Photo Instructions for Fake ID

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO FOR A FAKE ID

The moment you encounter authorities who need to examine your ID card, the first thing they check is your photo. Does it fall in line with every vital detail? You wouldn’t want to raise any unnecessary suspicion. Therefore, it is essential to know how to make a fake ID photo by yourself.

More people are also making this choice because it saves time and prevents unnecessary spending in hiring a professional photographer. There are crucial guidelines you need to follow to snap an approved photo for your ID. An ID photo is not casual. You are not taking selfies or vacation photos. Abiding by the laid down requirements will go a long way to make sure your photo is approved. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TAKING A PHOTO FOR A FAKE ID

Regardless of your location, you have to follow some general rules to get the best picture. They are given below:

  • A CAMERA OR SUPERB PHONE IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PICTURE: Invest in getting a decent camera for the picture. Don’t spend too much on getting a costly high-end camera. DSLR cameras are a very idea. If you don’t have a camera, a smartphone, or a tablet with a good camera will do it. High-end phones nowadays have fantastic cameras. An iPhone or a top standard android phone will be best.
  • STABILITY IS VERY IMPORTANT: You might not be able to take the picture alone. You can call a friend or two to assist you in taking the photo. If your helper is stable while holding the camera with his hands, it will be excellent. A tripod is also another option to give you extra stability. However, using it is not compulsory.
A TRIPOD FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CAMERA
  • DON’T USE DIGITAL ZOOM AT ALL: The aim is to get your face covered. Don’t use the zoom feature of your camera at all. It is a horrible idea. Using this feature will appear to make you look close. But the quality of the photo will be inferior. You will also see significant blurriness. The best thing is to get the camera closer to you if need be. Tell the person taking the shot to get closer or move the tripod nearer to yourself if you are doing it alone. 

 

  • USE A CLEAR AND CLEAN BACKGROUND: Use a wall that has a white or plain appearance. Don’t take the picture in front of walls with designs, texts, labels, or tiles. Or better still, regardless of where you are, a plain backdrop will do the job correctly. Make sure that no unnecessary objects are lying around behind or in front of you. You should not be too far from the wall behind you. Ensure that you are also not too far from the individual taking the shot. The optimal distance is about 1.4 meters from the person. 
A BACKGROUND LIKE THIS WITH A WHITE BACKDROP WILL BE PERFECT
  • THE PHOTO CLARITY AND YOUR HEAD POSITION SHOULD BE PERFECT: There must not be any form of blurriness in the picture. The correct position of your head is at the center of the image. Your head should not be tilted too much to the back or front. It must not be too close to the top or bottom of the image. Keep your shoulders calm and relaxed. Don’t make your head too close to your shoulders. There needs to be sufficient distance between your head and your shoulders.

 

  • LIGHTING MATTERS: It is necessary to have proper lighting before clicking the perfect shot. Don’t take your picture in an area with a dark background. On the other hand, any form of flamboyant lighting is unnecessary and should be avoided. The best choice is to use a natural source of lighting. Direct your face towards any open window around. Ensure that the shadows of the window or any other object around do not fall on your head or your face. Proper positioning is also critical as this decides where the shadow will fall.
AN OPEN WINDOW IS A SOURCE OF NATURAL LIGHTING
  • ENSURE YOU APPEAR CORPORATE AND NEAT: You have to look formal for your photograph. The things to take note of to accomplish this include:
  1. Don’t wear heavy makeup or extra accessories as it can destroy the picture. 
  2. Avoid wearing any flashy outfit. It is best to wear lighter colors of clothes.
  3. Don’t wear any clothing that is not allowed or approved by the state you are.
  4. Do not wear caps, hats, headbands, bandana, sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything else that will hide your facial features. Even if you love wearing glasses every day, you would have to remove it for the photo.  Avoid things that cover your head as well. The only acceptable reason to wear a head covering is if you have medical or religious purposes behind it. 
  5. You are not allowed to have any gadget in your front pocket. No headphones or wireless devices are allowed.
  6. If you have long hair, you have to tie it behind you. The wind could blow your hair and get it in your face. However, if you have short hair, there is no issue with that.
TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES UNLESS YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION WITH YOUR EYES
  • A NEUTRAL EXPRESSION IS VERY IMPORTANT: A picture meant for an ID card is not a birthday picture. It’s not a time to smile at all. It’s also not the right time to say “cheese” or anything else you will say for a casual photo. You are not even supposed to laugh a bit.  Don’t blink or close your eyes at all. The ideal thing to do is to look at the camera with a neutral facial expression. Your eyes are meant to be visible and focused. If you find any funny expression in your photo, take another one immediately.
A CASUAL, BELOW THE SHOULDER IMAGE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. CROP YOUR IMAGE IF POSSIBLE. IF NOT, TAKE ANOTHER PHOTO
  • TAKE AS MANY SHOTS AS POSSIBLE: It is most likely that you won’t get it right immediately on the first shot. Take as much time as you can. The ideal thing is to take multiple shots. After doing that, you can then choose the best of all. Don’t take black and white pictures. Make sure the photo is colored.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

