Can You Wear Glasses for Driver’s License Photo?

To legally drive on the road, you need to obtain a driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of your state. They are in charge of issuing driver’s licenses and vehicle registration in every state in the U.S.

Therefore, for the DMV to issue a driver’s license to you, there are some requirements that are expected of you. One of the requirements involves taking a picture that will be in the license. The question now is, can you wear glasses for a driver’s license photo?

Depending on your state of residence, you cannot wear glasses for a driver’s license photo because it affects the facial recognition software.

Can You Wear Glasses for Driver’s License Photo?

The answer to this question varies. It can be no, it can be yes. Therefore, the ability to wear glasses for a driver’s license photo depends on:

1. Your Country of Residence

Being able to wear glasses for a driver’s license picture depends on your country of residence. If the country you reside in permits the use of glass in license photos, you can do so but if they don’t, you will be required to remove the glass while taking the photo.

For example, in Australia, you can wear glasses to take a driver’s license photo provided the glasses are prescribed by your doctor and contains corrective lenses.

2. Your State of Residence

Some state laws may differ from others. Therefore if your state of origin permits one to wear glasses while taking a driver’s license photo, then, you can do it, if not, you will not be allowed to take the pictures with the glasses.

Some states may allow you to take a driver’s license wearing glasses if you have an eye problem and would be wearing the glasses while driving. However, they prefer the glasses to be clear-lensed.

3. If You Need Glasses to Drive

Some state DMV may permit you to wear glasses for a driver’s license photo if you need them to drive. Provided you will be driving with the glasses, you may be allowed to take the picture with it.

However, the DMV can only allow you to take a driver’s license picture with glasses if the laws of the state permit it and if it’s prescribed by your doctor. Without these, you will not be allowed to take a driver’s license photo with glasses.

Why You Can’t Wear Glasses for a Driver’s License Photo

Here are the reasons why glasses are not allowed on your driver’s license:

It Might Cause a Delay in Identifying You

When driving, you might not always wear glasses, and your driver’s license photo should represent your typical appearance. This is important for law enforcement, first responders, and others who may need to identify you in an emergency situation.

For example, if there is an accident and someone dies, the first responders or law enforcement agencies may find it difficult to identify the person because of the glasses that didn’t appear on the license.

It May Cause Glare and Reflection

Glasses can cause glare and reflections when the photo is taken, which can obscure your eyes and facial features. This can make it difficult for facial recognition software or human examiners to verify your identity or to accurately assess your appearance.

It Can Change Your Appearance

Wearing glasses can significantly alter your appearance, making it harder to identify you if you are pulled over or involved in a traffic incident and the photo on your license doesn’t accurately represent your usual appearance. This is especially relevant if you frequently switch between wearing and not wearing glasses.

It Interfares with Facial Recognition Technology

Many countries and states are increasingly using facial recognition technology for identity verification. Glasses can interfere with the accuracy of these systems.

If you do require corrective lenses to drive safely, it is generally advisable to wear them during your license photo, if your state law permits.

In case you need to switch between glasses and contact lenses, endeavor to update your license photo when your appearance changes significantly to ensure accurate identification.

Can You Wear Glasses for Driver’s License Photo Australia?

Yes, you may wear glasses for a driver’s license photo in Australia provided the glasses are clear-lensed and contain corrective lenses prescribed by your doctor.

Australian law only permits you to wear glasses for a driver’s license photo if it is medical-related and not for fashion.

How to Take a Good Driver’s License Photo

To take a good driver’s license photo, you need to:

• Ensure Your Dressing is Good: Dressing well is one of the best ways to take a driver’s license photo. Knowing the kind of clothes to wear and what color to wear for your driver’s license photo will go a long way in giving you the perfect picture you need for your license.
• Ensure Your Hair is Dressed: whether you’re a man or woman, your hair should not look tacky while taking a driver’s license photo. You need to make your hair before the picture is taken.
• Don’t Apply Too Much Makeup: This is for ladies who do makeup, ensure not to apply too much makeup on your face before taking the picture. Do light makeup and leave your face the way it is.
• Be Natural: Be natural and leave your face the natural way to avoid having a picture on your license that is different from what you look like in real life. If the picture looks too different from your face, you may have issues with police officers on the road.
• Don’t Smile Too Much: If you wish to smile on your license picture, do not smile too much. Keep it natural.

Can you Wear Makeup for a Driver’s License Photo?

No, you should not wear makeup for your driver’s license photo to avoid messing with your natural face. Even if you wish to wear makeup for the photo, ensure it is light makeup. Don’t use different colors and keep it natural.

Conclusion

You cannot wear glasses for a driver’s license photo because it messes with the facial recognition software. This is the reason why some state prohibits you from covering your eyes with any glasses. However, you may be allowed to wear glasses for the photo if your state law permits it. You will however be required to wear a clear lensed glasses as prescribed by your doctor.