The fastest places to get your driver's license photo taken
You can get a driver's license photo at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, at most CVS and Walgreens locations, at Costco photo centers, and at independent portrait studios that advertise DMV photos. The DMV itself is the most direct route — they take the photo as part of your license transaction — but CVS and Walgreens are usually faster if you just need the photo without renewing your license. Costco photo centers offer the lowest price but require a membership.
The photo must meet your state's specific requirements: background color (usually plain white or light blue), head size, glasses rules, and expression rules vary by state. Before you go anywhere, check your state DMV website for the exact specifications, because a photo that does not meet them will be rejected and you will have to pay again.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website lists the exact photo requirements for your state, including background color, head size, and whether glasses are allowed.
- CVS and Walgreens photo departments can take DMV photos in most states and usually have same-day or next-day pickup, but call ahead to confirm they offer this service in your location.
- Costco photo centers charge less than chain pharmacies but require a membership and may have longer wait times during peak hours.
- Independent portrait studios often advertise DMV photo services and may offer more flexible scheduling than chain retailers.
- Bring your current ID or passport to any photo location, because most will not take the photo without proof of identity.
DMV offices: the official source
Taking your photo at the DMV is the most straightforward option because the same person who takes your photo processes your license process. You do not have to worry about whether the photo meets requirements — the DMV photographer knows the state rules and will retake it if needed before you leave. You pay for the photo as part of your license fee, so there is no separate charge.
The trade-off is wait time. DMV offices are typically crowded, especially on weekday afternoons and Saturdays. Many states now let you book an appointment online, which can cut your wait from hours to 15 or 20 minutes. Check your state DMV website for the appointment system — some states require it, others offer it as optional.
If you are renewing your license anyway, the DMV is your only choice for the photo. If you just need a new photo for a replacement license (because your current photo is damaged or you want a new one), you can get it elsewhere and bring it with you, though the DMV may still retake it if it does not meet their standards.
CVS and Walgreens photo departments
Most CVS and Walgreens locations offer DMV photo services, usually for $10 to $15 per photo. You can walk in without an appointment at most stores, though wait times vary. Some locations have a dedicated photo counter; others handle it at the pharmacy. Call the store's photo department before you go to confirm they take DMV photos and ask about current wait times.
The photo is usually ready the same day or next day. The photographer will ask you to confirm your state and will follow that state's requirements. However, if the photo does not meet your state's rules, the DMV may reject it when you submit your process, and you will have to pay for another one. For this reason, ask the photographer to show you the photo on the screen before they print it, and compare it against your state's requirements on your phone.
Not every CVS or Walgreens offers this service — smaller locations or those in rural areas may not have the equipment or trained staff. Call ahead or check the store's website. Some states have partnerships with specific chains, so your state DMV website may list which retailers are approved in your area.
Costco photo centers
Costco photo departments take DMV photos for roughly $5 to $8, which is cheaper than chain pharmacies. You must have a Costco membership to use the service. The photographer follows your state's requirements and can usually print the photo the same day.
Costco photo centers are typically less busy than DMV offices but can have longer waits during lunch hours and weekends. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth your time. Like CVS and Walgreens, ask to see the photo on screen before it is printed so you can check it against your state's rules.
Independent portrait studios
Many independent photography studios advertise DMV photo services. These are often faster than chain retailers because they have fewer customers and more flexible scheduling. Some offer evening or weekend hours, which can be convenient if you work during the day. Prices range from $8 to $20 depending on the studio and your location.
The main risk is that an independent studio may not be familiar with your specific state's requirements. Before you book, ask the studio to confirm they have taken DMV photos for your state and ask them to show you an example. When you arrive, bring a printed copy of your state's photo requirements from the DMV website so the photographer can reference it.
What your state's DMV website tells you
Every state DMV website publishes the exact photo requirements. These typically include background color (white, light blue, or off-white), head size (usually 50 to 70 percent of the photo), whether glasses are allowed, whether you can smile, and whether you can wear a hat or head covering. Some states allow religious head coverings but not hats. Some allow glasses if they do not have a glare or tinted lenses.
Find your state DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV driver's license photo requirements." read or screenshot the requirements and bring them with you, or show them to the photographer on your phone. If a photographer says they do not know the rules or will not follow them, go somewhere else — a rejected photo costs you time and money.
A few states offer digital photo submission, meaning you can take the photo yourself at home and upload it when you renew online. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a current government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to any photo location. Most retailers and studios will not take your photo without it. If you are getting a replacement license because your current one is lost or stolen, bring whatever ID you have — a passport works, or a state ID, or even a school ID plus a utility bill in some cases. Call ahead to ask what the location accepts.
Wear what you normally wear. You do not need to dress up. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or clothing that blends into the background. Avoid heavy makeup or sunglasses. If you wear glasses for vision correction, wear them if your state allows it. If you wear a religious head covering, most states allow it, but check your state's rules first.
The photo session takes 5 to 10 minutes. The photographer will position you, take one or more shots, and show you the result. If you do not like how you look, ask for a retake — most locations will do this at no extra charge. Once you approve it, the photo is printed or saved to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo I took myself at home?
Most states do not allow this for in-person license renewal at the DMV. However, some states now offer online renewal with digital photo submission, which lets you take the photo yourself at home using your phone or computer. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. If you use this route, follow the state's digital photo requirements exactly, because there is no photographer to catch mistakes.
What if the photo location rejects my photo?
If a retailer or studio says the photo does not meet requirements, ask them to explain which requirement it does not meet. Compare their explanation to your state's rules on your phone. If you disagree, you can get a second opinion from another location or from the DMV itself. You will have to pay for a new photo if you go elsewhere.
How long does a driver's license photo stay valid?
A photo is valid for as long as your license is valid — usually 4 to 8 years depending on your state and age. You do not need a new photo unless your license expires, you renew it, you get a replacement license, or your state requires it for another reason. Check your state DMV website for your license's expiration date.
Do I need an appointment to get a photo at CVS or Walgreens?
Most CVS and Walgreens locations do not require an appointment for DMV photos, but some do during busy times. Call the photo department at your nearest store to ask about their current policy and wait times. Calling ahead takes 2 minutes and can save you a wasted trip.
What if my state does not have a DMV?
A few states use different names for their motor vehicle agency — for example, the Department of Public Safety or the Secretary of State's office. Search "[your state] driver's license" to find the correct agency. The photo requirements and process are the same; only the agency name differs.