Where to Get Your Photo Taken in Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City Driver License Division office at 160 East 300 South takes photos for all new licenses, renewals, and replacements. You do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere — the DMV takes the photo on-site as part of your transaction, and the fee is included in your license fee. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Utah Driver License Division website to reduce wait time.

If you cannot visit Salt Lake City, the Utah Driver License Division operates offices in other cities including Ogden, Provo, and St. George. Each office takes photos using the same equipment and follows the same requirements, so the photo standards are identical regardless of location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Salt Lake City DMV takes your photo on-site; you do not bring one from a photographer or studio.
  • Your photo must show your face clearly, with both eyes open and visible, against a plain background.
  • Glasses are allowed if you wear them regularly, but the lenses cannot be tinted and your eyes must be fully visible.
  • Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted as long as your face from the middle of the forehead to the bottom of the chin is fully visible.
  • The photo fee is included in your license fee; there is no separate charge for the photo itself.

Photo Requirements You Must Meet

Utah's photo rules are strict because the image must work for identification across law enforcement, banks, and federal agencies. Your photo must show your face straight-on, with both eyes open and clearly visible. Your expression should be neutral — smiling is allowed but not required. The background is always plain and controlled by the DMV camera setup, so you do not need to worry about what is behind you.

Your head must fill most of the frame, from the top of your head to your shoulders. Hats, visors, and headbands are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. If you wear a head covering for religious purposes, the DMV will permit it, but your face from the middle of your forehead to the bottom of your chin must be completely visible and unobstructed.

Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not allowed because the photo must show your eyes clearly. Regular eyeglasses are permitted if you wear them every day — in fact, the DMV recommends wearing the glasses you normally use, since your license photo should match how people see you in person. If you wear bifocals, look straight ahead at the camera, not down at the lens.

What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected

If the DMV photographer determines your photo does not meet the requirements — for example, your eyes are closed, your face is partially hidden, or the angle is wrong — they will take another photo at no extra cost. You do not pay per photo; you pay one fee for the license, and retakes are included.

Occasionally a photo is rejected after you have left the office, usually because it was discovered during the printing process that your eyes were not fully open or your face was not properly positioned. In that case, the DMV will contact you by mail and ask you to return for a new photo. This is rare, but if it happens, bring your notice and return to any Utah Driver License Division office.

Scheduling Your Photo Appointment

You can schedule an appointment for your photo and license transaction online at the Utah Driver License Division website. Appointments typically reduce your wait time from 30 to 90 minutes down to 15 to 30 minutes, depending on office traffic. The Salt Lake City office is the busiest in the state, so an appointment is especially useful if you are renewing during peak times like the first week of the month or late afternoon.

Walk-ins are still accepted at all offices, including Salt Lake City, but you may wait longer. If you walk in, arrive early in the day — most offices see their longest lines between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Documents to Bring for Your Photo Session

Your photo is taken as part of a larger license transaction, so you will need to bring documents that prove your identity and residency. For a new license, bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a document proving your legal name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport.

For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. For a replacement of a lost or stolen license, bring your Social Security card and proof of residency. The photo itself requires no documents — just you, your face clearly visible, and your eyes open.

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason a photo is retaken is that the person's eyes are partially closed or looking in the wrong direction. Look straight at the camera lens, not at the photographer. Blink just before the photo is taken if you are nervous — the photographer will wait for your eyes to open fully before clicking.

Wearing a hat, visor, or heavy bangs that shadow your eyes will cause a rejection. If you have long hair, pull it back or to the side so your entire face is visible. Jewelry that covers part of your face, such as a nose ring or lip ring, is allowed, but if it obscures your facial features, the photographer may ask you to remove it temporarily for the photo.

Do not wear clothing that is the same color as the background — the DMV uses a light background, so avoid white or very light-colored shirts. Wear something with contrast so your head and shoulders stand out clearly in the photo.

What Your Photo Will Look Like on Your License

Your photo will be printed in color on your Utah driver license. The image shows your head and shoulders, and it is roughly the size of a postage stamp on the front of the card. The photo is laminated as part of the license, so it will not fade or get damaged easily.

Your photo remains the same for the entire validity period of your license — typically five years for a standard license, or eight years if you are over 65. If you want to update your photo before your license expires, you can renew early, but you will pay the full renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled a certain way for my photo?

Yes. Makeup and hairstyles are entirely your choice. The only requirement is that your entire face from the middle of your forehead to the bottom of your chin is visible and unobstructed. Avoid hairstyles that cover your eyes or forehead.

What if I blink during the photo?

The photographer will take another photo at no cost. Tell the photographer you blinked, and they will retake it. This happens often and is part of the normal process.

Can I wear my religious head covering in my license photo?

Yes. Utah law permits head coverings worn for religious reasons. Your face from the middle of your forehead to the bottom of your chin must be fully visible, but the covering itself is allowed.

Do I need to smile in my driver license photo?

No. A neutral expression is standard for identification photos. Smiling is allowed, but it is not required. The goal is a clear, recognizable image of your face.

What if I do not like how my photo looks?

You cannot request a retake based on appearance alone. However, if the photo does not meet technical requirements — such as your eyes being closed or your face being partially hidden — the DMV will retake it. If you want a different photo, you must renew your license early and pay the renewal fee.