You can request a new photo at any Georgia DDS office, but the rules depend on when your current license was issued

Georgia allows you to retake your driver license photo, but you cannot do it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring your current license, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes once you are called, though wait times at the office vary by location and time of day.

The main catch: Georgia has specific rules about when you can retake a photo. If your license is less than five years old and you have not had a name change, you may be charged a full replacement fee instead of just a photo retake fee. If your license is five years or older, or if you have changed your name, a photo retake is usually treated as a simpler transaction with a lower cost.

Before you go to the office, check your current license to see the issue date. This date determines which fee you will pay and whether the office will treat your request as a routine photo update or a full license replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Photo retakes must be done in person at a Georgia Driver Services office; there is no online or mail option.
  • If your license is less than five years old and you have not changed your name, you may pay a full replacement fee rather than a photo retake fee.
  • Licenses that are five years old or older, or licenses held by people who have changed their name, typically may have access to for a lower photo retake fee.
  • Bring your current driver license and be prepared to pay the applicable fee at the time of your visit.
  • The actual photo session takes about 15 minutes, but office wait times depend on location and how busy the office is that day.

What to bring to a Georgia Driver Services office

Bring your current Georgia driver license. This is the only document you need for a photo retake. The office staff will pull up your existing record using your license number, so you do not need to bring proof of residency, Social Security card, or any other documents.

Bring a payment method. Georgia Driver Services accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The fee varies depending on whether you are paying for a photo retake or a full license replacement. Ask the office staff when you arrive which fee applies to your situation, since the rules can be unclear over the phone.

Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face or head in the photo. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background so your face is clearly visible. The photo rules are the same as they were for your original license.

How the photo retake process works at the office

When you arrive at the Driver Services office, check in at the front desk and tell staff you want a photo retake. They will ask for your current license and may ask why you want a new photo. You do not need a reason—dissatisfaction with how you look is a valid one—but some staff may ask out of habit.

Staff will look up your record and tell you which fee applies. If your license is less than five years old and you have not changed your name, they will likely quote you the full replacement fee (currently around $32 for a regular license, though this can change). If your license is older or you have a name change on file, the photo retake fee is lower.

Once you pay, you will be called to the photo station. A technician will take your new photo, and you will see it on a screen before it is finalized. If you dislike the photo, you can usually request one retake at no extra cost. After the photo is approved, your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's equipment.

Understanding the fee difference between photo retakes and replacements

Georgia charges different fees depending on whether your request counts as a photo retake or a full license replacement. A photo retake is cheaper and faster because the office only updates your photo and prints a new card with the same license number and expiration date. A full replacement means you are getting a brand-new license with a new expiration date, which costs more.

The rule is: if your license is less than five years old, has not expired, and you have not changed your name, Georgia treats a photo retake as a replacement and charges the full replacement fee. This is because the state considers it more efficient to issue a new license with a fresh expiration date than to reissue an old one partway through its validity.

If your license is five years old or older, or if you have legally changed your name since your license was issued, a photo retake is treated as a simpler update and costs less. Check your license's issue date before you go to the office so you know which fee to expect. If you are unsure, call the office ahead of time with your license number and ask which fee applies to you.

Which Georgia Driver Services offices offer photo retakes

All Georgia Driver Services offices offer photo retakes. You can visit any office in the state, not just the one closest to you or the one that issued your original license. However, some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.

To find the office nearest you, visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool. The site lists each office's address, hours, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few offices in larger cities stay open until 6 p.m., which can be helpful if you work during the day.

If you want to avoid a long wait, call the office before you go and ask what time is typically least busy. Many offices report that early morning (right when they open) and mid-afternoon are quieter than lunch hours or late afternoon.

What happens after your new photo is taken

After your photo is approved and you have paid the fee, the office will print your new license on the spot or mail it to you. Whether you get it when ready or by mail depends on the specific office's equipment and current workload. Ask the staff before you leave which option applies to you.

If your license is printed on the spot, you will receive it before you leave the office. Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed, depending on the office's procedure. If your license is mailed, it will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Your new license will have the same license number and expiration date as your old one unless you were charged a full replacement fee. In that case, your new license will have a new expiration date five or eight years in the future (depending on your age and license type), and you will have a new license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake my photo if my license has expired?

Yes, you can retake your photo on an expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the office may recommend renewing your entire license instead of just updating the photo. Bring your expired license to the office and ask which option makes sense for your situation.

Do I need an appointment to get a photo retake?

Most Georgia Driver Services offices do not require appointments for photo retakes. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some offices in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling. Call ahead or check the office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if I do not like the new photo either?

You can usually request one free retake when ready after seeing your photo on the screen. If you want to retake the photo a second time, you may be charged an additional fee. Ask the technician about the office's policy before you decide whether to accept the first photo.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

If you are charged a photo retake fee, your new license will have the same number and expiration date. If you are charged a full replacement fee, you will receive a new license number and a new expiration date. The office will tell you which applies before you pay.

Can someone else pick up my license if it is mailed?

No. Georgia mails licenses to the address on file, and only the person named on the license can open and use it. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the Driver Services office to update your mailing address.