Aurora driver license photos are taken at the Colorado Department of Revenue office on East Colfax Avenue, not at a separate photo studio
When you renew your Colorado driver license or get a new one, the Department of Revenue takes your photo at the same location where you complete your process. In Aurora, that office is located at 303 South Sable Boulevard. You do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere — the office photographs you as part of the licensing process.
The photo is taken when ready when you arrive for your appointment or walk-in visit. You sit in front of a camera, follow the staff member's instructions about positioning and expression, and the image is captured digitally and printed on your license. The entire photo process takes less than a minute.
If you are renewing online or by mail through the Colorado DMV website, you will upload a digital photo you have taken yourself at home. That photo must meet specific requirements: a plain white or off-white background, your face clearly visible and centered, no sunglasses or hats, and taken within the last six months. If your uploaded photo does not meet the standards, the department will reject it and ask you to resubmit or visit the office in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Aurora Department of Revenue office at 303 South Sable Boulevard takes your driver license photo when you visit in person for a new license or renewal.
- You do not need to bring a photo from a studio or photographer — the office handles the photo as part of your appointment.
- If you renew online or by mail, you upload your own photo, which must have a plain background, show your face clearly, and be recent.
- The in-person photo takes less than a minute and happens the same day you explore.
What to expect when you arrive for your photo
When you check in at the Aurora office, staff will direct you to the photo station after you have completed your process paperwork. You will stand or sit in front of a fixed camera mounted on a wall or stand. The photographer will ask you to remove glasses (unless you have a medical reason to wear them), look straight ahead, and keep a neutral expression.
Colorado driver license photos must show your face clearly and straight-on. You cannot wear a hat, headwrap, or sunglasses unless you have a documented religious or medical reason. If you do, you will need to provide a letter from your doctor or a statement of religious practice. The background is always plain and controlled by the office equipment.
The photo is taken in color and appears on your physical license. You will see a preview on the screen before the image is finalized, and you can ask for a retake if you blink or if the image is unclear. Most people get an acceptable photo on the first or second attempt.
How to schedule or walk in at the Aurora office
The Aurora Department of Revenue office accepts both scheduled appointments and walk-in customers. You can book an appointment through the Colorado DMV website by selecting the Aurora location and choosing an available time slot. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially near the end of the month.
If you do not have an appointment, you can walk in during business hours. Wait times for walk-ins vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. The office is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Bring your current driver license or ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are getting a new license, bring documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency. The staff at the office can tell you exactly which documents you need based on your situation.
Photo requirements for online and mail renewals
If you choose to renew your Colorado driver license online or by mail instead of visiting the office, you must provide your own digital photo. The photo must be a recent color image taken within the last six months. It should show your face clearly, centered in the frame, against a plain white or off-white background.
Your eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat. Glasses with clear lenses are allowed. Your face should take up most of the frame — not a full-body shot or a photo taken from far away. The image must be in focus and well-lit so that your facial features are clearly visible.
Common reasons photos are rejected include a background that is not plain (such as a wall with pictures or a patterned surface), shadows across your face, red-eye, or an image that is blurry or too small. If your photo is rejected, the department will email you with specific feedback and ask you to resubmit. You can take another photo at home and upload it, or you can visit the Aurora office in person instead.
What happens to your photo after it is taken
Your driver license photo is stored in the Colorado Department of Revenue database and printed on your physical license. The image is also used for the department's facial recognition system, which law enforcement and other authorized agencies can search. Your photo remains on file even after your license expires.
You cannot request a different photo be used on a renewal unless you visit the office in person. If you renew by mail or online and want a new photo, you must wait until your next renewal cycle and visit the Aurora office then, or you can request an early renewal appointment specifically to update your photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled a certain way for my driver license photo?
Yes. Your makeup, hair, and general appearance are entirely your choice. The only restrictions are that you cannot wear a hat, headwrap, or sunglasses (unless medically or religiously required), and your face must be clearly visible and well-lit. Makeup, jewelry, and hairstyles are all permitted.
What if I blink or do not like how I look in my photo?
You can ask for a retake when ready after the photo is taken. The staff will take another photo at no extra charge. You can review the new image before it is finalized. If you are unhappy with your photo after you leave, you cannot change it until your next renewal, unless you pay for an early renewal appointment.
Do I need to smile for my driver license photo?
No. Colorado does not require you to smile. A neutral expression is standard and acceptable. Some people smile naturally, and that is fine. The key requirement is that your face is clearly visible and your eyes are open and looking at the camera.
Can I use a photo from my phone or social media for an online renewal?
Only if it meets all the requirements: taken within the last six months, plain white or off-white background, your face clearly visible and centered, no sunglasses or hat, and in focus. Most social media photos do not meet these standards because they have backgrounds, are taken at angles, or are too small. A photo taken at home against a plain wall is usually your best option.
What if I have a religious or medical reason to wear a head covering in my photo?
You can wear a head covering if you provide documentation. For religious reasons, submit a written statement explaining your faith and practice. For medical reasons, bring a letter from your doctor. The covering must still allow your face to be clearly visible from the forehead to the chin. Contact the Aurora office before your appointment to confirm what documentation they need.