Female Pics on Male Driver's License

[AKAMichelle]

I have been thinking about this for a long time. I know some of you have gotten female pics on state ID cards, but I haven't seen anything about female pics on male driver's license. Is there anybody out there who has done it? Is there anything that you didn't think about before doing it?

I have several months before I have to get a new drivers license.

[Shelly Preston]

Have you considered any legal implications ?

[Sally24]

I'm one of the ones with 2 id's. I would think that if you aren't full time that a picture that was more feminine, but still looked like your male self, would be a nice comprise. My last drivers license pic was taken with my glasses off and a big smile. Not that much different from my female face.

[christiek]

I'm one of the ones with 2 id's. I would think that if you aren't full time that a picture that was more feminine, but still looked like your male self, would be a nice comprise. My last drivers license pic was taken with my glasses off and a big smile. Not that much different from my female face.

This is probably the best advice anyone could give. One other thing you may want to look into is a DBA License (doing business as). I remember reading something about those a very very long time ago. I myself have never needed one but its something to look into.

[Victoria Anne]

I am with Sally , I have two , my drivers license (male) and my ID card (female) I will eventually just have my lisence after I am able to go full time.

[Teri Jean]

I did this this spring and the gals at the DMV had a field day. I needed to renew my license so during lunch I drove to the office just off campus and got it renewed. Now I have transitioned and live full time but my old license still had my old picture so when I came in as a female the ladies had some fun helping me. While one was processing my information after the eye test another was taking my picture. This lady took a couple pictures and found the one she liked (me too) and then she asked if it was cute enough.
I told her it was great and if someone doesn't pay attention to the gender marker there is no idea it says male. I love it and the ladies who helped. As we finished up one asked if I was going to have surgery to which I said maybe so she walked me through the process of changing my gender marker. Talk about service.

[TxKimberly]

Like the others here, I have both - the drivers license and the state ID. On the state ID I have all of my legal and male information but my female picture.
If your state only allows you to have one ID (drivers license or ID) then I'd say your drivers license should be male unless you are full time. I would rather have the rare uncomfortable moment when I had to share my male drivers license while dressed, than be uncomfortable every single time I had to provide ID as a male.

[AKAMichelle]

that's true but I was thinking about how many times you have to show you Driver's license in the first place. Stores don't require it to use your credit card and I never write a check in a store. I have gone cashless and everything works with the credit card. So outside of flying which I now plan on doing en femme, I don't show my driver's license. So it got me thinking about just changing the photo to be closer to michelle than male. Even my male photo on the DL has long hair past my shoulder and it isn't in a ponytail.

So I wasn't seeing much difference from that perspective.

[Kari Lynn Franks]

I live in texas and you cant have both and I just got my dl in the mail i get my pic in makeup and hair no one has ever gave me any hassle over it even when I show it in male mode and the cops sure dont care when ive been pulled over

[lingerieLiz]

I didn't think about it, but all my ID's and licenses are with me wearing women's tops, even my passport. I don't have long hair and don't wear much makeup so I look like a guy for the most part at a quick glance.

Except for my Sam's club card where the girls show quite nicely through my sweater. The flash picked up my satin white bra through the darker loose knit sweater. Wondered why the girl smiled so much when she was processing the ID.

[Regina]

Since I grew my hair out and colored it, I really didn't look like my old self in my drivers license, so one Saturday I went in and asked for an updated picture,they gladly gave it to me for $24. I didn't go in with make-up just some conservative hoops in both ears, with the summer tan the picture turned out just fine.



Regina

[Ann Thomas]

I've had a female picture on my driver's license for several years now. I find it works best that way. No one ever bats an eye even though there's a male name. I have used it in either mode. I had it done first that way in Washington State, and of course did it again in California. It's never caused me any troubles, and I'd just rather do it that way than have 2 ID's as some of you do.

I chose to do it that way because to me it would be harder to explain my ID to police in a tough situation if the ID was all male while I was out dressed. Being as the picture is en femme, then people are more understanding and realize I'm not doing it on a lark, but it's my life.

I'd say 'Go for it!', Michelle!

Hugs,
Ann

[Daphne Renee]

Some states do not allow you to have dl and a state id. As long as there is no legal complications i say go for it.

[Lexine]

I'm actually going to ask if it's possible to have a different name on my state ID. I'll be going to the DMV to register my car and change my address on my driver's license and possibly ask about information regarding a state ID. (This is for California)

I'll let you all know how it goes when I come back! I'll be in my best andro look should they need a picture ;)

[kellycan27]

I'm actually going to ask if it's possible to have a different name on my state ID. I'll be going to the DMV to register my car and change my address on my driver's license and possibly ask about information regarding a state ID. (This is for California)

I'll let you all know how it goes when I come back! I'll be in my best andro look should they need a picture ;)

In Ca, it's one or the other.. DL or state ID.. they won't allow you to have both.

