Photo requirements at the Lexington office
The Lexington driver license office takes your photo on the day you visit — you do not bring a photo with you. Kentucky requires that photo to meet specific standards: you must face the camera directly, have a neutral expression, and wear nothing that blocks your face (no sunglasses, heavy makeup, or head coverings, except for religious reasons with documentation). The background is plain and controlled by the office equipment.
Your photo will appear on your license exactly as taken that day, so it is worth taking a moment to look presentable. Wear something you would wear to work or school. Avoid busy patterns or anything that blends with the plain background. If you wear glasses for driving, wear them for the photo — your license photo should match how you look when you are behind the wheel.
If you have a religious head covering, bring a letter from your place of worship or a statement explaining your faith requirement. The office will photograph you with the covering in place.
Key Takeaways
- The Lexington driver license office takes your photo on-site during your visit; you do not need to bring one.
- Your photo must show your face clearly, with a neutral expression and no sunglasses, heavy makeup, or blocking objects.
- Wear everyday clothing without busy patterns, and wear your glasses if you wear them while driving.
- Religious head coverings are permitted with written documentation from your place of worship.
- Your photo is taken when ready before or after your road test or written test, depending on which service you are there for.
When your photo is taken during your visit
The photo is taken as part of the license issuance process. If you are there for a written test (for a learner's permit or knowledge test), your photo happens after you pass. If you are there for a road test, the photo is taken after you pass the driving portion. You do not schedule a separate appointment for the photo — it is built into the same visit.
The entire photo process takes a few minutes. The office staff will position you in front of the camera, give you instructions on where to look and how to hold your expression, and take the shot. You will see a preview on a screen and have a chance to request a retake if you are unhappy with how it looks, though retakes are limited.
What happens if you are not ready for your photo
If you arrive at the Lexington office and realize you look disheveled or are wearing something you wish you had not, tell the staff before your test. Some offices allow you to step outside for a few minutes to fix your hair or change your shirt if you have one in your car. The staff cannot delay your test indefinitely, but a short pause is often possible.
If you are deeply unhappy with your photo after it is taken, you can request a replacement photo at a later date. Kentucky allows you to return to any driver license office and pay a small fee to have a new photo taken and a new license issued. The fee and process vary, so call the Lexington office ahead of time if you think you might want this option.
Lexington office location and hours
The Lexington driver license office is located at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.
Arrive early if possible. The office does not take appointments for written tests or road tests, so you are served on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy days, the wait can be two to three hours. Bring all required documents with you — if you are missing anything, you will not be tested that day and will have to return.
Documents you need before your photo is taken
Before you can have your photo taken, you must complete either a written test or a road test. To take either test, you need to bring specific documents. For a written test (learner's permit or knowledge test), bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a document proving your date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
For a road test, you need the same documents plus a valid learner's permit and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you.
After your photo is taken
Once your photo is taken and your test is passed, your license is printed on-site or mailed to you depending on Kentucky's current process. Ask the staff which applies to you. If your license is printed at the office, you will receive it before you leave. If it is mailed, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.
Your photo will remain on your license for the full term of that license. In Kentucky, a standard driver license is valid for five years. When you renew, you will have your photo taken again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup for my driver license photo?
Yes, you can wear everyday makeup. The rule is that your face must be clearly visible and recognizable. Heavy makeup that changes your appearance significantly or covers your face is not permitted. Wear what you normally wear day to day.
What if I am wearing a wig or have a very different hairstyle than usual?
Your photo should look like you as you normally appear. If you wear a wig regularly, wear it for your photo. If you have just dyed your hair a very different color or cut it very short, that is fine — the photo documents how you look now. The goal is that someone checking your ID can match it to your face.
Do I need to smile for my driver license photo?
No. Kentucky requires a neutral expression, which means no big smile and no frown. A natural, relaxed face is what the office is looking for. This helps with facial recognition and ID verification.
Can I retake my photo if I do not like how it turned out?
You can request a retake when ready after the photo is taken if you are very unhappy with it. The office usually allows one retake. If you want a new photo after you leave, you can return to any Kentucky driver license office, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken and a replacement license issued.
What if I fail my test — do I still get a photo taken?
No. Your photo is taken only after you pass your test. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test appointment and have your photo taken when you pass.