You can update your height on your driver's license by visiting your state's DMV in person, though the process and cost vary by state

Your driver's license height is a physical descriptor — it helps law enforcement verify your identity during a traffic stop or other encounter. If you've grown, shrunk, or the height on your license was recorded incorrectly, you can request a correction. Most states require you to appear in person at a DMV office with proof of identity and sometimes proof of your current height. Some states allow you to update height during a renewal; others treat it as a separate transaction. A few states charge a small fee for the change, while most do not.

The reason states track height is straightforward: it's one of several physical identifiers on your license photo that help confirm you are who you say you are. If your actual height no longer matches the license, it can raise questions during identity verification. The good news is that correcting it is usually quick and inexpensive — often free or under $10.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person to update your height; you cannot do this online or by mail.
  • Bring your current driver's license and a valid form of ID; some states may ask for proof of your current height, such as a medical record.
  • Height updates are often free, but a few states charge a small fee ranging from $5 to $15.
  • You can usually update your height during a license renewal, but you do not have to wait — you can request the change at any time.
  • The change takes effect when ready or within a few days; you will receive a new license with the updated height in the mail.

When and why your height might need updating

Height changes happen for real reasons. Children and teenagers grow. Adults can lose height due to age, posture changes, or medical conditions. Sometimes the DMV straightforward recorded your height incorrectly the first time — you may have been measured in shoes, or the officer may have written down the wrong number. If your license was issued years ago, you might not have noticed the error until you needed to use your license for identity verification.

The most common scenario is a teenager or young adult whose height on their license no longer matches their actual height. This can cause confusion during age verification at bars, airports, or other places where staff compare your face and physical description to your license. A significant mismatch — say, your license says 5'6" but you're now 6'2" — may prompt questions or even a request for additional ID.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current driver's license and at least one additional valid form of ID. Acceptable forms usually include a passport, state ID card, military ID, or birth certificate. Check your state's DMV website for the specific list, as requirements vary.

Some states ask for proof of your current height. This might be a recent medical record, a doctor's note, or a school physical. Most states do not require this — they will measure you at the DMV office — but a few do. Call your state DMV or check their website before you go to confirm whether you need to bring documentation of your height.

You do not need to schedule an appointment in most states for a height update, but some DMV offices now operate by appointment only. Check your local office's hours and policies online before you visit.

How the height update process works at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff member you want to update the height on your driver's license. They will ask you to stand and be measured, usually against a height chart or measuring device. The measurement takes less than a minute. The staff member will then update your record in the system.

You will be asked to review the new information on your license before it is printed. Make sure the height is correct before you leave. Once you confirm, the DMV will issue you a new physical license card, which will be mailed to your address on file. In most states, this takes 7 to 14 business days, though some states are faster.

Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. You can use it for identification during that time. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to the DMV if your state requests it.

Cost and fees for updating your height

Most states do not charge a fee to update your height on your driver's license. However, a small number of states treat a height change as a license modification and charge a fee between $5 and $15. A few states charge a fee only if you are not renewing your license at the same time — meaning if you update your height during a renewal, it's free, but if you update it separately, there's a cost.

Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm the fee, if any, before you visit. The fee is usually paid at the time of your visit, either in cash or by card, depending on the office.

Updating height during a license renewal

If your license is coming up for renewal anyway, you can update your height as part of that renewal process. This is often the simplest route because you're already at the DMV and already paying for a renewal. The height update is typically included at no extra charge.

When you renew, you will be measured again as part of the standard renewal procedure. If your height has changed since your last license was issued, the new license will reflect the current measurement. You do not need to request this separately — it happens automatically during renewal.

If your license is not due for renewal for several years, you do not have to wait. You can update your height at any time by visiting the DMV and requesting the change.

What happens if you cannot visit the DMV in person

Most states do not offer online or mail-in height updates because the DMV needs to measure you in person to verify the new height. However, if you have a documented medical reason that prevents you from visiting an office — such as severe mobility issues — contact your state's DMV to ask about accommodations. Some offices offer mobile services or may allow a representative to visit you, though this is rare and varies by state.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can update your height when you return, or you can visit a DMV office in the state where you currently are if you hold a license there. Your height on your license is not urgent — it does not affect your driving privileges or insurance. You can update it whenever it is convenient to visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating my height affect my driver's license number or expiration date?

No. Your license number stays the same, and your expiration date does not change. The DMV straightforward issues a new physical card with the updated height. The license number printed on the card will be identical to your current license.

Can I update my height online or by mail?

No. All states require you to appear in person at a DMV office so they can measure you. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and may support the height on your license is accurate.

What if I lost weight or gained weight — does that affect my license?

Weight is not recorded on your driver's license, so changes to your weight do not require any update. Only height is listed as a physical descriptor on your license.

How long does it take to get the new license in the mail?

Most states mail a new license within 7 to 14 business days of your visit. Some states are faster — as little as 3 to 5 days. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline. Your old license is valid until the new one arrives.

Do I need to update my height if I'm renewing my license soon anyway?

You do not have to update it separately. When you renew, the DMV will measure you again, and the new license will show your current height. If you prefer to have the correct height on your license before your renewal date, you can visit the DMV now to update it.