Yes, you can retake your driver's license photo in most states, but the rules and costs vary
If you hate your license photo or it doesn't look like you anymore, you have options. Most states let you request a new photo without renewing your entire license — you just pay a smaller fee than a full renewal and go back to the DMV. Some states build in a free photo retake window (usually 30 to 60 days after you first get your license), while others charge you each time. A few states won't let you change your photo until your license expires and you renew it anyway.
The exact process depends on where you live. Some DMVs let you schedule an appointment online to retake your photo; others require you to walk in. A handful of states now offer photo retakes at certain third-party locations like AAA offices or driver training schools, not just at the DMV itself.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to retake your driver's license photo without waiting for your license to expire, though you will pay a fee unless you are within the free retake window.
- The free retake period, if your state offers one, is usually 30 to 60 days after you first receive your license.
- You will need to visit a DMV office or approved third-party location in person — photo retakes cannot be done online or by mail.
- The cost of a photo retake is typically $10 to $25, much less than a full license renewal.
- Your license number and expiration date stay the same; only the photo on file changes.
When you can retake your photo for free
A handful of states offer a grace period during which you can retake your photo at no cost. This window usually opens the day you receive your license and closes 30 to 60 days later. The idea is to catch mistakes or bad timing — a photo taken on a day you were sick, or one where the camera angle made you unrecognizable.
To learn about your state has a free retake period, check your state's DMV website or call the local office where you got your license. They can tell you the exact important date and whether you need to schedule an appointment or can walk in. If you are past the window, you will have to pay the standard photo retake fee.
How to request a photo retake at the DMV
The process is straightforward but varies slightly by state. First, contact your local DMV office — either through their website, by phone, or in person — and ask about scheduling a photo retake appointment. Some states require an appointment; others accept walk-ins. Bring your current driver's license and any ID the DMV asks for (usually just the license itself).
When you arrive, tell the staff you want to retake your photo. They will take a new photo, verify it looks acceptable to you, and process the change. Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks, depending on your state. Your license number and expiration date do not change — only the photo updates.
If your state offers photo retakes at third-party locations, you may be able to skip the DMV entirely. AAA offices, some driver training schools, and certain retail locations in some states can take your new photo and submit it to the DMV on your behalf. Call ahead to confirm the location near you offers this service.
What you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license — that is the main document you need. Some states may ask for proof of your current address if you have moved since you got the license, though most do not require this for a straightforward photo retake. Check your state's DMV website before you go to see if anything else is needed.
Do not bring originals of documents like your birth certificate or Social Security card unless the DMV specifically tells you to. A photo retake is a minor transaction and does not require the same paperwork as a new license process.
The cost of retaking your photo
A photo retake typically costs between $10 and $25, depending on your state. This is significantly less than a full license renewal, which can cost $50 to $150. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on how many years are left on your license.
Payment methods vary by location. Most DMV offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards. If you are using a third-party location, ask what payment methods they take when you call to confirm they offer photo retakes.
When you cannot retake your photo until renewal
A few states do not offer standalone photo retakes. In these places, you have to wait until your license expires to get a new photo. If this is your situation, you can still request a renewal early — many states let you renew up to six months before your expiration date — but you will pay the full renewal fee, not a smaller photo-only fee.
Check your state's DMV website to see if photo retakes are available. If the website does not say, call your local office and ask directly. The answer will depend on your state, not on your license type or how long you have held it.
What happens to your old photo
Once your new photo is processed and your updated license arrives, your old photo is replaced in the DMV system. Law enforcement and other agencies that check your license will see only the new photo. You do not need to do anything with your old license — just stop using it once the new one arrives.
If you want to keep your old license as a keepsake, you can, but it will no longer be valid for identification or driving. Some people cut a corner off the old license to make this clear, though it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to retake my photo if I do not like how I look?
Most states charge a fee of $10 to $25 for a photo retake unless you are within the free retake window (usually 30 to 60 days after you first get your license). A few states do not offer photo retakes at all until your license expires. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.
Can I retake my photo online or by mail?
No. Photo retakes must be done in person at a DMV office or an approved third-party location. You cannot submit a new photo online or by mail. You will need to visit in person, have your photo taken, and approve it before you leave.
How long does it take to get my new license after a photo retake?
Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks in most states. Some states are faster; a few take up to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving and using it for ID.
Will my license number change if I retake my photo?
No. Your license number, expiration date, and all other information stay exactly the same. Only the photo changes. This is why a photo retake costs much less than a full renewal.
What if I moved since I got my license — do I need to update my address at the same time?
You can retake your photo without updating your address, but many people do both at the same time since they are at the DMV anyway. If you only retake your photo, your address on file will not change. Ask the DMV staff whether you can update your address during the same visit, and what documents you need if you do.