[StephanieC]

My license recently came up for renewal so I had to deal with this issue. My old picture really looks nothing like me know to begin with. So when I went in for another picture, I went with minimal makeup and a more fem top. Since my passport was up for renewal, I did the same there.

The only comment about the picture was "you really look different". But, as I said, I look nothing like my old picture anyway.

I keep my old DL for nosy people.

Stephani

[joann07]

I have both a drivers license (male photo) and a ID card (female photo), but now Florida law says you cannot have both. It's either one or the other. Well, I have until 2012 to figure out what other alternate ID's I can use.
Now, if I wanted to get my DL with my female photo, I can go to the DMV and say that lost my DL and get a new one, but the only problem is, is that the DMV keeps the most current photo in their database. So if they were to lookup my ID on their computer the would see me as my femme self. I would have to go back and get a new license to revert the picture to my male self.

Hugs!

[Loni]

some states will allow you to have a "seasonal" ID card for that state, not the one you live in this is NOT for DL's only ID cards.
Nevada is one of them. but you must have a mailing address there...full time.
as all of my credit cards all both of them have "CID" on the back i want them to ask as it is a way to slow down theft.

but never had a problem as i really do not think the clerks are truly looking at the photo or sig etc.

[TxKimberly]

I live in texas and you cant have both and I just got my dl in the mail i get my pic in makeup and hair no one has ever gave me any hassle over it even when I show it in male mode and the cops sure dont care when ive been pulled over

Carrie, you CAN have both in Texas. I checked in to this very thoroughly before I did it and now have a Texas DL and a Texas ID - each with its own pic. :)
The young lady that took care of me (I cant recall if I went to Cedar Park or Leander) sort of emphasized that this was my "backup" ID in case my license were ever lost. I'm not sure if that was just what she was assuming or if it was a hint to me that this is what I should say if asked.

[Jenny Gurl]

Unless you are out at work. I don't remember the exact post, but someone did that. They then were asked at work to produce a drivers license for something and were sweating bullets. They never thought about their job asking for a drivers license. They went to the DMV and they said they could not just take another picture unless there was a good reason. If you say you lost your license they just print you another one, with the picture they already have on file. The DMV finally after much reluctance let them take another picture, but did ask them what the heck they were thinking when they took a picture in fem. This may not apply to you, but it is food for thought for anyone else thinking of doing this and the possible consequences. It convinced me when I read it. If you are out to everyone and living en fem then go for it. :cheer::cheer::cheer:

Found other thread. Some ideas there to weigh in your decision.

http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1908540#post1908540

[StaceyJane]

I almost did get a state ID once. I had it in my mind it would be great to get an ID with my female picture on it. I waited an hour at the DMV and while they were showing Big Momma's House on TV.
When I got to the window I thought I just need my licence but then I was told I needed my birth certificate and Social Security Card. This wasn't what the web site said. I didn't argue and left.
I haven't gone back but maybe one day.

[Niya W]

In Ca, it's one or the other.. DL or state ID.. they won't allow you to have both.
Um they have never stopped me and California at this time does not participate in the real ID act that says you can have only one . In fact on the form to get your State ID they ask if you have a drivers license and ask for that number . If you have a DL they use that same number on your state ID .

[Kathryn Martin]

I am considering getting a legal name change include my female name in my name. That would make me Kathryn M***** D****. I would then have the choice to simply call myself Kathryn M. or K. M*****. It is not entirely unusual to have a female middle name or a female 2nd name.

Then I could go get my drivers license changed to show me female.

Now I am in Canada and that would be legal. I don't know about the states.

[kimmy p]

I am with Sally , I have two , my drivers license (male) and my ID card (female) I will eventually just have my lisence after I am able to go full time.

I live in Indiana. Here you are allowed one or the other. But not both.:eek: Who would have thought that extra ID would have scared the state government so badly.

[kellycan27]

Um they have never stopped me and California at this time does not participate in the real ID act that says you can have only one . In fact on the form to get your State ID they ask if you have a drivers license and ask for that number . If you have a DL they use that same number on your state ID .

Just realting what I was told by the DMV.. it was about 5 years ago though so who knows? If I am wrong, I stand correcterd.

Kel

[Rhonda Jean]

The person Jenny referred to (above) was me. At the time it seemed like a small thing. I knew I could do it. It wasn't like I was wearing some kind of disguise. I don't wear a wig, so the only thing I did different for a fem photo was that I flat-iron my hair and flipped it under, wore big hoop earrings, makeup and a fem top. I didn't wear forms, so it was all me. Getting it was a non event. No questions, no hesitation, no problem.

