How to take a good driver’s license photo?

Most people fail to realise that their driver’s license photo won’t come perfect until they prepare for the photo well in advance. In this article, we’ll read about How to take a good driver’s license photo?

You are going to be stuck with your driver’s license photo for a few years, which makes it important for it to come good. You don’t want to see a goofy photo of yourself every time you take out your driver’s license. Here are some tips to have a decent-looking photo on your driver’s license. If you plan to learn how to drive, getting driving lessons would be the first step. There are different types of driving lessons such as manual and intensive driving lessons. 

How to take a good driver’s license photo?

Rated driving co-founder, Kevin tuffney says that “When taking a driver’s license photo, it’s important to remember that this image will be used as your identification for several years to come. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to prepare and ensure that you get a good photo”

Here are a few tips you can follow:

Be Mindful when Dressing 

• Make sure to not wear white. Often, the photo background is a light colour which will make your clothing blend in. Moreover, if you are fair-skinned, it will make you look sick and pale.
• You should also refrain from wearing black if you have a lighter skin tone as it will make you look pale.
• Wear soft colours such as green, blue, or pink. 
• You should avoid wearing tee shirts with pictures or slogans.
• For the bottoms, you can wear pants, a skirt, or shorts as the photo will be taken up to your neck or chest. 

Use Eye Drops 

If you are going to take your driver’s license photo during the allergy season or when you have a cold, then use eye drops to avoid bloodshot red eyes in your photo. Keep your eyes fully open without going overboard with it. Moreover, you should never go to a party the night before your driver’s license photoshoot. If you are tired, sick, or sleepy, it will show in your eyes. 

Opt for a Neat Hairstyle 

Opt for a hairstyle that you have done before or that you are comfortable with. Of course, you may want to style your hair differently or get a haircut done for your driver’s license but a majority of men usually prefer to have the same hairstyle for months or years. When you are going for your driver’s license photoshoot, make sure that your hair is styled neatly and that no hair strands are hanging near your eyes. Your eyes should be completely visible without any obstruction in the photo. 

Don’t Overdo Your Makeup 

Your driver’s license photo should look natural and not like a glamorous portrait. Refrain from going for a heavy makeup look. When a police officer pulls you over and checks your driver’s license, he/she won’t care about your makeup in the photograph. You can opt for light makeup that will awaken your face and make you look fresh. 

You can search for natural makeup looks and ensure that your hairstyle is also nothing way too fancy. Your clothes, makeup, and hair should complement each other. 

Don’t Smile Too Much 

Whether you are getting a passport photo or a driver’s license photo, the photographer will always ask you to not overdo your smile. You can have a bit of a smile to not look grumpy, but you should never do a big, toothy grin. A flashy smile will make your picture look weird and your photographer will ask you to pose again. Opt for a friendly expression with a little curve on your lips. 

There is nothing against smiling in photos but when it comes to passport or driver’s license photos, make sure to smile gently. 

Wear Your Glasses

If you are going to wear glasses when you drive, then you should make sure to wear them when you are taking your driver’s license photo. Make sure to not wear sunglasses as the photographer will ask you to remove them before taking the photo.

Moreover, if you wear contact lenses, make sure to wear the ones that you use daily. You should always not wear coloured lenses as the colour of the eyes will be stated in the driver’s license which should match your real eye colour. 

Be On Time 

If you have made an appointment with your license photographer to have your driver’s license photo taken, then ensure that you are on time. Many will be waiting to take their photos at the DMV, which is essential to reach on time. If you arrive late, you may be sent to the end of the line. 

Moreover, the person taking the photo for your driver’s license may rush you through. In such a case, you will most likely end up not being satisfied with your photo. Most people then wait to renew their driver’s licenses to get their photos updated. 

Key Takeaways 

If you want to get stuck with a driver’s license photo that you are unhappy with, then you need to follow the above-mentioned tips. Just showing up well dressed and neat with nice bright eyes and hair combed can make much difference to your photo. Lastly, don’t forget to put on a friendly face without flashing a toothy grin. Be on time, as well.