How to Take a Good Drivers License Photo in 2025

Still unsure how to take a good driver’s license photo? That’s no problem. Make sure you follow every requirement and use a professional service to get the best results for your driver’s license application. Use this article to your advantage to find out how to take a good driver’s license photo. Let’s start now!

Last Update: 4/30/2024

How to Take a Good Drivers License Photo?

Have you ever thought about getting a driver’s license photo? Well, you need a photo that complies with the US government’s standards in order to be successful. To apply for a driver’s license, you’ll need a photo ID.

How to Take a Good Drivers License Photo

  1. Jewellery is not allowed to be worn
  2. Avoid wearing uniforms or colours that match the background colour
  3. Wear plain clothing that you would normally wear on a daily basis
  4. Try not to wear excessive makeup
  5. Make sure you keep a neutral expression for the photo
  6. Wear glasses if you need them whilst driving
  7. Make sure you’re punctual when you arrive at your DMV photo appointment

Where to Take a Good Drivers License Photo in the US?

Usually, you can take your own photo for most biometric documents. However, you are not permitted to take the photo that will be on your driver’s license. You’ll have your photo taken for you at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) office after you apply for your driver’s license in the United States.

Locations to get a United States ID photo for your Driver’s License:

  • Convenience/Retail Stores:
    • UPS: book an appointment online and get your photo taken in-store, includes two photos
    • FedEx: only certain locations will offer ID photo taking, so make sure to find out in advance if your local FedEx can take ID photos in the US
  • Pharmacies:
    • Bartell’s: find a store online and book an appointment for your photo to be taken in-store
    • Walgreens Photo: get your photo taken in-store with a one-hour appointment, includes two photos
    • CVS Photo: in select locations, you can get your photo taken in-store, which includes two photos
  • Photo Booths: This can be a cheap option to get your ID photo taken in the USA if you can find an unoccupied booth!
  • Photo Studios: If you can get an appointment, this can be a good option. Though it can be on the expensive side!
  • Smartphone iD: We can offer expert checks (AI, biometric experts) for your United States ID photos, as well as a professional printing service if required. We’ve designed our app to be convenient, secure and cheap.

Why Choose Smartphone iD App to Take a Good Drivers License Photo?

Why continue to use old-fashioned methods in this modern age? There’s no need to get lengthy photo appointments or make a long journey to a photo booth. Now you can just download Smartphone iD on your smartphone. You’ll get quick and easy ID photos in minutes without any special equipment.

Not sure what the best place is to get your ID photo? Choose the right ID photo provider, as not all ID photo online providers deliver the same quality end product.

  • Most free or cheap providers that are available only contain the most basic tools for editing your Passport photo yourself.
  • Some online providers can be unreliable and not provide the high-quality end product that is required for a Passport application
  • Not all online providers necessarily provide customer support after you’ve got your photo, even if it gets rejected!
  • Professional Passport photo providers deliver a higher level of service with extra guarantees like ‘Smartphone iD’s’ government approval and refund guarantee.
  • Professional Passport photo providers employ professional staff to check your photo. ‘Smartphone iD’ uses AI and biometric experts to make sure your photo is compliant with national requirements.

Comparison Between Drivers Licence Photo at Smartphone iD & DMV

If you’re not quite sure what photo service to try, take a look at both ‘Smartphone iD’ and the DMV services compared.

 Smartphone iDDMV Office
Is government approval guaranteed?YesYes
Do I need to leave the house?NoYes
Is it a cheap, competitive price?YesNo
Available 24/7YesNo
Is it quick and convenient?YesNo
Is any document format and country available?YesNo

Summary

Whilst you can’t take your own driver’s license photo in the US, you can still get a photo ID which you need to apply. Choose Smartphone iD for the most convenient way to get ID photos and other biometric document photos. With all that extra flexibility and convenience, you can relax!

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