Yes, you can change your driver's license photo, but the process and cost depend on your state
Most states let you request a new photo without renewing your entire license, though a few require you to wait until your license expires or comes up for renewal. Some states charge a small fee for a photo replacement—typically $5 to $20—while others do it free. The fastest way is usually your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, which may let you upload a new photo and mail in your old license. If your state doesn't offer online photo replacement, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person with a new photo or have one taken there.
The rules vary significantly by state. Some states treat a photo change as a straightforward transaction that takes a few days by mail. Others require you to appear in person. A few states only allow photo changes during a full license renewal, which means you might have to wait years if you just renewed. Before you take a new photo or visit the DMV, check your state's specific rules—this saves a trip and prevents paying for a photo you can't use.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow photo-only replacements without renewing your entire license, but some require you to wait until your renewal date.
- You can usually request a new photo online through your state DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local office.
- Photo replacement fees range from free to about $20, depending on your state.
- Check your state's DMV website first to confirm whether photo replacement is available and what documents or photos you need to bring.
- If you're renewing your license soon anyway, you may be able to include a new photo with your renewal process at no extra cost.
Check your state's DMV website for the photo replacement option
Start by visiting your state's official DMV website and searching for "photo replacement" or "new license photo." Most state DMV sites have a dedicated page explaining whether photo-only changes are available, what the fee is, and which method you can use. Some states list this under "license services" or "license updates" instead of a separate heading, so use the site's search function if you can't find it in the main menu.
Write down the exact requirements your state lists—whether you need to mail in your old license, whether you can upload a photo online, whether you need to visit an office, and what the fee is. This information changes by state and sometimes by county, so the official source is the only reliable one. If you can't find the information on the website, call your state DMV's general line and ask directly.
Decide whether to submit a photo online, by mail, or in person
If your state offers online photo submission, you'll upload a new photo through the DMV website, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and mail in your old license in a prepaid envelope. This usually takes one to two weeks. You'll receive a new license with the updated photo by mail. This is the fastest option if your state offers it and requires no trip to an office.
If your state requires you to mail in your photo and old license, you'll print a form from the DMV website, include your new photo, and mail everything to the address listed. Again, this typically takes one to two weeks. Some states include a prepaid return envelope; others charge you to mail it back.
If your state requires an in-person visit, you'll go to a local DMV office with your old license and either a new photo you've brought or you'll have one taken there. Many DMV offices can take your photo on the spot for a small fee (usually $5 to $10). This is the fastest option if you do it same-day, but it requires a trip and may involve a wait.
Prepare the right photo if you're bringing one yourself
If you're submitting a photo rather than having one taken at the DMV, your state has specific requirements for size, background, and appearance. Most states require a 2x2-inch color photo with a plain white or light background, taken within the last six months, showing your face straight-on and clearly visible. Glasses are usually allowed if you wear them regularly, but the photo must show your eyes clearly.
Do not use a selfie, a photo with other people in it, or a photo with a busy background. Professional photo studios, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart photo departments all know DMV photo requirements and can take one that meets your state's rules. The cost is usually $10 to $15. If you're unsure whether your photo will be accepted, ask the photographer to confirm it meets your state's DMV standards before you pay.
Submit your request through the method your state offers
If you're submitting online, log into your state DMV account (or create one if you don't have one), find the photo replacement option, upload your photo, and pay the fee. You'll receive a confirmation number and instructions for mailing in your old license. Keep the confirmation number until you receive your new license.
If you're mailing in your materials, print the form your state requires, include your photo and old license, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Use regular mail unless your state specifies otherwise. Include a note with your name, license number, and phone number in case there's a question. Expect the new license to arrive in one to three weeks.
If you're visiting an office in person, bring your old license, your new photo (if you have one), and any form your state requires. Some states let you walk in; others require you to book an appointment online first. Check your state's website to see whether appointments are needed and how to book one. You'll usually receive your new license on the spot or by mail within a week.
What to do if your state requires you to wait for renewal
A small number of states do not allow photo-only replacements and require you to wait until your license expires or comes up for renewal. If this is your situation, you have two options: wait until your renewal date and include a new photo with your renewal process, or contact your state DMV to ask whether there are any exceptions (some states make exceptions for significant appearance changes or religious reasons).
If you're renewing soon anyway—within the next year or two—it's usually not worth the hassle of requesting an exception. straightforward submit your new photo when you renew. If your renewal is years away and you need a current photo ID, consider getting a state ID card instead, which is a separate document from your license and may have different photo replacement rules in your state.
Track your new license and handle your old one
If you submitted your request by mail or online, keep your confirmation number and check your state DMV website for a tracking option. Some states let you track your license by confirmation number or license number. If you don't receive your new license within the timeframe your state stated, call the DMV and provide your confirmation number.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information. If you submitted your old license by mail and it was lost in transit, contact your state DMV when ready with your confirmation number and ask what to do next—most states have a process for replacing a lost license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my entire license just to change the photo?
Most states allow photo-only replacements without renewing your full license. However, a few states require you to wait until your renewal date. Check your state DMV website to confirm. If your state requires a full renewal, you can usually include a new photo with your renewal process at no extra cost.
How much does it cost to change my driver's license photo?
Photo replacement fees vary by state, ranging from free to about $20. Most states charge between $5 and $15. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee. If you're having a photo taken at the DMV office, there may be an additional small fee for the photo itself.
Can I use a selfie or a photo from my phone?
No. Most states require a professional-quality photo with a plain background, taken straight-on, and meeting specific size requirements (usually 2x2 inches). A selfie or casual phone photo will not meet these standards. Use a professional photo studio or a pharmacy photo service that knows DMV requirements.
How long does it take to get my new license with the updated photo?
If you submit online or by mail, expect one to three weeks. If you visit a DMV office in person, you may receive your new license the same day or within a week by mail, depending on your state. Check your state's website for the exact timeframe.
What if I lost my old license and can't mail it in?
Contact your state DMV when ready with your confirmation number and explain that your old license was lost. Most states have a process for handling this situation. You may need to file a report or pay a small replacement fee. Call your state DMV's general line to find out what to do next.