Should the driver's license photo show the ears?
2 Answers
Driver's license photos must show the ears and forehead. Below are the requirements for motor vehicle driver's license photos: 1. Photo timing: The photo should be taken within 6 months before applying for the driver's license service. 2. Photo requirements: The photo should be a straight-edged, front-facing, color, bareheaded, single-person half-length ID photo without a hat, scarf, uniform, or tinted glasses. Individuals with long hair should expose both ears, and the head and face should not have any tilting, turning, heavy makeup, or accessories that may affect facial feature recognition. 3. Background color: The background should be white, with a clear, well-defined, and natural portrait without obvious distortion. 4. Photo dimensions: The photo size should be 32mm × 22mm, with a head width of 14mm–16mm and a head length of 19mm–22mm.
Last time I went to the DMV to renew my license, the staff emphasized that my ears must be fully visible in the photo, with no hair covering any part of the ear. They said this is a strict rule because driver's license photos are used for facial recognition systems, and having the full face including ears helps AI match accurately to prevent fraud or misidentification. I had just washed my hair that day, and it covered one ear, so I had to retake the photo, wasting half a day. My advice is to secure your hair in advance—using hair clips if needed—to ensure nothing covers the base of your ears. The photo also requires facing forward directly, maintaining a natural expression, and removing glasses to avoid glare. Paying attention to these details ensures a smooth application process. A little extra preparation can save you from unnecessary hassle.
