You can retake your driver's license photo in Texas, but only under specific circumstances
Texas allows you to request a new photo for your driver's license, but the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rules about when and how often you can do it. You cannot straightforward walk in and ask for a better picture whenever you want. The state limits photo retakes to situations where your appearance has genuinely changed, the photo is damaged or unreadable, or you have religious or medical reasons for the original photo not meeting your needs.
The process involves visiting a DPS driver's license office in person, explaining why you need a new photo, and paying a fee. Understanding which reason applies to your situation will determine whether DPS approves your request and how much it will cost.
Key Takeaways
- Texas allows photo retakes only for significant appearance changes, damaged photos, religious objections, or medical reasons — not for personal preference about how you look.
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person with your current license and a reason that fits DPS policy.
- A photo retake costs less than renewing your entire license, but the exact fee depends on your license type and expiration date.
- Processing time is usually the same day or within a few days, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
What counts as a valid reason for a photo retake in Texas
DPS recognizes four main categories for photo retakes. The first is a significant change in appearance — this means substantial weight loss or gain, major hair color or style change, facial hair changes, or other alterations that make the old photo look noticeably different from you now. A minor change like a new haircut usually does not may have access to.
The second category is a damaged, faded, or unreadable photo on your current license. If the image has deteriorated from normal wear, water damage, or printing errors, DPS will replace it. The third is a religious objection to the original photo — for example, if you did not wear a head covering in your first photo but now do, or if your religious practice has changed since the photo was taken. The fourth is a medical reason, such as facial reconstruction surgery, significant scarring, or other medical procedures that altered your appearance after the photo was issued.
How to request a photo retake at a DPS office
Bring your current driver's license and any supporting documentation to a DPS driver's license office. If your reason is a significant appearance change, you do not need documents — your appearance will be obvious. If your reason is religious or medical, bring something that explains it: a letter from your doctor, a religious leader's statement, or medical records. DPS staff will review your request and decide whether it meets their policy.
Tell the staff member your reason clearly and honestly. If they approve the retake, you will sit for a new photo when ready, just as you did for your original license. The photo will be taken against a white background, and you will follow the same rules: no sunglasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons), and a neutral expression. You will pay the retake fee at the counter before you leave.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one — the retake does not extend your license validity.
What a photo retake costs in Texas
A photo retake is cheaper than a full license renewal. The fee for a photo retake on a standard driver's license is $11, though this can vary slightly depending on your license type (commercial, motorcycle, or standard). Some DPS offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead or ask when you arrive.
This fee is separate from any renewal fee. If your license is also expiring soon and you need to renew it at the same time, you will pay both fees. However, if you are only retaking the photo and your license is not expiring for years, you pay only the retake fee.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to bring
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the driver's license office closest to you. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, so check whether you need to book a time slot before you go. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If your reason for the retake is religious or medical, bring the supporting letter or documentation. You do not need to bring anything else — DPS will have your information on file from your original license.
How long a photo retake takes and when you get your new license
The photo retake itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you are called. You will leave with a temporary paper license that day. Your new plastic license with the updated photo will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days, though it can sometimes take longer depending on mail volume.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Keep it with you at all times while driving. Once your new license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid, so you can discard it.
What happens if DPS denies your photo retake request
If the DPS staff member decides your reason does not meet their policy, they will tell you at the office and will not charge you a fee. For example, if you say you want a new photo because you do not like how you look in the current one, they will decline — personal preference is not a valid reason.
If you believe your request was wrongly denied, you can ask to speak with a supervisor at that office or contact the DPS customer service line to discuss your situation. However, DPS policy is strict about what qualifies, so a second request with the same reason is unlikely to succeed. If your appearance has changed significantly since then, you could return later with that new change as your reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake my photo just because I do not like how I look in the current one?
No. Personal preference about your appearance is not a valid reason under DPS policy. You must have a significant appearance change, a damaged photo, a religious reason, or a medical reason. If you straightforward want a better-looking photo, you will need to wait until your license expires and renew it, at which time you can take a new photo.
Do I have to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
It depends on the office. Many Texas DPS offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are needed. If appointments are required and you walk in, you may be turned away or face a very long wait.
What if I have changed my name since my license was issued?
A photo retake does not change your name on the license. If you need to update your name, you must do a full license renewal or replacement, not just a photo retake. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change to a DPS office.
Will my new license have the same expiration date as my old one?
Yes. A photo retake keeps your original expiration date. The new license is straightforward a replacement of the photo, not a renewal. If your license is expiring within a few months, you might want to renew it instead of retaking just the photo.
How much does a photo retake cost compared to a full renewal?
A photo retake costs $11 for a standard driver's license. A full renewal costs more — the exact amount depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. If you are only retaking the photo, you pay significantly less than a renewal.