You'll need a new photo taken at a DMV office or approved vendor
When you renew your driver's license or need to replace a damaged one, you'll get a new photo taken as part of the process. You don't bring a photo from home — the DMV takes it for you at the time of your appointment. If you're renewing by mail in some states, you may be able to keep your old photo, but most people will have a fresh one taken in person at a DMV office.
Some states also allow you to have your photo taken at approved vendors like certain pharmacies or photo studios before you go to the DMV, then submit it with your process. The rules vary by state, so check your state's DMV website to see whether you can pre-submit a photo or whether you must have it taken on the day of your visit.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV takes your driver's license photo at the time of your appointment — you do not bring one from home in most cases.
- Some states allow you to have a photo taken at an approved vendor and submit it with your renewal process before your DMV visit.
- Your photo must meet specific requirements: a plain background, neutral expression, glasses off (unless medically necessary), and no hats or head coverings.
- Bring a valid ID and any documents your state requires for renewal, and plan to spend a few minutes on the photo portion of your appointment.
- If you dislike your photo after it's printed on your license, some states allow you to request a new one within a certain time frame for a small fee.
Photo requirements that explore in most states
Your driver's license photo must follow a standard format so it can be scanned by law enforcement and verified at borders. The most common requirements are a plain white or light-colored background, a straight-on view of your face, and a neutral expression. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat unless you have a medical reason (such as a head covering for religious purposes, which most states allow with documentation).
Your eyes must be open and visible, and your face must take up most of the frame — not a full-body shot or a photo taken from far away. If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them in your photo, but the lenses cannot be tinted and the frames cannot cover your eyes. Some states require that you remove glasses entirely; check your state's specific rules before your appointment.
Avoid heavy makeup, filters, or anything that significantly changes your appearance from day to day. The photo needs to match you when you're stopped by police or crossing a border, so it should look like you on an ordinary day.
What to do if your state allows pre-submitted photos
A few states let you have a photo taken at a pharmacy, portrait studio, or other approved vendor and then submit it with your renewal paperwork before you visit the DMV. If your state offers this option, the photo still must meet DMV standards — plain background, proper framing, no glasses or hats — so ask the vendor whether they know the requirements or bring a copy of your state's photo guidelines with you.
Pre-submitting a photo can save you time at your DMV appointment because the photo portion is already done. However, if the DMV rejects your photo for not meeting standards, you'll have to get a new one taken, either at a vendor again or at your DMV appointment. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether pre-submission is an option and what the photo specifications are.
Bringing the right documents to your appointment
On the day of your appointment, bring your current driver's license or ID, your Social Security number (or a document with it), and proof of your address such as a utility bill or lease. Some states also require proof of citizenship or legal residency. The DMV staff will verify your documents, answer any questions about your photo, and then take your picture.
Arrive with your hair and face as you normally wear them. If you usually wear glasses, wear them. If you usually wear your hair down, wear it down. The goal is for the photo to match you in everyday life, not to look like a different version of yourself on license day.
The photo-taking process at the DMV
When it's time for your photo, a DMV staff member will direct you to a photo station or booth. You'll sit or stand in front of a camera, usually with a plain background behind you. The staff member will give you instructions: look straight ahead, keep a neutral expression, and don't smile (though some states now allow a slight, natural smile). The photo is usually taken within seconds.
You may see a preview of the photo on a screen before it's finalized. If you're allowed to see it and it doesn't meet the requirements — your eyes are closed, your face is cut off, or the background is wrong — ask the staff member to take another one. Most DMV offices will retake a photo if there's a clear problem, though policies vary.
What to do if you hate your new license photo
If your photo is approved and printed on your license but you're unhappy with how you look, some states allow you to request a new photo within a set time frame (often 30 to 60 days) for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. This is different from a renewal — it's a photo replacement only. Not all states offer this option, so check your state's DMV website or ask at your local office.
To request a new photo, you'll typically return to a DMV office with your current license and pay the fee. The staff will take a new photo, and you'll receive a new license card in the mail within a few weeks. This option exists because the DMV recognizes that a bad photo can happen — bad lighting, a blink, or an unflattering angle — and they want you to have a recourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or style my hair differently for my license photo?
Yes, but keep it natural and consistent with how you normally look. Heavy makeup, dramatic styling, or a completely different hairstyle can make it harder for the photo to match you in person, which defeats the purpose of the ID. Wear what you'd wear on a regular day.
What if I blink or look bad in my photo and the DMV won't retake it?
If the photo meets technical standards (your face is visible, the background is correct, your eyes are open), the DMV may not retake it. However, many states allow you to request a new photo within 30 to 60 days for a small fee. Check your state's policy — some are more flexible than others.
Do I have to remove my glasses for my license photo?
It depends on your state. Some states require glasses off; others allow them as long as the lenses aren't tinted and your eyes are clearly visible. Check your state's DMV website before your appointment, or ask the staff member when you arrive.
Can I wear a religious head covering in my license photo?
Most states allow religious head coverings (hijab, turban, etc.) in your driver's license photo with documentation of your faith. Your face must still be fully visible and unobstructed. Contact your state's DMV ahead of time to confirm their specific policy and what documentation you may need to bring.
How long does it take to get my new license after the photo is taken?
The photo is taken at your appointment, but your physical license card is printed and mailed to you, usually within two to four weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that you can use when ready while you wait for the card to arrive.