What is the background color for driver's license photos?
2 Answers
Driver's license photos are color front-facing photos with a white background. According to the regulations for driver's license photos, the background color must be white, with the following specific requirements: 1. The background color must be white; 2. Do not wear red clothing (as it may interfere with stamping), women should not wear earrings, and photos with hair covering the shoulders are not allowed; 3. Men should not have overly long hair, the headshot should be clear, with a natural expression. Additional information: Driver's license photos are a type of 'ID photo.' There are three standard background colors for ID photos: 1. White background: Used for passports, visas, driver's licenses, ID cards, second-generation ID cards, black-and-white IDs, health insurance cards, Hong Kong and Macau travel permits, etc. 2. Blue background: Used for graduation certificates, work IDs, resumes, etc. 3. Red background: Used for insurance, health insurance, IC cards, temporary residence permits, wedding photos.
When I recently went to renew my driver's license, the photo background had to be pure white, just like a professional ID photo—clean and simple. This is because the white background ensures clear facial contours for machine recognition, and the traffic department has uniform regulations to avoid confusion. I deliberately wore a dark blue top to the photo studio for the shoot, and the dimensions had to be the standard 35mm wide and 45mm tall. When taking the photo, I had to face the camera directly with a natural expression—no big smiles, and definitely no hats or sunglasses. Before renewing, it's best to check the latest requirements from the local DMV, as some places still accept online uploads, but the background must be free of clutter. The whole process is simple: just bring your ID card, old license, and photo to complete the procedure. If the photo doesn’t meet the standards, you’ll have to retake it, which can be a hassle. The white background ensures security and prevents forgery. Every time I renew my license, I prepare everything in advance to avoid delays in my travel plans.
