A method for image-based driver identification in a motor vehicle is provided. At least one two-dimensional driver facial image is recorded using a camera. Recorded driver facial images are temporarily stored. The temporarily stored driver facial images are compared to two-dimensional reference images of each possible driver from multiple possible drivers of the motor vehicle. The current recording angle between the camera and the facial normal line of the driver is determined by a device not otherwise used for image-based driver identification and relayed to the method for image-based driver identification and the recording of a driver facial image is triggered when the current recording angle reaches a specific preset value.