What background color is required for a driver's license photo?
3 Answers
Driver's license photos must have a white background. Below is relevant information about applying for a driver's license: Driver's license photo requirements: A color half-body photo of yourself, with a size of 1 inch. Do not wear red or white clothes when taking the photo, avoid wearing earrings, ensure clean makeup, and the photo should be clear with a natural expression. Materials required for driver's license application: Original and photocopy of ID card. Eight 1-inch color photos with a white background, which should be recent photos, not old ones. Medical examination certificate, which must be obtained from a regular hospital or a hospital designated by the vehicle management office. Fill out the motor vehicle application form at the vehicle management office.
When I went to the DMV to renew my driver's license, they explicitly required the photo background to be pure white without any other colors mixed in. This is because a white background makes facial features the clearest, ensuring the DMV's system recognition won't make errors. Avoid wearing white clothes when taking the photo to prevent blending with the background. Also, ensure even lighting—don’t take the photo in shadows, or it might get rejected and delay the process. Some places have self-service photo booths with a dedicated white wall for standing shots, which is quite convenient. Actually, these requirements are similar to those for ID photos, aiming for standardized management and anti-counterfeiting. I recommend going to a professional photo studio and specifying it’s for a driver's license—they know these rules. Having driven for ten years, I get asked about this by friends every year. Preparing in advance saves multiple trips, as delays in getting your license can be a hassle for driving and travel.
When I first got my driver's license and took photos at the driving school, the instructor directly reminded me that the background must be bright white or a very light beige—something with a light tone. Avoid choosing anything too flashy to prevent the DMV from rejecting it. It's best to wear dark-colored clothes when taking the photo to avoid clashing with the background. The lighting should also be natural, without using a flash that could cause glare. I opted for a plain white background when taking my photo, and it passed on the first try. Some friends even compared the background requirements for other ID photos, like how many places now require white or slightly blue for IDs, but for driver's licenses, it's mostly fixed as white. Understanding this detail in advance can save a lot of time—don't wait until submitting the materials to hastily deal with it.
