Oxford Driver's License Office Photo Requirements

The Oxford Driver's License Office, located at 1701 Jackson Avenue West in Oxford, Mississippi, takes the photos required for your driver's license process or renewal. You cannot bring your own photo — the office takes it on-site as part of the transaction. The photo must meet Mississippi Department of Public Safety standards: a plain white or off-white background, your face clearly visible and centered, taken straight-on without sunglasses or hats, and taken within the last 30 days of your process.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by day and time of year; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. You do not need to schedule an appointment for a photo, but you do need to bring all required documents for your license type and have your process ready to submit.

The photo fee is included in your license fee — there is no separate charge for the photo itself. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will use a photo you have already submitted or one on file; the Oxford office photo is only taken in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Oxford Driver's License Office takes all photos on-site; you cannot bring a photo from another location or photographer.
  • Photos must have a plain white or off-white background, be taken straight-on without hats or sunglasses, and be taken within 30 days of your process.
  • The office is at 1701 Jackson Avenue West, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed for photos.
  • The photo fee is included in your overall license fee; there is no separate charge.

Documents to Bring for Your Photo and process

Before you arrive at the Oxford office, gather your documents based on whether you are explore for a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen license. All applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If you are under 21, you will also need a certified birth certificate or passport.

If you are renewing a license that is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years, you may not need all of these documents — bring your current license and the documents listed on the renewal notice you received. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will explore as a new applicant and need the full set of documents.

What Happens During Your Photo Visit

When you arrive at the Oxford office, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will verify that your documents meet the requirements and that you have completed the process form. If everything is in order, you will be directed to the photo area.

The photographer will position you in front of the white background, ask you to remove hats, sunglasses, and heavy eyeglasses if they create glare, and take your photo. The photo is taken digitally and stored in the Mississippi Driver's License system. You will see the photo on your screen or on a printout before the transaction is complete — if the photo is blurry, off-center, or does not meet standards, the photographer will retake it at no additional cost.

After your photo is taken and approved, you will pay your license fee, sign your process, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Common Photo Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason photos are rejected is poor lighting or a background that is not plain white or off-white. Shadows across your face, a colored wall behind you, or a photo taken outdoors will not meet standards. The photographer will ask you to retake the photo if this happens — it does not delay your license, but it does add time to your visit.

Wearing glasses that create a glare or reflection will also cause rejection. If you wear prescription glasses, you may wear them in your photo, but the photographer will ask you to adjust them or remove them if the lenses create a reflection. Hats, headwear for religious reasons, and medical head coverings are handled on a case-by-case basis — call the Oxford office at (662) 234-7500 before your visit if you have questions about religious or medical headwear.

Expressions matter less than clarity and centering. You do not need to smile, but your face must be clearly visible, centered in the frame, and taken straight-on. Tilted heads, turned faces, or photos taken at an angle will be retaken.

If You Need a Photo Retake After Your License Arrives

If your license arrives and you believe the photo does not look like you, is blurry, or was taken incorrectly, you can request a new photo at the Oxford office. Bring your license and a form of payment. The fee for a photo retake is typically $5 to $10, though this varies — call ahead to confirm the current fee.

Photo retakes are processed on the same day, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will keep your current license until the new one arrives. If your license is damaged or the photo is illegible due to a printing error on the state's side, the retake may be free — the staff at the Oxford office can tell you whether your situation qualifies.

Contact Information and Hours for the Oxford Office

Oxford Driver's License Office 1701 Jackson Avenue West Oxford, MS 38655 Phone: (662) 234-7500

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed state holidays)

The office does not accept walk-ins after 4:30 p.m., so plan to arrive with enough time to complete your process and photo before closing. If you have questions about your specific documents or situation before you visit, call the office during business hours — staff can tell you whether you have everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup or contact lenses in my driver's license photo?

Yes. Makeup and contact lenses are permitted. The photo standards do not restrict these. Avoid heavy makeup that changes your appearance significantly, as your photo should resemble you in everyday life for identification purposes.

What if I wear glasses and the photographer says there is a glare?

Ask the photographer to adjust the camera angle or lighting first — sometimes a small shift eliminates the glare without you removing your glasses. If glare persists, you can remove your glasses for the photo. If you wear glasses regularly, it is often better to wear them in your photo so it matches your everyday appearance.

Do I need to schedule an appointment for my photo at the Oxford office?

No appointment is required for photos. Walk in during business hours with your documents and completed process. However, wait times vary; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter than afternoons and Fridays.

What if I cannot make it to the Oxford office in person?

If you are renewing a license that is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website — you would use a photo already on file. For new licenses, replacements, or if you cannot renew remotely, you must visit the Oxford office or another Mississippi Driver's License Office in person.

How long does the photo process take at the Oxford office?

The photo itself takes 2 to 5 minutes. Your total visit time depends on how busy the office is and whether your documents are complete. Plan for 30 minutes to an hour from check-in to receiving your temporary license.