The Charlotte DMV office in University City and what to bring for photos
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles operates a full-service office in the University City area of Charlotte, located at 5605 North Tryon Street. This office handles driver license photos as part of standard license renewal, replacement, and new license issuance. You do not need a separate appointment for a photo — it is taken during your license transaction at the counter.
When you arrive, bring your current driver license or identification document, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, bring the license itself. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, bring a police report or the damaged card. The photo is taken on-site by DMV staff using a digital camera, and you see the result before it is printed on your card.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wait times vary by day and time; mornings on weekdays tend to be shorter than afternoons. The office does not take appointments for standard transactions, so you arrive and take a number at the entrance.
Key Takeaways
- The University City DMV office at 5605 North Tryon Street takes driver license photos during any license transaction — renewal, replacement, or new issuance.
- Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to complete the transaction.
- The office is open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with no appointment system for standard license work.
- Photo retakes are available at no extra cost if you are unhappy with the first image before it is printed on your card.
What happens during the photo process at the counter
When your number is called, you approach the counter and provide your documents. The DMV staff member reviews your paperwork, enters your information into the system, and then directs you to a photo station or takes your photo at the counter itself — the exact setup varies by which employee is helping you. You stand in front of a plain background, and the camera captures a head-and-shoulders image. The photo must show your face clearly, with both eyes open and looking at the camera.
After the photo is taken, the staff member displays it on a screen or printout so you can see it before it is finalized. If you are unhappy with the image, you can request a retake at no additional charge. Once you approve it, the photo is attached to your license record and sent to the printer. Your new license is typically mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you need to bring for a valid photo transaction
North Carolina requires specific documents for any driver license photo to be taken. You must bring one of the following as your primary ID: a current North Carolina driver license, a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you will need to bring two secondary documents such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
Proof of residency is mandatory and must be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy showing your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If your address on your ID does not match your current address, bring both the old document and the new proof of residency.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or on a form. The DMV uses this to verify your identity and check for any outstanding violations or holds on your license. If you do not have a Social Security number, inform the staff member — they can process your transaction using alternative verification methods, though this may take longer.
Photo requirements and what the DMV will and will not accept
North Carolina driver license photos must meet federal REAL ID standards. Your face must be clearly visible, centered, and take up 50 to 70 percent of the frame. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that obscures your eyes. Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons — in that case, your face must still be fully visible from the forehead to the chin.
Expressions should be neutral; smiling is permitted but not required. The background is always plain and controlled by the DMV, so you do not choose it. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you may wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. Hearing aids and medical devices that do not cover your face are fine.
If your photo does not meet these standards, the DMV staff will ask you to retake it. This happens most often when someone wears sunglasses, has a hat on, or has a reflection in their glasses. The retake is free and when ready.
Wait times and the best times to visit the University City office
The University City DMV office typically sees the longest lines between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Early morning visits, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., usually have shorter waits. Saturdays are moderately busy but close at 1:00 p.m., so arriving early on Saturday morning can be efficient if you cannot visit on a weekday.
Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than Tuesday through Thursday. The office does not publish real-time wait times, so you cannot check before you arrive. If you arrive and the wait is longer than you want to spend, you can leave and return at a different time — your place in line is not held, but you can take a new number when you come back.
The office is located in a commercial area with parking available in a lot adjacent to the building. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.
What to do if you need a photo retake or have concerns about your image
If you are unhappy with your photo before it is printed on your card, tell the DMV staff member when ready. Retakes are free and can be done on the spot. You will see the new photo before it is finalized, so you have another chance to approve or request another retake.
If you receive your license in the mail and are unhappy with the photo, you have limited options. North Carolina does not allow photo changes after the license is printed and mailed. Your only recourse is to wait until your license renewal date and request a new photo at that time. If your license is damaged or the photo is illegible due to a printing error, you can return to the office with your license and request a replacement — bring your documents again, and a new photo will be taken.
Other services available at the University City office
The University City DMV office handles more than just driver license photos. You can renew or replace your license, obtain a new license if you are a new resident or first-time driver, update your address, add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), and pay traffic violations or reinstatement fees. The office also issues state ID cards for people who do not drive, and handles commercial driver license transactions.
If you need a duplicate license for a lost or stolen card, bring a police report or a statement that the card was lost. The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your other required paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or style my hair a certain way for my driver license photo?
Yes. Makeup and hairstyles are permitted and do not need to be plain or neutral. The only restriction is that your face must be fully visible — hair cannot cover your eyes, forehead, or cheeks. Avoid extreme styling that might make you unrecognizable if your appearance changes over time, since your license photo is used for identification.
What if I wear glasses and the camera picks up a glare?
The DMV staff will ask you to remove your glasses if there is a glare or reflection that hides your eyes. If you need glasses to see, you can ask to retake the photo without them — the photo does not need to show you wearing glasses. If you prefer to wear them, the staff will adjust the camera angle or lighting to reduce the glare and try again.
How long does the entire transaction take?
The photo itself takes less than a minute. The entire transaction — paperwork review, data entry, photo, and payment — usually takes 10 to 20 minutes at the counter, not counting wait time in the office. Wait time varies from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time you visit.
Do I need to make an appointment for a driver license photo?
No. The University City office does not use an appointment system for standard driver license transactions. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait to be called. Some DMV offices in other parts of North Carolina offer online appointment scheduling, but the University City location operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I moved and my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your old ID and a proof of residency document dated within 60 days showing your new address. The DMV will update your address during the transaction, and your new license will be printed with the current address. You do not need to pay an extra fee for an address change if you are already renewing or replacing your license.