Listen up ladies! And most guys, too! Taking your license photo is something feared by practically everyone.
To some, taking their license picture is more traumatic than taking the test itself.
From looking at less than magazine worthy licenses from years past, it makes sense to fear the photo.
Between the teased hair and “interesting” make up, the pictures are a definite spectacle. If only they had the knowledge we have to day.
Here are some tips:
Open your eyes, try not to squint
Make sure you brush your hair so you don’t look like a cave person, or you just rolled out of bed.
Be nice to the people working at the DMV—they may give you a few extra seconds to make yourself pretty.
Blot. The harsh camera flash can make your face look oily, so blot to get any unnecessary oils off your face.
Dress nicely, it makes you feel better about yourself.
Do not pull your hair back (if you have long hair). This will make you look bald and that would not be good.
The driver’s license photo is dreaded by almost everyone; you have to live with it for years.
So put some effort into it. These photos are often jokingly called “mug shots” giving them a rather infamous reputation.
If you can, run to the bathroom right when you get to the DMV.
Sometimes, the DMV will take the picture before the test, so get to the bathroom right away.
This may be the only time you have before the picture is taken to blot and comb, so make sure to advantage of it.
Also, make sure to hold your chin up high; this makes your neck look longer and makes your face look a lot skinnier.
For girls, keep the makeup simple. Don’t do any intense smoky eye or major eye liner.
Then there is the hair. Leave it down, just loose, not styled.
Don’t try to do a “Snooki” poof, it can make your head oddly shaped.
With clothing, keep the tones solid and neutral.
“Make sure to look good for your permit picture because your driver’s license picture is the same as your permit picture,”  advised junior Brendon Nylen.
Senior Amanda Harvey added, “Don’t take your license picture after working out or playing a sport! The sweat shows up a ridiculous amount.”
You only take your license photo once, so taking a few extra minutes to prepare yourself before hand can make the difference between “mug-shot” and license photo. But most importantly, remember to smile and be confident.