Driver's License: Officially known as the Motor Vehicle Driving License, commonly referred to as "driver's license," it is a legal document required for operating motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires specific skills, and those lacking such skills may cause traffic accidents if they drive recklessly. Generally, individuals cannot drive on public roads without a license. 2. Photo Requirements: Applicants must provide a straight-edged, front-facing, bareheaded, color passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months. The background should be white, and applicants should avoid wearing red clothing.
Last time I went to the DMV in 2023 to renew my driver's license, I found out that the photo had to be taken on-site. The staff explained this was for real-time identity verification and to prevent photo fraud. The whole process was extremely fast—I waited less than five minutes in line before entering the self-service photo booth. After adjusting the seat, the machine automatically focused and took the photo, with lighting and background set to a standard white backdrop to ensure a clear, unobstructed facial image. The photo was printed directly onto the license, saving me the time and expense of going to a photo studio. If you bring an old photo, it must be a professionally taken ID photo within the last six months, sized 35x45 mm, with the head occupying 70% of the frame and ears visible (no hair covering them). However, the risk is high—issues like uneven lighting or incorrect dimensions can lead to rejection. My neighbor had to retake their photo because the one they brought was rejected. Now, with updated policies, many provinces and cities no longer accept personal photos. My advice is to just take the photo at the DMV—it’s convenient and practical, and you can also handle your medical check or update other information while you're there.
