What to Do If the Photo on the Driver's License Differs Significantly from the Actual Person?
3 Answers
If the photo on the driver's license differs significantly from the actual person, you can apply for a lost license replacement. Bring your ID card and two one-inch photos to the vehicle management office where the license was issued. Fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" and the "Written Statement of Driver's License Loss" to proceed with the replacement. The requirements for the driver's license photo are as follows: 1. Time: The photo must be taken within 6 months before applying for the driver's license service. 2. Appearance: The photo must be a straight-edged, front-facing, color ID photo without a hat, scarf, uniform, or tinted glasses. Long-haired individuals should expose both ears, and the head and face must not have any tilting, turning, heavy makeup, or accessories that affect facial recognition. 3. Background: The background color must be white, with a clear, well-defined, and natural portrait without obvious distortion.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and the easiest way to handle a significant photo discrepancy is to visit the local DMV directly. Bring your ID card, old driver's license, take a new photo, fill out an application form, and the fee is usually around 50 yuan. You can get the new license in one or two working days. If you don’t update it, the police may suspect forgery during a traffic stop due to the photo mismatch, leading to vehicle impoundment and fines—big trouble. I once went to renew mine after gaining 30 pounds, and it was done in one go. I recommend checking your photo every five or six years and proactively updating it if your appearance changes significantly to ensure safety and avoid headaches from unexpected situations. Don’t wait until problems arise—safety first. DMV procedures vary by location, so check online to avoid a wasted trip.
Hey, I just dealt with this last month. My high school photo looks weird now. Updating online with the official app is super convenient: download the software, upload a selfie, fill in the details and pay the fee online, and the new license is mailed directly to your home. If the app doesn't work, go to the DMV but be prepared to queue. Bring your ID card and old license to avoid any hassle. If the photo difference is significant and you get stopped by the police, explaining clearly should be fine, but not updating carries risks. A friend said to be careful with facial recognition issues when your appearance changes significantly; proactively renewing your license is more reassuring. Spending a little money to save trouble is worth it, right? Regularly comparing with recent life photos is even more effective.