You have already seen the general steps to follow in taking a photo of a fake ID. It’s best to keep to those rules. However, requirements could also vary from one state to another. Some states are lenient about what you are allowed to wear and apply. Others may seem more stringent. The color background to use is also another significant difference. When you know what each state requires, you will have no problem getting the right photo. Let us examine each state and their requirements side by side.  

  1. ALASKA
  • A light blue or green color background is accepted.
  • You are also allowed to wear chains.

Don’t keep any long hair flying around. If you have long hair, tie it behind you.

  1. ARIZONA
  • Use a purple or violet background behind you.
  • You might keep a little beard if you want. There is no strict law concerning such.
  1. ARKANSAS
  • The white or grey background behind you is the best to use.
  • Small earrings and minor adornments are allowed.
  • The regulation doesn’t necessarily state you should dress too corporately. Wear a plain, decent, and presentable dress.
  1. CALIFORNIA
  • A light blue background is best for the picture.
  • This state is a bit relaxed in terms of your facial expression. You can smile a bit.
  1. COLORADO
  • It is preferable to take a photo with short hair.
  • The best background to use in this state is a white one.
  • Wear a purple, blue, black or green dress. This is necessary to make you stand out in the photo.
  1. CONNECTICUT
  • An off white or light blue background is the approved color.
  • You are strictly not allowed to expose your cleavage.
  1. DELAWARE
  • A white or grey background is approved by the state.
  • You are allowed to smile a bit.
  1. GEORGIA
  • An off white or grey background is approved by the state.
  • You are allowed to keep a little beard as a male.
  1. IDAHO
  • A pink or light blue background is best to get a photo.
  • Don’t keep any unnecessary facial har. Heavy makeup is not allowed at all.
  • The white or light color of the dress is most preferred.
  1. HAWAII
  • Glasses are allowed to a significant extent.
  • A purple or light blue background is approved by the state.
  • Wear light-colored dresses.
  • You might not necessarily have to maintain a completely neutral facial expression.
  1. ILLINOIS
  • A light green or deep blue background is best to get approval.
  • There is no problem with having long hair. Ensure it falls on both sides of your face.

