Where to get your photo taken for an Arizona driver license
Arizona allows you to have your driver license photo taken at Express locations — third-party businesses authorized by the Motor Vehicle Division — instead of waiting at an MVD office. These are private businesses scattered across the state that have been trained and equipped to take photos meeting Arizona's standards. You walk in, get your photo taken, and receive a receipt you bring to the MVD when you explore for or renew your license.
Express locations are not the same as the MVD itself. They only handle the photo; they cannot process your process, issue your license, or handle other MVD transactions. Think of them as a photo service that feeds into the larger licensing process, not a one-stop shop.
Key Takeaways
- Express locations take your driver license photo and give you a receipt; you then bring that receipt to an MVD office to complete your process or renewal.
- You do not need an appointment at most Express locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current availability is wise.
- The photo must meet Arizona's specific requirements: plain background, no sunglasses, head straight-on, and natural expression — Express staff will tell you if yours does not meet standards.
- You will pay a small fee at the Express location for the photo service, separate from any MVD fees you pay later.
- If your photo is rejected at the MVD office, you can return to the same Express location or try another one to retake it.
How to find an Express location near you
The Motor Vehicle Division maintains a list of authorized Express locations on its official website. You can search by city or zip code to find the ones closest to you. The list includes their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation, though hours can change seasonally or without notice.
Call before you go. Express locations are independent businesses, not MVD offices, so their schedules vary widely. Some are open evenings and weekends; others keep standard business hours. Some may close for lunch or take days off. A quick phone call confirms they are open and can handle your photo that day.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver license all work. The Express staff need to verify who you are before taking your photo. You do not need to bring your process or any MVD paperwork; the photo is the only thing they handle.
The photo session itself takes a few minutes. You will stand in front of a plain background, remove glasses or sunglasses, and look straight at the camera with a natural expression. The staff will tell you if your positioning is off or if you need to adjust anything. Once they take the photo, they print a receipt with your photo on it. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you go to the MVD to complete your process or renewal.
Photo requirements Arizona enforces
Arizona has specific rules about what your driver license photo must show. Your head must be straight-on and centered in the frame, with your eyes open and looking directly at the camera. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes. Prescription glasses are allowed, but the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that hides your eyes.
The background must be plain and neutral — usually white or light gray. You cannot wear clothing that blends into the background. Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons, and even then your face must be fully visible from the hairline to the chin. If your photo does not meet these standards, the Express staff will ask you to retake it before you leave.
What happens after you get your photo receipt
Once you have your photo receipt from the Express location, you take it to an MVD office to complete your driver license process or renewal. You cannot submit the photo by mail or online; you must present it in person at an MVD office. The MVD staff will verify that the photo meets their standards, scan it into their system, and process the rest of your process.
If the MVD rejects your photo for any reason — glare, wrong background, closed eyes, or anything else — you can go back to the Express location where you had it taken and request a retake. Most Express locations will retake your photo at no additional charge if it was rejected by the MVD, though you should confirm this when you call. If you prefer a different location, you can go to any other authorized Express location and have a new photo taken.
Fees and payment
Express locations charge a fee for taking your photo. This fee is separate from any MVD fees you will pay later when you explore for or renew your license. The photo fee varies by location but is typically a small amount — usually between $5 and $15. Ask the Express location what they charge before you have your photo taken.
Express locations accept cash, card, or both, depending on the business. Call ahead if you want to confirm their payment methods. The fee you pay at the Express location covers only the photo service; it does not include any MVD process, renewal, or licensing fees you will owe at the MVD office.
When to use an Express location versus an MVD office
Use an Express location if you want to separate the photo step from the rest of your process process, or if the nearest MVD office has long wait times. Express locations often have shorter waits and more flexible hours, so you can get your photo done quickly and on your own schedule. This is especially useful if you are renewing your license and want to break the process into two trips.
You must still go to an MVD office to complete your process, pay fees, and receive your actual license. The Express location is only for the photo. If you prefer to do everything in one visit, you can skip the Express location and have your photo taken at the MVD office itself, though wait times there are often longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at an Express location?
Most Express locations operate on a walk-in basis and do not require appointments. However, calling ahead to confirm they are open and not unusually busy is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance to get there.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
You can wear prescription glasses in your driver license photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. Contact lenses are fine and do not show in the photo. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
Can I use a photo I took myself or had taken elsewhere?
No. Your driver license photo must be taken by an authorized Express location or at an MVD office. You cannot submit a photo from a photographer, passport photo service, or any other source, even if it meets the technical requirements.
What if the Express location takes a bad photo and I do not notice until I get to the MVD?
If the MVD rejects your photo, you can return to the Express location and request a retake. Most locations will retake your photo at no charge if it was rejected by the MVD, though you should confirm their policy when you call.
Can I get my photo taken at an Express location if I am not explore for a license yet?
No. You must be actively explore for or renewing a driver license to have your photo taken at an Express location. The photo is tied to your process, and you will need to present the receipt at the MVD within a certain timeframe to use it.