Where you can get your photo taken for a driver's license

You can get your driver's license photo taken at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, at most AAA locations if you are a member, at some Costco photo centers, and occasionally at designated third-party vendors your state has contracted with. The easiest route is usually your local DMV, since they take the photo as part of the same appointment where you complete your process. If you want to avoid the DMV wait, check whether your state allows photos from AAA or other vendors — this varies significantly by state.

Some states let you bring a photo you took yourself, but this is rare and comes with strict requirements about background, lighting, and head position. Most states will reject a self-taken photo or one from a regular photo studio because the specifications are very specific: plain background, no glasses, no hats, head centered, and taken straight-on. It is almost always faster and simpler to have the DMV or an authorized vendor take it during your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV office will take your photo when you come in for your driver's license appointment, and this is included in your fee.
  • AAA members in many states can get photos taken at AAA locations without waiting at the DMV, though availability depends on your state.
  • Costco photo centers offer driver's license photos in some states, but you must check your state's DMV website to confirm they are an authorized vendor.
  • Self-taken photos are almost never accepted because state photo standards are strict about background, lighting, and positioning.
  • The photo fee is usually included in your driver's license process fee, though some vendors may charge a small separate amount.

Getting your photo taken at the DMV

When you arrive at your DMV office for your driver's license appointment, a staff member will take your photo as part of the standard process. You do not need to schedule a separate photo appointment — it happens during the same visit where you submit your documents and pay your fee. The DMV photographer will position you in front of a plain background, ask you to look straight ahead, and take one or more shots until they have an acceptable image.

Bring your documents and be prepared to wait. DMV photo lines can be long, especially at busy locations or times of day. Wear something you do not mind appearing in for the next several years, avoid heavy makeup or sunglasses, and make sure your face is clearly visible. The photo will be printed on your license and used for identification, so the DMV has strict rules about what they will accept — no filters, no extreme angles, and no obscured features.

AAA photo services for members

If you are an AAA member, you may be able to get your driver's license photo taken at your local AAA office instead of waiting at the DMV. This option is available in many states but not all — check your state's DMV website or call your local AAA branch to confirm. AAA locations typically have shorter wait times than the DMV, and the photo meets the same state standards.

You will still need to submit your process and pay your fee at the DMV, but you can have the photo taken at AAA beforehand and bring it with you. Some states allow you to upload the photo to the DMV website or bring a printed copy to your appointment. Call ahead to confirm your state's process and whether AAA in your area offers this service — not all branches do.

Costco and other third-party vendors

Some states have authorized Costco photo centers to take driver's license photos. Costco locations that offer this service can take your photo and provide you with a digital copy or print that meets your state's specifications. However, this option is not available in every state, and not every Costco location offers it even in states where it is permitted.

Before going to Costco, check your state's DMV website to see whether Costco is listed as an authorized vendor. If it is, call your local Costco photo center to confirm they offer driver's license photos and whether you need an appointment. You will still need to bring your photo to the DMV when you submit your process, along with your other documents and payment.

What to know about photo requirements

Your state's DMV has specific rules about what your driver's license photo must look like. These rules exist so the photo can be used for identification and security purposes. Common requirements include a plain white or light-colored background, your head centered in the frame, your eyes open and looking straight ahead, and your face fully visible with no hats, sunglasses, or heavy filters.

Some states allow religious head coverings if they do not obscure your face. Most states do not allow glasses in the photo, though a few make exceptions for prescription glasses if you wear them regularly. Check your state's specific photo rules on the DMV website before you go — if your photo does not meet the requirements, you will have to retake it, which delays your license.

Bringing a photo you took yourself

A very small number of states allow you to bring a photo you took yourself, but this is uncommon and comes with strict requirements. If your state does allow it, the photo must usually be recent (taken within the last six months), meet the exact size and format specifications, and follow all the positioning and background rules. Even then, the DMV staff member reviewing it may reject it if they think it does not meet standards.

It is almost always easier to have the DMV or an authorized vendor take the photo during your appointment. Self-taken photos often fail because home lighting is not the same as professional lighting, backgrounds are not plain enough, or the angle is slightly off. Unless your state explicitly says you can bring your own photo and you are confident it meets every requirement, plan on having it taken at the DMV or an authorized location.

Fees and what is included

The cost of your driver's license photo is usually included in your overall process fee. When you pay to get your driver's license, that fee covers the photo, the background check, the card production, and the processing. You do not typically pay extra for the photo itself.

If you use an authorized third-party vendor like AAA or Costco, they may charge a small separate fee for the photo service — usually between $5 and $15 — though some do it at no extra cost. Check with the vendor before you go. If you need to retake your photo because the first one was rejected, you may have to pay a retake fee, which varies by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses in my driver's license photo?

Most states do not allow glasses in driver's license photos because they can create glare and obscure your eyes. A few states make exceptions if you wear prescription glasses regularly and need them to see clearly. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rule, and ask the photographer when you arrive — they will tell you whether to remove them.

What if I do not like how my photo looks?

You can request a retake at most DMV offices, though some states limit how often you can do this. If the photo is blurry, your eyes are closed, or there is a clear technical problem, the DMV will usually retake it at no charge. If you straightforward do not like how you look, you may have to pay a retake fee or wait until your license renewal to get a new photo.

Do I need an appointment to get my photo taken?

At the DMV, your photo is taken during your driver's license appointment, so you need an appointment for the overall process. At AAA or Costco, you may be able to walk in, but calling ahead is a good idea to confirm wait times and whether they are currently taking photos that day.

Can I get my photo taken before I explore for my license?

Yes, if your state allows third-party vendors. You can get your photo taken at an authorized location like AAA or Costco, then bring it to your DMV appointment. However, many states require the photo to be taken at the DMV as part of the process process, so check your state's rules first.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

If your photo does not meet state requirements, the DMV will ask you to retake it. This usually happens on the spot if you are at the DMV office. If you brought a photo from another vendor, you may need to come back with a new one. Retakes can delay your license, so make sure you understand the photo requirements before your appointment.