You can request a new photo at your local Georgia DDS office, and the process takes about 15 minutes
Georgia allows you to retake your driver license photo without renewing your entire license. You visit a Driver Services office in person, pay a fee (currently $20 for a standard license), and walk out with a new photo printed on your card the same day. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The main reason people retake photos is dissatisfaction with how they look — Georgia does not require you to explain why you want a new one. Some people also retake photos after significant changes in appearance, though the state does not mandate this unless your photo no longer resembles you enough to be a security concern.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Georgia Driver Services office with your current license and pay the $20 photo fee to get a new picture taken and printed on the spot.
- You do not need to renew your license or change any information — only the photo updates on your card.
- No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
- Bring your current valid Georgia driver license; you will need it to confirm your identity and license number.
What to bring to a Georgia Driver Services office
Bring your current valid Georgia driver license. The office staff will use it to pull up your record and confirm your identity. You do not need to bring additional documents — the photo retake is a straightforward update, not a new license issuance.
If your license is expired, you can still get a photo retake, but the office may ask you to renew the license at the same time. Renewal involves a separate fee and takes longer. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the photo retake process; you will need to replace the license instead.
How the photo retake works at the office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff you want a photo retake. They will direct you to the photo station. You will sit for a new photo — the same pose and background as a standard license photo. The photo is taken digitally and printed onto a new card while you wait, usually within 10 to 15 minutes.
The new card replaces your old one. Your license number, address, and all other information stay the same. Only the photo and the issue date change. You will receive the new card before you leave the office.
Finding a Georgia Driver Services office near you
Georgia has Driver Services offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the nearest one is to visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or county and see the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location.
Some offices are busier than others. Rural and smaller-city offices often have shorter waits than offices in Atlanta or other major cities. If you have flexibility, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to visit.
The $20 photo retake fee and payment methods
The fee for a photo retake is $20 for a standard driver license. This is separate from any renewal fee. Georgia Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have restrictions on which cards they accept, so bringing cash or a debit card is the safest option.
The fee is non-refundable once the photo is taken. If you change your mind before the photo is taken, you can leave without paying. If you are unhappy with the new photo after it is printed, you cannot undo the transaction, but you can return to take another photo and pay the fee again.
What happens if you do not like the new photo
If you are unhappy with the new photo, you can return to any Driver Services office and pay the $20 fee again to retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can retake your photo, though each retake costs $20. Some people visit multiple times to get a photo they are satisfied with.
The new photo becomes your official license photo when ready. If you need to use your license for identification before you are happy with the photo, you can still do so — the photo retake does not affect the validity or legal status of your license.
Photo retake versus license renewal
A photo retake updates only the image on your card. A license renewal updates your photo, address, and all other information, and extends your license expiration date. Renewal costs more (the fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you renew for) and takes longer because the office processes more information.
If your license is not expiring soon and you only want a new photo, a retake is faster and cheaper. If your license is expiring within the next year or your address has changed, renewal might make sense even though it costs more. You can do a photo retake now and renew later, or renew and get a new photo at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake my photo if my license is expired?
Yes, you can retake the photo on an expired license. However, some offices may encourage you to renew the license at the same time since you are already there. Renewal is optional — you can retake just the photo if you prefer.
Do I need an appointment to retake my driver license photo?
No appointment is required. Walk-ins are accepted at all Georgia Driver Services offices. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday mid-morning typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
How long does it take to get a new photo printed on my card?
The photo is taken and printed while you wait, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. The total time at the office, including check-in and waiting, is typically 20 to 30 minutes, though this varies by location and how busy the office is.
Can I retake my photo online or by mail?
No. Photo retakes must be done in person at a Georgia Driver Services office. You cannot submit a photo online or by mail for a license photo update.
What if I lost my license and need a new photo?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than retake the photo. Replacement involves a different process and fee. Contact your local Driver Services office or the Georgia DDS website for replacement procedures.