12. INDIANA

  • Strictly make use of a white backdrop. Anything other than this might not be accepted.
  • For men, keep a low hair and shave off all beard.
  1. IOWA
  • Make use of a smooth, solid white or light gray background.
  • The background must not have any pattern or texture.
  1. KANSAS
  • A light blue backdrop is approved by the state. However, you are also allowed to have the US flag behind you.
  • You don’t necessarily have to maintain a very stern look in your photo. Keep relaxed and serene.
  1. KENTUCKY
  • Use a light blue or green color behind you.
  • Make sure your face is the most obvious in the image. Displaying any significant upper part of your body will make your photo null.
  1. LOUISIANA
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression. No unnecessary winking or smiling is allowed.
  • For men, keep your hair low. Remove any significant facial hair or beard.
  1. MAINE
  • Ensure you use a purple or light green color behind you.
  • You need to have a relaxed look. Don’t show any form of agitation in your look at all.
  1. MARYLAND
  • Strictly use a grey or off-white background. 
  • Keep your hair above shoulder length on the maximum. If possible, it is better to have short hair.
  1. MASSACHUSETTS
  • Use a light green or purple background for the photo.
  • No form of facial adornments like earrings or chains is allowed.
  1. MICHIGAN
  • Keep your face level with the camera. Make sure the angle is as perfect as possible.
  • Make sure you look formal. Any casual-looking photo is not acceptable.
  • The ideal background behind you should be grey or white.
  1. MINNESOTA
  • For the backdrop, use a purple or light blue background.
  • There is no strict rule against a little facial hair.
  • The ideal colors to wear are black and indigo. This is meant to reflect the background behind you better.
  1. MISSISSIPPI
  • An entirely white background is the most ideal to use.
  • Keep your chin up and make sure your head is perfectly aligned with your neck.
  • Your appearance has to be formal and professional. No flamboyant dressing is allowed at all. 
  1. MISSOURI
  • For perfection, keep your face at the center of the frame of the image.
  • For men, keep short beard and hair as well.
  1. MONTANA
  • For all genders, it is best to take your photo with short hair.
  • A light blue, green, or grey background is allowed.
  • The lighting has to be adequate. No shadow should be cast on your face at all.
  1. NEBRASKA
  • Use a purple or light green backdrop for your image.
  • Your shirt might not necessarily have a formal tone.
  1. NEVADA
  • The ideal background to use is off white or grey.
  • No form of blurriness will be tolerated. Make the photo perfectly sharp.
  • For males, it is essential to keep short hair.
  1. NEW HAMPSHIRE
  • You can wear glasses if recommended by a qualified medical practitioner.
  • Keep a formal look. Gaze straight at the camera. Any form of tilt or stability will not be allowed.
  • The ideal colors to wear are green and blue. This is meant to reflect the background behind you better.
  1. NEW MEXICO
  • Make sure your eyes are wide open. This is important to get your photo approved.
  • Your head can be a little bit close to the top of the frame. However, don’t overdo this.
  1. NORTH CAROLINA
  • Make sure your hair is not flying around. Keep it compact.
  • Strictly use a light blue background to take the shot.
  1. NORTH DAKOTA
  • A plain photo of your face is most preferred. There is no need for any extra makeup.
  • The background has to be light green.
  1. OHIO
  • Use a very plain white backdrop. There is no need for any color.
  • Your face has to be more visible. Keep as much as possible of your shoulder out of the image.
  1. OKLAHOMA
  • A white or grey background is approved for getting an ID photo in this state.
  • The source of light must not cast any shadow on your face.
  • No form of head covering is allowed.
  1. OREGON
  • Don’t tilt your head forward too much. If you do so, the photo is not good.
  • Keep your appearance formal by all means.
  1. PENNSYLVANIA
  • You have to look straight and firmly into the camera.
  • Make your facial expression smooth, relaxed, and appealing.
  • Ensure you use an off white or light green background.
  1. SOUTH CAROLINA
  • Your shirt should look as formal as possible.
  • Keep your head straight and firmly at the center of the image.
  1. SOUTH DAKOTA
  • Your face must fit perfectly into the frame of the image.
  • You are allowed to smile a little bit.
  1. TENNESSEE
  • In this state, you are only allowed to wear glasses strictly due to a medical condition.
  • Use a light green or blue background for the photo.
  1. NEW YORK
  • A white background is approved for getting an ID photo.
  • The source of light must not cast any shadow on your face. You should strictly adhere to this.
  1. NEW JERSEY
  • A sky blue and deep blue background is best to use.
  • You shouldn’t squint your eyes at all. Otherwise, your photo will not be accepted.
  1. FLORIDA
  • A white background Is approved for taking your shot.
  • Concerning your facial expression, you might be allowed to smile a little bit. 
  • The rule concerning facing the camera straight is not entirely binding. 
  1. RHODE ISLAND
  • A blue or light green background is accepted by the state.
  • Appear formal and professional
  1. TEXAS
  • A white or grey background is accepted by the state.
  • Keep a neutral look at the camera.
  1. UTAH
  • Use a violet or purple background for your images
  • There is no stringent rule against your facial expression. Smile if you wish.
  1. VERMONT
  • Ensure that your background is a light color. Sky blue or white is best.
  • Wear a black or blue shirt to complement the background.
  • For men, it is best to have short hair. Shave all beard and unnecessary facial hair.
  1. VIRGINIA
  • The appropriate color behind you should be white or light blue.
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression and keep your head straight.
  • A dark-colored shirt is approved by the state.
  • It is best to appear as formal as possible.
  1. WASHINGTON
  • Strictly use a light blue background behind you.
  • You can keep a low beard and little facial hair. If your hair is long, ensure that it doesn’t get in your face.
  1. WEST VIRGINIA
  • There is no harsh rule against facial expression. Smile decently.
  • A light blue background is approved by the state.
  1. WISCONSIN
  • For acceptance, it is most appropriate to use a white background.
  • Make sure that your face fits perfectly into the frame of the image.
  1. WYOMING
  • A grey or light blue background will be the most appropriate.
  • Your dressing might not be too formal. However, don’t wear multi-colored shirts.
  1. ALABAMA
  • A purple or light blue background is approved by the state.
  • The rule regarding facial expression is not very strict.