The Tupelo Driver's License Bureau handles photos at one location
The Tupelo Driver's License Bureau is located at 701 South Gloster Street in Tupelo, Mississippi. This is the only office in Tupelo where you can have your driver's license photo taken as part of a new license, renewal, or replacement. You cannot bring your own photo — the bureau takes the photo on-site during your visit.
The photo is included in your license fee. You do not pay extra for the photo itself. When you arrive for your appointment or walk-in visit, a staff member will take your photo using their camera, and it will be printed on your license when it is issued.
The bureau is open during standard business hours, though hours vary by day. Call ahead at the Tupelo office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm current hours before you go, since hours can change seasonally or for holidays.
Key Takeaways
- The Tupelo Driver's License Bureau at 701 South Gloster Street is the only place in Tupelo where you can have your photo taken for a driver's license.
- You cannot bring a photo from home or another photographer — the bureau takes your photo during your visit using their equipment.
- The photo fee is included in your license fee, so you will not be charged separately for the photo.
- You should call ahead to confirm hours of operation before visiting, as hours vary by day and may change for holidays.
- Bring a valid form of identification and any documents required for your specific transaction (new license, renewal, or replacement).
What to bring for your photo appointment
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are explore for a new license, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The staff will tell you exactly what documents you need based on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license.
Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will appear on your license for several years, so dress as you normally would. Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, as these are not allowed in license photos. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you may wear them in your photo, but the lenses cannot be tinted or reflective.
Photo requirements and what will be rejected
Your photo must show your face clearly and directly facing the camera. You cannot smile with your mouth open, but a closed-mouth smile or neutral expression is fine. Your eyes must be open and visible. The background will be plain and controlled by the bureau — you do not choose it.
The bureau will not accept a photo if you are wearing a head covering for religious reasons without prior approval. If you need a religious accommodation, contact the Tupelo office in advance to discuss your situation. Some accommodations are possible, but they require advance notice and documentation.
If your photo does not meet requirements on your first attempt, the staff will take another one at no extra charge. You will not be charged twice for the photo or the license.
How long the photo process takes
The photo itself takes only a few minutes. However, your total time at the bureau depends on how busy the office is and whether you need to complete other parts of your license transaction. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will not need to visit the bureau for a photo at all — the bureau will use your existing photo from your current license.
If you are getting a new license or replacing a lost or damaged one, plan to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the bureau, depending on wait times. Arriving early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
Renewal by mail or online means no photo visit
If you are renewing your license and your current license is not expired or suspended, you may be able to renew by mail or through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website without visiting the bureau. When you renew this way, the bureau uses your photo from your existing license — no new photo is taken.
You can only renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical information that require a new photo. If you need to update any of these details, you must visit the bureau in person for a new photo.
What happens after your photo is taken
Your photo is scanned and stored in the Mississippi Department of Public Safety database. It is printed on your license when your license is produced. If you are getting your license the same day, you may receive it before you leave the bureau, depending on whether the office has on-site printing. If not, your license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You can use your photo from a previous license if you are renewing and your current license is still valid. The bureau will not take a new photo unless you request one or your transaction requires it. If you want a new photo even though you are just renewing, ask the staff — some offices will take a new photo for a small fee, though this varies.
If you need to retake your photo
If you receive your license and your photo does not look right to you, you can return to the bureau and request a new photo. The bureau will take a new photo and issue a replacement license. There is usually a small fee for a replacement license, but the photo itself is not charged separately.
If your photo was rejected because it did not meet requirements (such as your eyes being closed or your face not being visible), the bureau will retake it at no charge during your visit. You will not pay twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or contacts in my driver's license photo?
Yes. Makeup and contacts are fine. Contacts must not change the color or appearance of your eye in a way that makes identification difficult. If you normally wear glasses, you may wear them in your photo, but the lenses cannot be tinted or reflective.
What if I do not like my photo after I get my license?
You can return to the Tupelo bureau and request a new photo. A replacement license will be issued with the new photo. A small fee applies for the replacement license, but you will not be charged for the photo itself.
Do I have to visit the bureau in person to get a photo taken?
Yes, if you are getting a new license or replacing a lost one. The bureau takes your photo during your visit. If you are renewing a valid license by mail or online, no new photo is taken — your existing photo is used.
Can I bring my own photo instead of having one taken at the bureau?
No. The Tupelo Driver's License Bureau takes all photos on-site. You cannot submit a photo from home, a photographer, or another source.
How long does it take to get my license after the photo is taken?
If the bureau has on-site printing, you may receive your license the same day. If not, your license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Call the Tupelo office to ask whether they print on-site.