Where your photo is taken during your license appointment
Your driver license photo is taken by the examiner at the Alabama Department of Public Safety office in Phoenix City during your appointment — you do not arrange a separate photo session. The examiner photographs you on the spot as part of the process or renewal process, and you see the result before your license is printed. The photo taken at this appointment becomes your official license photo.
The Phoenix City office is located at 1751 Elmore Avenue, Phoenix City, AL 36867. Call the Department of Public Safety ahead of time to confirm current hours, since office schedules change. Bring your appointment confirmation if you have one, along with all documents required for your license process or renewal.
The examiner will retake your photo if the first one does not meet state standards — for example, if your eyes are closed, you are wearing sunglasses, or the lighting is poor. You cannot bring a photo from elsewhere or use a photo you took yourself. The state photo is the only one used on your license.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver license photo is taken by the examiner at the Phoenix City Department of Public Safety office during your appointment, not beforehand.
- The office is located at 1751 Elmore Avenue, Phoenix City, AL 36867, and you should call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
- You cannot bring an outside photo or use a digital photo you took yourself — the state photo is the only one used on your license.
- Wear something you feel confident in, keep your hair away from your face, and avoid sunglasses or anything that covers your eyes.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
What to wear and how to prepare for your photo
Wear something you feel confident in, but keep in mind that the photo will appear on your license for several years. Avoid bright white or neon colors, which can cause glare in the photo. Do not wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or anything that covers your face or eyes. If you wear regular glasses, you can wear them in the photo as long as there is no glare on the lenses.
Your hair should be away from your face so your features are clearly visible. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, Alabama law allows you to wear it in your license photo, but your face must still be fully visible and recognizable. Avoid heavy makeup or dramatic styling that looks very different from how you normally appear, since the photo is meant to help identify you.
Come to your appointment well-rested if possible. The examiner will take the photo when you are ready, and you will have a chance to see it before it is finalized. If you are unhappy with how you look, you can ask for a retake, though the examiner will only retake it if there is a technical problem with the image or if you do not meet the state's photo standards.
Documents you need to bring for your photo appointment
The documents required depend on whether you are explore for a new license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged license. For any of these, you will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, your current license may serve as proof of residency.
Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired. If you are a new resident of Alabama, bring documents showing when you moved to the state. The examiner will review all your paperwork before the photo is taken, so have everything organized and ready when you arrive.
How the photo is used on your license and in state records
The photo taken at the Phoenix City office is printed directly onto your driver license card. It appears in the upper right corner of the front of the card and is the primary way law enforcement and other officials identify you when you present your license. The photo is also stored in the Alabama Department of Public Safety database and can be accessed by authorized agencies.
Your license photo remains the same throughout the validity of your license unless you renew or replace it. If your appearance changes significantly — for example, due to a medical procedure or injury — you can request a new license with a new photo by visiting the office again, though you will pay a replacement fee.
What happens if you need a new photo before your renewal date
If you want a new license photo before your license expires, you can visit the Phoenix City office and request a replacement license. The examiner will take a new photo during that appointment. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on your license type and how much time remains on your current license.
A replacement is useful if your appearance has changed significantly or if you are straightforward unhappy with your current photo. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The new license will be mailed to you within the timeframe the examiner provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own photo instead of having one taken at the office?
No. Alabama requires that your driver license photo be taken by the Department of Public Safety examiner at the time of your appointment. You cannot submit a photo taken elsewhere or use a digital photo you took yourself. The photo must be taken in person at the office.
What if I do not like how my photo looks?
You can ask the examiner to retake the photo if there is a technical problem with the image or if you do not meet state photo standards. If the photo is straightforward unflattering but meets the requirements, you will need to accept it. You can request a new license with a new photo by visiting the office again, though you will pay a replacement fee.
Can I wear a hat or head covering in my license photo?
Religious head coverings are permitted in Alabama driver license photos. However, your face must be fully visible and recognizable. Hats, baseball caps, and other non-religious head coverings are not allowed. If you wear glasses for religious reasons, those are permitted as long as there is no glare on the lenses.
Do I need to make an appointment to get my photo taken?
Requirements for appointments vary by office. Some Alabama Department of Public Safety locations accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call the Phoenix City office at 1751 Elmore Avenue to find out whether you need to schedule ahead or if you can come in without one.
How long does it take to get my license after the photo is taken?
The timeframe depends on whether you are explore for a new license or renewing an existing one. The examiner will tell you the expected delivery time when you complete your appointment. Your license will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure the address on your process is correct.