Yes, you can retake your Colorado driver's license photo, but the rules depend on when your current license was issued and what you're unhappy with

Colorado allows you to request a new photo for your driver's license or ID card without renewing the entire license. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you replace just the photo if your appearance has changed significantly, you're unhappy with how you look in the current photo, or the photo quality is poor. However, you cannot straightforward walk in and retake it whenever you want — there are specific windows and reasons that may have access to.

The process is straightforward once you know the rules: you visit a DMV office in person, pay a fee (currently $20 for a photo replacement), and sit for a new photo. Your license number, expiration date, and all other information stay the same. The new photo is printed on a replacement card that arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a photo replacement at any Colorado DMV office by paying a $20 fee and providing your current license.
  • Photo replacements keep your license number and expiration date unchanged — only the photo and card are replaced.
  • You do not need a reason to request a new photo, but the DMV may ask why you want one.
  • The replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your current license until it arrives.
  • If your license is expired or will expire within 60 days, you may need to renew instead of just replacing the photo.

When you can request a photo replacement

Colorado does not restrict photo replacements to certain times or require you to wait a set number of years between photos. You can request a new photo at any point during your license's validity period. The most common reasons people request a new photo are significant changes in appearance (weight loss, new hairstyle, facial hair), poor photo quality from the original session, or straightforward disliking how they look.

The one timing restriction is this: if your license expires within 60 days, the DMV will likely direct you to renew your full license instead of paying for a photo replacement. A renewal costs more ($30 for a standard license) but gives you a new expiration date and avoids paying twice in a short window. If your license has already expired, you must renew rather than replace the photo.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card, a valid form of payment (cash, debit, or credit card), and proof of your current address if it has changed since your license was issued. If your address on the license is outdated, update it at the same time — the DMV can do both the photo replacement and address change in one visit.

You do not need to bring documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of residency unless your address has changed. If you've lost your license and cannot bring it, contact your local DMV office first — they may be able to look up your record and proceed, but policies vary by location.

The photo replacement process at the DMV

Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours. Tell the staff member you want a photo replacement. They will verify your identity using your current license, confirm your information in the system, and collect the $20 fee. You will then be directed to the photo station, where you sit for a new photo following the same rules as a standard license photo: neutral background, no sunglasses or hats, and a natural expression.

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing your new photo and confirmation that a replacement card has been ordered. Your current license remains valid and you can continue using it until the new card arrives. Do not turn in your old license — keep it until the replacement arrives, in case you need to show ID.

How long the replacement takes and what happens next

The replacement card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid for all purposes. Once the new card arrives, your old license is no longer valid, though you do not need to destroy it — straightforward stop carrying it.

If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your replacement card, contact the DMV office where you made the request. Delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods. The DMV can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary, though a reissue may involve an additional fee.

Photo replacement versus license renewal

A photo replacement ($20) is cheaper than a full renewal ($30) and keeps your license number and expiration date the same. Choose a photo replacement if your license is current and not expiring soon. Choose a renewal if your license expires within 60 days, if your address has changed and you want a fresh start, or if you want to update other information like your height or organ donor status.

If you are unsure whether to replace or renew, call or visit your local DMV office. Staff can look at your license expiration date and advise which option makes sense for your situation. Some people find it easier to renew and get everything updated at once, even if it costs a bit more.

What if you're unhappy with the new photo

If the new photo arrives and you dislike it, you can request another photo replacement by paying another $20 fee and visiting the DMV again. There is no limit to how many times you can request a new photo during your license's validity period. However, most people find that a second attempt produces a better result, so a second replacement is rarely needed.

If the photo quality is genuinely poor — blurry, too dark, or obviously defective — contact the DMV office where you had the photo taken. Explain the quality issue and ask if they can reissue the card at no charge. Some offices will do this as a courtesy, though it is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to get a photo replacement at the Colorado DMV?

No appointment is required, but you can schedule one online through the Colorado DMV website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling ahead is recommended during busy seasons.

Can I use a photo replacement to fix an error on my license, like my name or date of birth?

No. A photo replacement only changes the photo and reissues the card. If your name, date of birth, or other personal information is wrong, you must explore for a correction through a full renewal or a separate correction process. Contact your DMV office to learn which route applies to your error.

What if I moved to Colorado after getting my license in another state?

You cannot do a photo replacement on an out-of-state license. You must explore for a new Colorado driver's license, which involves a written test, vision test, and new photo. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Colorado, and proof of identity to your local DMV office.

Can I request a photo replacement online or by mail?

No. Photo replacements must be done in person at a Colorado DMV office. You cannot submit a new photo digitally or complete the process remotely. This is to may support the photo meets state standards and matches your appearance for identification purposes.

Will my new photo replacement card have a different expiration date?

No. Your expiration date stays the same. The only things that change are the photo and the card itself. If you want to extend your license's validity, you must renew your full license, not just replace the photo.