Boulder's driver license photo locations and what to bring
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles operates one full-service office in Boulder where you can have your driver license photo taken. That office is located at 1910 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302, and it handles both new photos for license renewals and replacement photos if your current one is damaged or you want a new one taken.
You will need to bring your current driver license or state ID, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing your license at the same time as getting a new photo, bring any additional documents required for renewal — typically your current license and proof of residency are sufficient for a standard renewal.
The office also handles other transactions: license replacements, address changes, and vehicle registration. Because it is the only full-service DMV location in Boulder proper, wait times can be longer during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- The Boulder DMV office at 1910 13th Street is the only location in the city where you can have a driver license photo taken by DMV staff.
- Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to have your photo taken.
- You can have a new photo taken for a renewal, as a replacement, or as a standalone transaction without renewing your license.
- Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
Hours and how to check wait times
The Boulder DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. It does not open on Saturdays, so plan your visit during a weekday if possible.
Colorado's DMV website includes a real-time wait time tool that shows current wait times at the Boulder location. You can check this before you go to avoid arriving during the busiest periods. The tool updates throughout the day and gives you a sense of whether you should go now or come back later.
You do not need an appointment to have a photo taken at the Boulder office. Walk-ins are accepted, though during very busy periods you may be asked to return at a less crowded time.
Photo requirements and what happens during the appointment
Colorado has specific rules for driver license photos. You must face the camera directly, keep a neutral expression, and remove sunglasses and hats (except for religious reasons). Your photo must show your face clearly from the top of your head to your shoulders. The background is always plain and controlled by the DMV.
You cannot wear a uniform that is part of your job, and you cannot have another person in the photo. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you may wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
The DMV staff at the Boulder office will take your photo digitally. The photo is captured on the spot and stored in Colorado's system. You will see a preview before it is finalized, and you can request a retake if you are unhappy with how it looks — the staff will usually allow one retake at no additional charge.
Cost of a new driver license photo
If you are having a photo taken as part of a license renewal, the photo fee is included in the renewal cost. A standard license renewal in Colorado costs between $30 and $35, depending on whether you renew for four or eight years.
If you want a replacement photo without renewing your license — for example, because your current photo is damaged or you straightforward want a new one — there is a separate fee. This replacement photo fee is typically $10 to $15, though the exact amount can vary. Call the Boulder office at (303) 441-4444 to confirm the current fee before you go.
The DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at the Boulder location. Exact change is not required.
What to do if you cannot visit the Boulder office
If you cannot reach the Boulder DMV during business hours, you have a few alternatives. Some surrounding counties have DMV offices with shorter wait times — the nearest options are in Broomfield and Longmont, both within 20 to 30 minutes of central Boulder.
You can also renew your license by mail if you are only renewing and do not need a new photo. Colorado allows mail-in renewals for drivers whose licenses are not expiring within 30 days and who have not had a mail renewal in the past eight years. You will need to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. However, if you want a new photo taken, you must visit an office in person — photos cannot be submitted by mail.
If you need a replacement photo urgently and cannot visit Boulder, calling ahead to the office can sometimes help. Staff may be able to tell you the slowest time of day or week, or they may be able to schedule you for a specific time if your situation is time-sensitive.
Renewing your license at the same time as getting a new photo
Many people combine a photo replacement with a license renewal. If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it and have a new photo taken in the same visit. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, just as you would for a photo-only visit.
The renewal process takes a few minutes longer than a photo-only transaction because the staff member will verify your information in the system and process the renewal paperwork. The total time is usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written driving test or vision test as part of the renewal. The staff at the Boulder office can tell you whether this applies to your situation when you arrive.
What to do if your photo is rejected
The DMV may reject a photo if it does not meet the technical requirements — for example, if there is glare on your glasses, if your face is not clearly visible, or if the background is not plain. If this happens, the staff will explain why and offer you a retake. There is no additional fee for a retake on the same day.
If you are unhappy with your approved photo after you leave the office, you can return to the Boulder DMV and request a replacement photo. You will need to pay the replacement photo fee again. Some people choose to do this if they feel the photo does not look like them or if they blinked or made an unflattering expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my driver license photo taken at a different Colorado DMV office and use it in Boulder?
Yes. Your photo is stored in Colorado's statewide system, so any DMV office in the state can take your photo and it will be valid for your Boulder license. If you are traveling or find a closer office with shorter wait times, you can use any DMV location.
Do I need to make an appointment to have my photo taken at the Boulder office?
No. The Boulder DMV accepts walk-ins for photo services. However, you can check the real-time wait time tool on the Colorado DMV website before you go to see how busy it is at that moment.
What if I wear religious head coverings — can I wear them in my driver license photo?
Yes. Colorado allows religious head coverings in driver license photos as long as your face is fully visible and clearly identifiable. The covering cannot cast a shadow on your face or obscure any facial features.
How long does a new driver license photo take to process?
Your photo is captured and stored when ready during your visit. You will receive your new license with the photo printed on it within 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you need it sooner, ask the staff about rush options when you visit.
Can I submit a photo I took myself instead of having one taken at the DMV?
No. Colorado requires that all driver license photos be taken by DMV staff or at an authorized location. You cannot submit a personal photo or a photo from another source.