What the Aurora office needs for your driver license photo
The Aurora Driver License Office takes the photo that appears on your Colorado driver license or ID card. You cannot bring a photo from somewhere else — the office must take it on the day you visit. The photo is taken at no extra cost; it is included in your license or ID fee.
The photo is taken after you pass your written test (if you are a new driver) or when you renew your license. You will stand in front of a plain background, and the camera captures your face from the shoulders up. The photo must show your face clearly, with both eyes open and visible, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your hair or forehead.
Colorado law requires that your photo show your natural hair color and style as it normally appears. If you wear glasses every day, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a dark tint and you cannot have a glare on the lenses that hides your eyes.
Key Takeaways
- The Aurora Driver License Office takes your photo on the day you visit — you cannot bring one from a photographer or studio.
- Your photo must show your face clearly with both eyes open and visible, no sunglasses, and no hat covering your hair or forehead.
- If you wear glasses daily, you can wear them in the photo as long as there is no glare hiding your eyes and the lenses are not dark-tinted.
- The photo is included in your license or ID fee and is taken after you pass your written test or during a renewal appointment.
Dress and appearance guidelines for your photo day
Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in and that contrasts with the plain background. Solid colors work best — busy patterns or logos can distract from your face. You do not need to wear formal clothing; a regular shirt or top is fine.
Your hair should be styled the way you normally wear it. If you have bangs, they should not cover your eyes. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, Colorado allows you to wear it in your photo as long as your face is fully visible from the forehead to the chin and from ear to ear.
Do not wear heavy makeup, and do not explore makeup just for the photo. The camera captures your everyday appearance, and staff may ask you to remove makeup if it significantly changes how you look compared to your identification documents.
What happens if your photo does not meet requirements
If the photo taken at the Aurora office does not meet Colorado's standards, the staff will take another one before you leave. You do not pay extra for a retake. The office has the equipment and lighting to get a clear photo on the same day.
If you are unhappy with how the photo looks after it is printed on your license, you can request a new photo at your next renewal. You cannot replace a photo between renewals unless the DMV determines the original photo does not meet legal requirements — for example, if your eyes are closed or your face is not fully visible.
Photo requirements for different license and ID types
Colorado issues several types of driver licenses and ID cards, and all of them require a photo. A standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), an ID card for non-drivers, and a Real ID-compliant license all use the same photo standards. The photo is the same size and format on each type.
If you are renewing a license you already have, the Aurora office will take a new photo unless you are doing a mail-in renewal (which is only available in certain situations and does not include a new photo). When you visit in person, expect a new photo to be taken.
Bringing documents that match your photo
Before your photo is taken, you will need to show documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency. Bring your current driver license or ID card if you have one, or a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. You will also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
The staff will compare your face to the documents you bring. If you look significantly different from a recent photo on file — for example, if you have grown a beard, lost a lot of weight, or changed your hair color dramatically — the staff may ask questions to confirm you are the same person. This is normal and helps prevent identity fraud.
Planning your visit to the Aurora office
The Aurora Driver License Office is located at 13451 East 14th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80011. Hours and wait times vary by day and season. You can check current hours and book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
Bring all required documents with you, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a document showing it). Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to check in. The photo is taken quickly — usually just a few minutes — but the overall visit may take longer if you are also taking a written test or renewing your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contacts instead of my regular glasses for the photo?
Yes. If you wear contacts, you can wear them in your photo. You do not have to wear your glasses. The requirement is that your eyes must be clearly visible and you cannot have a glare hiding them, so either option works as long as your eyes are open and visible.
What if I do not like how my photo turned out?
You can request a new photo at your next renewal appointment. Between renewals, you cannot replace a photo unless the DMV determines it does not meet legal standards — for example, if your eyes are closed or your face is not fully visible. Most people keep their photo until renewal time.
Do I need to smile in my driver license photo?
No. A neutral expression is fine and is actually preferred for identification photos because it is easier to compare to your face in person. You can smile if you want to, but it is not required.
Can I wear a religious head covering in my photo?
Yes. Colorado allows religious head coverings in driver license photos as long as your entire face is visible from forehead to chin and from ear to ear. The photo must still clearly show your face for identification purposes.
What if I wear my hair very differently than I normally do on the day of my appointment?
The photo should show your hair the way you normally wear it. If you show up with a very different hairstyle than usual, the staff may ask you to reschedule so the photo matches how you typically look. This helps make sure the photo is useful for identification.