The Florida Keys office handles driver license photos in Key West

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in Key West is located at 3001 Overseas Highway, Key West, FL 33040. This is the only state office in Key West where you can have your photo taken for a driver license renewal, replacement, or new license process. The office does not require an appointment — you walk in during business hours and wait your turn.

Hours vary by season. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they sometimes shift during tourist season or for staff training. The phone number is (305) 292-7605. Bring your current ID and any documents the DHSMV requires for your specific transaction — a renewal needs different paperwork than a new license.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV office at 3001 Overseas Highway is the location in Key West where state-issued driver license photos are taken.
  • No appointment is needed; you arrive during business hours and wait, though calling ahead to confirm hours is wise.
  • You must bring your current ID and any supporting documents required for your transaction type (renewal, replacement, or new license).
  • The office does not take photos for private purposes — photos are taken only as part of an official driver license transaction with the state.
  • If the Key West office is closed or has a long wait, you can visit any other DHSMV office in Florida and use your photo there instead.

What documents to bring for your photo appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or getting a license for the first time. For a renewal, bring your current driver license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). For a replacement of a lost or stolen license, bring your current ID and a police report if the license was stolen.

For a new license, the requirements are more extensive. You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of Florida residency. The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents for each category. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

How the photo is taken and what happens next

When it is your turn, a staff member will take your photo using the office camera. You will be asked to remove glasses, hats, and headwear (except for religious reasons), and to face the camera directly. The photo is taken when ready and becomes part of your license record. You cannot bring your own photo or use a photo from elsewhere — the state requires the photo to be taken at the time of your transaction.

After your photo is taken and your process is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to your Florida address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an expedited shipping fee at the time of your transaction, though this is not always available for all transaction types.

Other DHSMV locations if Key West is not convenient

If the Key West office has a long wait or inconvenient hours, you can visit any other DHSMV office in Florida. The nearest alternatives to Key West are in Marathon (approximately 50 miles north) and Naples (approximately 160 miles north). Each office takes photos for driver licenses and processes the same transactions as the Key West location. You do not have to use the Key West office just because you live in Key West — any Florida DHSMV office will work.

You can find a full list of DHSMV office locations and hours on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Some offices in larger cities have longer hours or evening appointments, which may be more convenient depending on your schedule.

What the photo will look like on your license

Your driver license photo will be printed in color on the front of your plastic card. The photo shows your head and shoulders against a plain background. The state uses this photo to verify your identity when you present your license to police, at banks, or for age verification. The photo remains on your license for the entire validity period — typically 8 years for a standard Florida driver license, or 4 years if you are under 21.

If you are unhappy with how your photo looks, you cannot request a retake at the time it is taken. However, you can return to the office and pay a fee to have a new photo taken if you believe the original photo does not look like you or was taken incorrectly. This is a separate transaction and requires another visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses in my driver license photo?

No. The DHSMV requires you to remove glasses for your photo, even if you wear them while driving. If you wear glasses while driving, your license will note this restriction, but the photo itself must be taken without them. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are also not permitted.

What if I do not have a current ID to bring to the office?

If you do not have a current driver license or state ID, you will need to bring other forms of identity listed on the DHSMV website, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. Call the Key West office at (305) 292-7605 to ask which documents they will accept for your specific situation before you visit.

Can someone else pick up my license after the photo is taken?

Your temporary paper license is given to you at the office on the day of your transaction. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the Florida address you provide. You cannot have it mailed to someone else or pick it up at a different location — it goes to the address on file with the DHSMV.

How long does the whole photo and license process take at the Key West office?

The photo itself takes a few minutes, but the entire transaction — paperwork, photo, and processing — usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.