Yes, you can retake your Colorado driver's license photo, but timing and cost depend on how old your current license is
Colorado allows you to request a new photo for your driver's license at any time, but the state charges a fee and has specific rules about when you can do it. If your current license is less than one year old, you'll pay a replacement fee. If it's older than that, you can get a new photo as part of a standard renewal. The process itself is straightforward: you go to a Driver's License office in person, request a new photo, take it on the spot, and receive a temporary license while your new one is mailed to you.
The main thing to know upfront is that Colorado does not allow you to submit your own photo or retake it at home. You must appear in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, and a staff member will take your photo using their equipment. This ensures the photo meets federal Real ID standards and state requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to retake your driver's license photo; you cannot submit a photo from home or a photographer.
- If your license is less than one year old, you will pay a replacement fee (currently around $20, though this varies by transaction type).
- If your license is more than one year old, you can retake your photo during a standard renewal, which costs less than a replacement.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new photo license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
When you can retake your photo without paying extra
If your driver's license is coming due for renewal anyway, you can retake your photo at no additional cost beyond the standard renewal fee. Colorado renews licenses every five years for most drivers, and every four years for drivers over 65. When you renew, you automatically get a new photo taken.
You can also retake your photo for free if Colorado's DMV made an error on your current license—for example, if the photo is blurry due to equipment failure or if your name is misspelled. Contact your local DMV office to report the error and ask whether they will issue a corrected license at no charge.
The replacement fee if your license is newer than one year
If your license is less than one year old and you want a new photo before your renewal date, Colorado charges a replacement fee. This fee is typically around $20, but the exact amount depends on your license type (standard, REAL ID, or enhanced) and whether you're also changing other information on the license. Call your local DMV office or check the Colorado DMV website for the current fee for your specific situation.
The replacement fee covers the cost of issuing a new card with your new photo. You will not pay this fee again if you renew on schedule—the renewal fee is separate and covers the five-year renewal cycle.
What to bring to your DMV appointment
Bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable address proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the address document must match your name on your license.
If you've recently moved and your license still shows your old address, the DMV will update it when you retake your photo. You do not need to make an appointment at most Colorado DMV offices—you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Colorado DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
What happens during the photo session
When you arrive at the DMV office, tell the staff member you want to retake your driver's license photo. They will direct you to the photo area, where you'll sit for the photo. Colorado's photo requirements are the same as federal Real ID standards: you must face the camera directly, have a neutral expression, and wear no sunglasses or hats (religious head coverings are permitted). If you wear glasses, the DMV staff will ask you to remove them unless you have a medical reason not to.
The photo is taken when ready, and you'll see it on a screen before it's finalized. If you're unhappy with the photo, you can ask to retake it on the spot at no additional cost. Once you approve it, the staff member will print a temporary paper license for you to use right away. Your new plastic license card with the new photo will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need your new license before the mail arrives
The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your new card. You can use it at traffic stops, banks, and most other places that accept a driver's license. If you need an official plastic license sooner than 7 to 10 business days, some Colorado DMV offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.
Contact your local DMV office before you visit to ask whether they offer expedited service and what the cost is. If expedited service is not available at your nearest office, you may be able to visit a different office that offers it, depending on where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake my photo if I don't like how I look in my current license picture?
Yes. Colorado allows you to retake your photo at any time. If your license is less than one year old, you'll pay a replacement fee. If it's older than that, you can wait until your renewal or pay the replacement fee now. Either way, you can request a new photo for any reason.
Do I have to make an appointment to retake my driver's license photo?
Most Colorado DMV offices do not require appointments for photo retakes. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Colorado DMV website for your nearest office's hours and current wait times before you go.
What if I wear glasses or contacts—do I have to remove them for the new photo?
The DMV will ask you to remove glasses for the photo unless you have a medical reason not to. Contacts do not need to be removed. If you wear glasses for vision correction, let the staff member know and they can note it in your file, but the photo itself should be taken without glasses on.
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
Your new plastic license card with the new photo typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is valid to use when ready. If you need the card sooner, ask your local DMV office whether they offer expedited printing for an additional fee.
Will my license number change if I retake my photo?
No. Your license number stays the same when you retake your photo. Only the photo on the card changes. Your address, name, and all other information remain the same unless you specifically ask the DMV to update something.