You can update your height on your driver license by visiting your state's DMV office in person, though the process and fees vary by state

Your driver license height is a physical descriptor, not a legal identifier like your name or address. Most states allow you to change it without special documentation — you straightforward show up at a DMV office, request the update, and they photograph you again. Some states do this for free; others charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $20. The catch is that nearly all states require you to appear in person. You cannot do this by mail or online.

The reason states keep height on licenses is practical: law enforcement and identification purposes. If your height has genuinely changed — whether from age, posture, or medical reasons — updating it keeps your license accurate. If you straightforward measured yourself differently or want to correct an error from when you first got your license, the process is still the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you change your height at any DMV office visit without needing documents or proof of the change.
  • You must appear in person; height changes cannot be done online or by mail in any state.
  • Some states charge a small fee for the update, while others include it free with your visit.
  • The update typically takes a few minutes and results in a new photo and reissued license.
  • Check your state's DMV website before you go, because a few states have specific rules about how often you can change height or what counts as a valid reason.

What to bring to the DMV for a height update

Bring your current driver license and one form of identification. That is usually all you need. You do not need a doctor's note, a measurement certificate, or any proof that your height actually changed — the DMV assumes you know your own height.

If your license is expired or you are renewing it anyway, bring the documents required for renewal in your state (typically a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number). Some people combine a height update with a renewal to avoid two separate trips, though you can update height alone without renewing.

How the update process works at the DMV

Walk into your local DMV office during business hours and tell the staff member you want to update your height. They will ask you what your current height is, enter it into the system, and take a new photograph for your license. The whole interaction usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

You will receive a new license with the updated height and new photo. Depending on your state, this new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks, or you may receive a temporary paper license to use when ready. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

Fees and timing for height changes

Most states charge between $5 and $20 for a height update, though some include it free with any license transaction. A few states do not charge at all. Call your local DMV office or check the state website before you go so you know what to expect and bring the right payment method.

The update itself is when ready — your new height goes into the system when ready. The physical license arrives by mail, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state's processing speed. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license valid for 30 to 60 days.

When you might not be able to change your height

A small number of states limit how often you can change height on your license — for example, once per renewal cycle or once every few years. This is rare, but it exists. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm there are no restrictions.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot update it until the suspension is lifted. If your license is expired by more than a certain number of years (usually five or more), you may need to renew it rather than straightforward update the height, which involves additional steps and documents.

Updating height if you are renewing your license

If you are renewing your license anyway, tell the DMV staff about the height change when you submit your renewal process. They will update it as part of the renewal process without charging an additional fee in most states. This is often the most efficient time to make the change.

If you are renewing online or by mail in a state that offers it, you typically cannot change your height through that method — you will need to visit an office in person or wait until your next renewal to do it in person. Check your state's renewal options before you choose the online route if height accuracy matters to you.

What happens to your old license after the update

Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid for identification purposes. You can throw it away or keep it for personal records — there is no requirement to return it to the DMV. Some people keep old licenses as mementos, but legally they cannot be used as ID.

If you lose your new license before it arrives, contact the DMV when ready to report it lost. You will need to request a replacement, which may involve another fee and another visit to an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prove my height changed?

No. The DMV does not require documentation or proof. You straightforward state your current height, and they update it. This is based on the assumption that you know your own measurements.

Can I change my height online or by mail?

No state allows height changes online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Some states offer online renewal for other license updates, but height is not one of them.

Will changing my height affect my driving record or insurance?

No. Height is a physical descriptor only. Changing it does not affect your driving record, insurance rates, or any legal status. It is purely an identification update.

What if I made a mistake and want to change it again?

Most states let you change your height as many times as you need by visiting the DMV again. A few states limit changes to once per renewal period, so check your state's rules first.

How long does it take to get the new license in the mail?

Processing time varies by state, usually one to three weeks. Some states are faster; others slower. Ask the DMV when you visit, or check your state's website for typical timelines.