Where to go and what to bring
To get a new photo on your driver's license, you visit the same office where you would renew your license — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent licensing agency. The specific name and location depend on your state. You can find your local office through your state's official DMV website or by calling the main DMV phone line.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works in most states), and a valid form of identification if your license has expired. Some states require you to bring your Social Security card or a birth certificate as well. Check your state's DMV website before you go — requirements vary, and showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip.
You do not need to bring a photo. The DMV takes your photo at the office using their camera. Some states allow you to submit a digital photo in advance through their online portal, but most require you to be photographed in person.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your state's DMV office in person; they photograph you there rather than accepting photos you bring.
- Bring your current license, proof of address, and any other ID your state requires — check the DMV website first.
- The fee for a photo-only update is usually lower than a full license renewal, typically between $10 and $30.
- Processing time ranges from same-day (if you pay for expedited service) to two to four weeks by mail, depending on your state.
- Some states let you update your photo online or by mail if your license is not expired, but most require an in-person visit.
When you need a new photo versus a full renewal
A photo-only update is different from a full license renewal. If your license is still valid and you only want to change the photo, you are doing a photo update. If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you need a renewal instead, which includes a new photo as part of the process.
Most states charge less for a photo-only update than for a full renewal. The fee typically ranges from $10 to $30, though some states charge nothing if your license is still valid. A few states do not offer photo-only updates at all — they require you to renew the entire license if you want a new photo. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a photo-only update is an option where you live.
Online and mail options in some states
A growing number of states allow you to update your photo without visiting an office in person. Some let you upload a digital photo through their online portal if your license is not expired. Others let you mail in a new photo along with a form, though this is less common and takes longer.
To find out whether your state offers these options, visit your state's official DMV website and search for "photo update" or "photo replacement." If your state does offer online photo updates, you will typically need to create an account, upload your photo, pay the fee, and wait for your new license to arrive by mail. The photo must meet specific requirements — usually a plain background, no sunglasses, and a clear view of your face — so read the guidelines carefully before you upload.
Photo requirements and what disqualifies an image
The DMV has strict rules about what makes a valid license photo. Your photo must show your face clearly, straight-on, with both eyes open and visible. The background must be plain and light-colored (usually white or off-white). You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat unless you have a religious or medical reason. Your expression should be neutral — smiling is allowed in most states, but extreme expressions are not.
If you are taking a photo yourself to submit online, avoid shadows on your face, glare on glasses, or anything that obscures your features. If you are being photographed at the DMV office, the staff will tell you if your photo does not meet requirements and will retake it. You do not get to choose the final image — the DMV uses the photo they take.
Processing time and when you will receive your new license
How long you wait depends on whether you do the update in person or by mail, and whether you pay for expedited processing. If you visit the DMV office in person, many states issue your new license on the spot or within a few days. Some states mail it to you instead, which takes one to two weeks.
If you submit your photo by mail or online, expect two to four weeks for standard processing. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to five to seven business days. A few states offer rush processing for an additional charge if you need the license urgently, though this is not common for photo-only updates.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a photo-only update is set by your state and does not vary by location within the state. Most states charge between $10 and $30. A few states charge nothing if your license is still valid. Some states charge a small additional fee if you want expedited processing or rush delivery.
Payment methods vary by state. Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are updating your photo online or by mail, you will typically pay by credit or debit card. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what payment methods are accepted at your local office.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If you submit a photo online and it does not meet the DMV's requirements, you will receive a notice asking you to resubmit. The DMV will tell you specifically what is wrong — for example, "background is not plain" or "face is not clearly visible." You then upload a new photo and resubmit. This process can add one to two weeks to your total wait time.
If you are photographed at the DMV office and the photo does not meet requirements, the staff will retake it when ready at no extra charge. You will not leave the office with a rejected photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new photo if my license has expired?
No. If your license has expired, you need to renew it rather than do a photo-only update. A renewal includes a new photo and costs more than a photo update. You will need to follow your state's renewal process instead.
Do I have to smile in my driver's license photo?
Most states allow smiling, but some prefer a neutral expression. The DMV staff will direct you on what expression to use when you are photographed. If you are submitting a photo online, check your state's photo guidelines — they will specify whether smiling is allowed.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
You can wear glasses in your license photo as long as the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare. Contacts do not show in a photo, so they are fine. Sunglasses are not allowed unless you have a medical reason (like extreme light sensitivity) and can provide documentation.
Can I update my photo if I changed my name?
No. A name change requires a full license renewal, not a photo-only update. You will need to bring a court order or marriage certificate showing your legal name change, along with the other documents required for renewal.
How do I know if my state offers online photo updates?
Visit your state's official DMV website and search for "photo update," "photo replacement," or "renew online." If your state offers it, there will be a link to the online portal. If you cannot find it on the website, call your local DMV office to ask whether the option is available.