Do You Look Good in Your Driver’s License Photo?

Somehow or another, I've never been in a decent picture. Hence my avatar is one of my dogs. In my last driver's license photo, I was offered a tissue and advised to see a doctor. The same recommendation was given when I applied for my passport. My favorite humor author, Erma Bombeck, once stated, ' I never have any decent pictures.' It was a reality that resonated with me.

How about having my dog’s image on my ID?

After I stopped laughing, I decided to answer the question at hand. I have seen numerous ID photos of many attractive people, such as my ex-wife, which bore no resemblance to the person. Most photos taken of me since the age of 8 generally reflect my appearance at the time, but not all representations are flattering. With my Italian nose, deep-set eyes, teenage acne, poor fashion sense, and changeable hairstyle—my ID photos often do not accurately represent who I am.

Then came the nerve damage that partly paralyzed half of my face, making it impossible to smile. My hair began to thin, adding to the general transformation. As a result, some photos appeared somewhat scary. To date, I have had a dozen or so drivers' license pictures taken in four different states over 44 years, plus a couple of military ID cards, several student IDs, and a couple of racing licenses all with photos, and no fewer than 5 passports.

The standout photo was taken when I was in my mid to late 30s, where the lighting or processing glitched, making me look good. Some other photos have actually frightened people: perfect strangers commented that I looked like a hit man or a serial killer. On one occasion, a police officer burst into laughter and remarked, 'Oh my God, that is the worst license picture I've ever seen.' She even suggested keeping it to show her fellow patrolmen as a humorous comparison. It was a rare moment of recognition, but the overall consensus is that my drivers' license photos are not particularly flattering except perhaps my first passport photo taken when I was about a year old.

Am I looking good in my ID photo? Most would say no, but there's a slice of humor in realizing that my ID photos have affected my perception. Whether we find ourselves in a handsome or unflattering photo, it's essential to appreciate the unique story behind each image. Let's not forget that behind every ID photo is a whole journey and a unique person.