How to Make a Copy of Your Driver's License for a Passport Application

What you need to copy and how to do it

When you explore for a passport, the State Department requires a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID — your driver's license works for this. You make the copy yourself using a standard photocopier, either at home, at a library, or at a print shop. The copy must show both the front and back of your license, be in black and white or color, and be on standard 8.5 × 11 inch paper.

You do not need permission from your state's DMV or any government office to copy your own license for passport purposes. This is a routine step in the passport process process, and the State Department expects applicants to provide it. The copy is submitted along with your process form, proof of citizenship, and payment.

Keep in mind that the photocopy is only for the passport process itself. You will still need to bring your original, valid driver's license to your passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, courthouse, or library) when you submit your process in person.

Key Takeaways

You need a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license to include with your passport process.
The copy must be on standard 8.5 × 11 inch paper and can be black and white or color.
You bring your original license to the acceptance facility in person; the photocopy goes in your process packet.
Libraries, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and print shops all offer photocopying services if you do not have a copier at home.

Where to make the copy

Your local public library almost always has a photocopier available to the public for a small fee — usually 10 to 25 cents per page. This is often the cheapest option. Call ahead to confirm the library has a working copier and ask what the current cost is.

UPS Store and FedEx locations have copiers and typically charge 25 to 50 cents per page depending on whether you want black and white or color. Both are open extended hours and on weekends, which can be convenient if you work during library hours.

If you have a printer and scanner at home, you can scan both sides of your license and print them on regular paper. This costs nothing beyond what you already pay for ink and paper. Make sure the image is clear and the entire license is visible on the page.

Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens also offer copying services at their photo centers, usually at similar prices to UPS and FedEx. Some banks will make a copy for you at no charge if you are a customer, though this varies by institution.

Making sure your copy meets State Department standards

The State Department does not require the copy to be certified or notarized. It straightforward needs to be legible — the text, photo, and security features should be clear enough to read. If your license has a hologram or raised text, the photocopy may not capture those details perfectly, but that is acceptable.

Both the front and back of your license must be on the copy. If your copier only fits one side per page, you can use two pages — one for the front and one for the back. Some people copy both sides onto a single page by reducing the size, which also works as long as both sides are readable.

Check that the copy is not cut off at the edges. The entire license should fit within the margins of the paper. If part of your license is missing from the photocopy, make another copy and adjust the position on the glass or the settings on the copier.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

An expired driver's license can still be used as ID for a passport process, as long as it was not expired for more than five years at the time you submit your process. Make a copy of the expired license as you normally would.

If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot use it as your primary ID for a passport. You will need to bring a different form of government-issued photo ID instead — a passport card, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. You can still make a copy of your suspended license if you want to include it, but the State Department will not accept it as your required ID document.

If you do not have any other valid photo ID and your license is suspended, contact your state's DMV to find out whether you can obtain a state ID card or whether your suspension can be lifted temporarily for identification purposes.

Bringing the original to your appointment

The photocopy goes in your process packet, but you must bring your original, valid driver's license with you when you go to the passport acceptance facility. The acceptance agent will examine the original to verify that it matches the photocopy and that it is currently valid.

If the photocopy and the original do not match — for example, if you copied an old license but brought a newer one — the acceptance agent may ask you to explain the discrepancy or may ask you to provide a new copy. To avoid delays, make sure you copy the same license you plan to bring in person.

Bring the original in its physical form. You cannot submit a digital photo or a scan of your license instead of the physical document. The acceptance agent needs to see and hold the actual ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my license instead of a photocopy?

No. The State Department requires an actual photocopy, not a photo taken with a phone or camera. A photograph may be unclear or distorted, and the State Department will not accept it. Use a photocopier to make a copy on paper.

Do I need to get my license copy notarized?

No. The State Department does not require a notary seal or certification on the photocopy of your license. A plain photocopy is sufficient. Paying for notarization is unnecessary.

What if I do not have a driver's license?

You can use a different government-issued photo ID instead — a state ID card, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. Make a photocopy of whichever ID you have, following the same rules: both sides, legible, on standard paper.

Can I mail in my passport process with just the photocopy, or do I need the original?

If you are renewing a passport by mail (using form DS-82), you do not need to include a photocopy of your ID at all — you only need your previous passport. If you are explore in person for the first time or after a significant change, you must bring your original ID to the acceptance facility, though the photocopy goes in your process packet.

What if my photocopy is blurry or hard to read?

Make another copy. Adjust the position of your license on the copier glass, clean the glass, or try a different copier. The acceptance agent needs to be able to read the information clearly, so keep trying until you have a legible copy.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.