The picture looked much like my avatar except I had heavy highlights. My hair was completely blonde in the photo. The lady who took the pictures even took several for me to choose from, which from what I understand is not the norm. I was so proud and anxious for someone to ask for my ID! Then reality set in. I don't look markedly different in boy mode, but this photo was definately a femmed-up version of me. It was obvious to anyone who looked at it that this was no accidental bad DL photo. I looked like a woman, and it was obvious that I intended to do so. The problem wasn't that it didn't look like me. The problem was that it did. It is literally like flipping out a photo of your fem self every time you're asked for ID. As cool as that sounds (and it is pretty cool at times), it's not what I needed to do ALL the time, and those other times were important (like the work deal).

When I did it I thought it'd be no problem if I ever wanted to change the photo. I thought I could just request a new photo, or at worst say I lost my licence. Not so! The first time I tried that I was refused. They told me point blank that that was the photo that'd be on my license until it expired. No way around it. I later tried another DMV office and just happened to get a sympathetic clerk. Even then it took some doing. She had to call someone in authority at the DMV and get permission to take a new photo. There was a lot of hesitation, and it took some pleading with them on my part and hers the get permission to do this.

My suggestion would be for you to imagine the most uncomfortable situation you could possibly be in where there's a chance you'd have to show your ID. If you'd be comfortable whipping out a photo of your fem self, then by all means go for it. Otherwise this is a bad idea.

[AKAMichelle]

Rhonda I remember your story now. I had forgotten all about it until now. I work for myself so nobody at work would ever ask. But that is a valid point because you never know when it is necessary. Are you prepared to be seen en femme? That would mean you are very out. You can't see in the future and see all of the situations that will arise.

Thanks Jenny for bringing it up. Rhonda's story is definitely one for thought.

[Lexine]

Just realting what I was told by the DMV.. it was about 5 years ago though so who knows? If I am wrong, I stand correcterd.

Kel

Yep. Just confirmed it today that you can carry both a California Driver's License and a California State ID. The only catch is that the information needs to be the same on both, proof of identity to be presented again, and a new fee to pay. Otherwise, you can choose to have your pics to be the same or different on both.

With that said, I'm planning to get a California State ID en femme a couple of weeks after my move!

And on a side note, damnit all for me not shortening my name to Alex when I swore in for citizenship! I need to build a time machine to tell myself that being "Alex" as opposed to "Alexander" is a REALLY GOOD idea. :P

[Jennifer in CO]

Michelle, there is nothing wrong with an androgonus photo. When we moved back to CO, I had been living as a woman for 5+ years in Texas. The photo I got on my DL I did my best to "Butch up" and still looked fairly fem. In 92 I quite on purpose did the andro thing...pulled my hair back in a ponytail, no makeup, and fem blouse. Since the only thing you can see in the photo is the collar, It was my little "statement" that I got away with...

Jenn

[carrie-ann]

I'm a truck driver. I'm 247 so my pic has to match what I look like. So i went and got a new cdl with the pic in enfem no problem.

[AKAMichelle]

Rhonda's story has caused me to think long and hard about the picture, Which is what I wanted was some constructive comments both pro and con. One of the situations which will be coming soon is that I must produce a Driver's license to rent a house later this year. I will still have the male photo by then, but sometimes you are discriminated against. It is impossible to prove and even harder to correct when it happens to you. If I get a female picture then it might prove very interesting renting a house later.

[TxKimberly]

You mentioned that you don't have to present your ID with your credit cards and this surprises me. I am often asked for my ID with my credit cards. I really wouldn't consider it feasible to have my only official ID have my female pic on it.
Has the pink fog got you Michelle? :D

[AKAMichelle]

You mentioned that you don't have to present your ID with your credit cards and this surprises me. I am often asked for my ID with my credit cards. I really wouldn't consider it feasible to have my only official ID have my female pic on it.
Has the pink fog got you Michelle? :D

Cough! Cough! I am having trouble breathing. Seems to be some kind of fog. :D

I don't have to show my ID with credit card purchases even while out of town. Maybe you just look suspicious naturally.

[Leanne2]

When I renewed my DL last time I went dressed en femme. My hair was styled and I had makeup on. My first name is considered unisex which helped. At that time my government Id had a picture taken at work by my boss. I'm not out as a transgendered person at work. Now several years later we all have to get these high tech government IDs with a digital photo and our personal information coded into the card. It's kind of spooky actually. Is this the start of "Big Brother" knowing all about us?
I don't know if they will take a new picture or just use the picture on my DL. So now I have second thoughts about my fem DL picture decision. This could be embarrassing. Leanne

[sandra-leigh]

I do not drive, but yesterday I had to apply for a provincial ID card so that I could then use that to apply for a passport. The passport office would throw a fit if the names were different, so I didn't even try using my femme name for the provincial ID. The picture for the provincial ID is head only, glasses off, no smile, hair pulled back behind your ears (because they do a biometric encoding of your facial features) -- but when the clerk saw my rather obvious pearl dangling earrings hidden behind my hair, she just said "Oh!" and proceeded with the pictures, so my provincial ID will show me in earrings. If there should ever be some reason for me to show that at work, it won't be a problem as I wear the same earrings at work.