What Express Station Photos Are and Where to Get Them
South Dakota's Express Station photo service lets you take your driver license photo at a kiosk instead of waiting for an appointment at a full DMV office. These are unmanned photo stations located in retail stores and public buildings across the state. You take your own photo, pay a fee, and receive a digital image you can use when you renew or replace your license online or by mail.
Express Stations are not the same as visiting a DMV office in person. You cannot complete your entire license transaction at a station — you can only have your photo taken and saved to a file. After you get your photo, you still need to submit it through the South Dakota DMV's online renewal system, by mail, or during an in-person visit to finish your license process.
The stations are self-service kiosks with a camera, a screen, and a payment method. You follow the on-screen prompts, take multiple shots until you get one you like, and the image is either emailed to you or saved to a USB drive, depending on the station's setup.
Key Takeaways
- Express Station photos cost less than a full DMV office visit and let you avoid waiting for an appointment.
- You take your own photo at the kiosk and receive a digital file to use for online or mail renewal.
- Stations are located in retail stores and public buildings, not at DMV offices.
- You still need to submit your photo and complete your license process through the DMV after taking your station photo.
- Photo requirements — plain background, no sunglasses, clear face — are the same as at a DMV office.
Where Express Stations Are Located in South Dakota
Express Stations are placed in high-traffic retail locations and public buildings in larger South Dakota cities and towns. Common locations include grocery stores, pharmacies, and municipal buildings. The exact list of active stations changes, so the South Dakota DMV website is the only reliable source for current locations and hours.
Each station operates on its own schedule, which may differ from DMV office hours. Some stations are open evenings and weekends, which can make them more convenient than a DMV office if you work standard business hours. Check the DMV's station locator tool or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
If no Express Station is near you, you can still take your photo at any DMV office during regular business hours, or you can use a photo from a passport, professional photographer, or other approved source if it meets South Dakota's photo standards.
Photo Requirements and What You Need to Bring
Your Express Station photo must meet the same rules as a photo taken at a DMV office. Your face must be clearly visible, centered, and fill most of the frame. The background must be plain and light-colored — white or off-white is standard. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat that shadows your face. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them, but the lenses cannot reflect light or glare.
Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not hide your face or cast shadows across your features. If you have a medical reason for wearing a head covering or face mask, bring documentation with you so the station operator or DMV staff can note it on your file.
Bring a valid form of identification — your current driver license, passport, or state ID — so the station can verify your identity before taking your photo. Some stations may also ask for your driver license number or Social Security number to link your photo to your DMV record.
How Much Express Station Photos Cost
Express Station photo fees vary by location and operator. Most stations charge between $5 and $15 for a single photo session. This is typically less than the cost of a full license renewal or replacement at a DMV office, which includes the photo fee plus the license fee itself.
Payment methods accepted at stations usually include cash, debit card, and credit card, though some stations may accept only certain methods. Check the station's posted fees or call ahead if you want to know the exact cost and payment options before you visit.
The photo fee is separate from any DMV license fees you will owe when you submit your process. If you are renewing your license online, you will pay the renewal fee to the DMV at that time. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you will pay the replacement fee when you complete that transaction.
How to Use Your Express Station Photo for License Renewal
After you receive your digital photo from the Express Station, you have three ways to use it for your license transaction. The fastest is to upload it during an online renewal on the South Dakota DMV website. You will create an account, enter your license information, upload your photo file, pay the renewal fee, and your new license will be mailed to you within the standard processing time.
If you prefer not to renew online, you can print your photo and mail it with a paper renewal form and payment to the DMV. The DMV's website has a mail-in renewal form you can read. Include your photo, the completed form, your payment, and any other documents the DMV requests for your specific situation — such as proof of address if you have moved.
You can also bring your printed photo to a DMV office in person and complete your renewal there. This is useful if you need to update your address, change your name, or handle other changes that require an in-person visit. The office staff will scan your photo into the system and process your process on the spot.
When Express Station Photos Are Not Enough
An Express Station photo alone does not complete your license transaction. You must still submit an process to the DMV, either online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to pass a written or driving test, you cannot complete your renewal by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office in person.
If you are explore for a license for the first time, you cannot use an Express Station photo alone. First-time applicants must visit a DMV office to verify identity documents, pass the written test, and have their photo taken or submitted in person. Express Stations are for renewals and replacements only.
If your current photo on file is less than five years old and meets South Dakota's standards, the DMV may allow you to reuse it instead of taking a new one. Check the DMV website or call your local office to ask whether you need a new photo for your specific renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my Express Station photo and use it right away?
You can use your photo when ready after you receive it, but your license will not be issued until the DMV processes your process. If you renew online, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. By mail, it may take 2 to 3 weeks. You cannot use an Express Station photo to get a same-day license.
What if my Express Station photo does not meet DMV standards?
The station operator should tell you if your photo fails to meet requirements before you pay. If the DMV later rejects your photo during processing, they will contact you and ask you to submit a new one. You can take another photo at an Express Station or visit a DMV office to have one taken.
Do I need an appointment to use an Express Station?
Most Express Stations are walk-in only and do not require an appointment. However, some locations may accept reservations during busy times. Check the station's information on the DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether you need to book a time slot.
Can I use a photo from a professional photographer instead of an Express Station?
Yes. South Dakota allows you to submit a photo from any source — professional photographer, passport photo service, or Express Station — as long as it meets the state's photo standards. You do not have to use an Express Station if another option is more convenient for you.
What happens if I move after I take my Express Station photo?
You can still use your photo for renewal. When you submit your process online or by mail, update your address in the form. If you visit a DMV office in person, tell the staff about your move and they will update your record before processing your license.