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United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo requirements

The photo rules set by State driver licensing agencies (REAL ID standards: TSA / Department of Homeland Security) for the United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 3 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo requirements?

You do not bring a photo for a REAL ID driver's licence or ID card: your state driver licensing agency takes it when you apply. You bring documents instead, proving name, date of birth, Social Security number, address and lawful status. Other photo rules are set by each state.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licences and ID cards. Federal agencies may not accept licences and IDs that do not meet those standards for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities, or entering nuclear power plants. Enforcement began on 7 May 2025.

REAL ID-compliant cards carry a marking, usually a star, on the upper portion of the card. Enhanced driver's licences and ID cards, issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington, show a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced"; TSA accepts them too.

Photo rules, fees and appointments at the counter are set by each state's driver licensing agency (often called the DMV).

United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by State driver licensing agencies (REAL ID standards: TSA / Department of Homeland Security):[1]

Photo ageTaken at the beginning of the licensing process

Key requirements

  • Who takes the photo

    Your state driver licensing agency takes it when you apply. TSA's REAL ID FAQ says states should capture the applicant's image at the beginning of the licensing process.

  • Face visibility

    Your face must be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears. Hair and ears need not show.

  • Other photo rules

    Set by your state; check its driver licensing agency website.

  • Documents to bring

    At a minimum, documents proving your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of your principal residence, and lawful status. States may ask for more.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Keep your face visible from hairline to chin.
  • Check your state agency's own photo rules, for example on glasses.

Don't

  • Do not wear headwear that hides your facial features or casts shadows.

Glasses

Not specified in the REAL ID rules; check your state agency's own photo rules.

Headwear and religious dress

Head coverings are allowed for religious or other reasons, as long as they do not hide your facial features or cast shadows.

Babies and children

TSA does not require children under 18 to show identification when travelling within the United States. Check with your airline about its own rules.

No printed or digital photo is supplied; the agency captures the image at the counter.

Where to submit the photo

Apply in person at your state driver licensing agency with your original documents. The photo is taken at the start of the process.

How to get your United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: who takes the photo; face visibility; other photo rules; documents to bring.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. No printed or digital photo is supplied; the agency captures the image at the counter.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Apply in person at your state driver licensing agency with your original documents. The photo is taken at the start of the process.

United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo FAQ

No. Your state driver licensing agency takes your photo itself. TSA's REAL ID FAQ says states should capture the applicant's image at the beginning of the licensing process.

The REAL ID rules allow head coverings worn for religious or other reasons, as long as they do not hide your facial features or cast shadows. Your face must be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears.

7 May 2025. Since then, state driver's licences and ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted at TSA airport checkpoints.

Yes. TSA accepts a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, among other documents. For domestic flights you need a REAL ID or another acceptable ID, not both.

REAL ID-compliant cards carry a marking, usually a star, on the upper portion of the card. Enhanced driver's licences, which show a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced", are also accepted at checkpoints.

Related photo specifications

Other United States documents

Identity cards nearby

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Official sources

  1. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). REAL ID tsa.gov. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions tsa.gov. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint tsa.gov. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with State driver licensing agencies (REAL ID standards: TSA / Department of Homeland Security) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"United States REAL ID driver's licence or ID card photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/united-states/real-id-photo

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