Driver's License and State ID Photo Requirements
Driver's license photos are almost always taken at the DMV or licensing office rather than supplied by the applicant. This tool is most useful for the states and jurisdictions that permit online renewal with an uploaded photo, and for preparing before an in-person visit.
Make a compliant united states driver's license / state id photo now
Free, and your photo is processed in your browser — it is never uploaded.
Open the United States photo toolThe official specification
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
| Pixel dimensions | 600 × 600 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height | 50–69% of the photo height |
| Background | Plain, #ffffff |
Source: State Department of Motor Vehicles. Requirements change — confirm there before you submit.
Rules that catch people out
Requirements vary by state
There is no single national standard. Dimensions, background, and whether an uploaded photo is accepted at all differ between jurisdictions, so confirm with your own licensing authority first.
Usually taken in person
Most states photograph you at the counter. Where online renewal exists it often has its own upload rules, which can be stricter than the in-person process.
No hats, and glasses usually discouraged
Head coverings are generally permitted only for religious reasons. Many states now ask for glasses to be removed to improve facial-recognition matching.
Neutral expression
Most jurisdictions ask for a neutral expression or a slight closed-mouth smile, and increasingly prohibit broad smiles because they interfere with facial recognition.
Why united states driver's license / state id photos get rejected
- Assuming a passport photo will be accepted — the dimensions usually differ
- Wearing a hat or head covering without a religious exemption
- Not checking whether your state accepts uploaded photos at all
- Heavy glare on glasses, which defeats facial-recognition matching
Printing and submitting
Check your state's licensing website before preparing anything, since the rules genuinely differ. Where online renewal is offered, follow that page's upload specification rather than a general passport standard.
Ready to make yours?
The tool crops to 51×51 mm at 300 DPI and checks head height and background before it releases the file.
Open the United States photo toolOther photo requirements
- US Passport Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
- UK Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- Schengen Visa Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- India Passport and OCI Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
- Canada Passport Photo Requirements50×70 mm · 300 DPI
- Australia Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- Baby and Infant Passport Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
- Pet Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.