Getting your photo taken at the Tupelo driver's license bureau
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's driver's license office in Tupelo takes photos on-site when you come in for a new license, renewal, or ID card. You do not need to bring a photo from somewhere else — the bureau photographs you during your visit, and that image goes directly into your license.
The office is located at 3800 West Main Street in Tupelo. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
The photo is taken against a plain background using the bureau's camera. You will be asked to remove hats, sunglasses, and anything that obscures your face. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can keep them on. The photo must show your natural hair color and current appearance — you cannot use an old photo or one taken elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Tupelo driver's license bureau photographs you during your visit at 3800 West Main Street, so you do not need to bring a photo from another location.
- The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts walk-ins without appointments.
- You must remove hats, sunglasses, and anything covering your face, but you can wear corrective glasses if you need them.
- The photo taken at the bureau becomes your official license photo and is used for all future renewals until you request a new one.
What to bring to your photo appointment
Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Mississippi residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address.
If you are renewing your license and your name, address, or other information has changed, bring documents that show the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name changes, for example. The bureau staff will tell you what else they need based on your specific situation.
How the photo is used on your license
The photo taken at the bureau appears on the front of your driver's license or ID card. It stays the same for the entire validity period of your license — usually five or eight years depending on your age and license type — unless you request a new photo during a renewal.
If you want a different photo on your next license, you can request a new one when you renew. You do not have to wait for your license to expire; you can visit the bureau and pay a fee to get a new photo taken and a replacement license issued with that new image.
Photo requirements and what disqualifies an image
Your photo must show your face clearly and straight-on. You cannot wear a hat, hood, or head covering unless it is for religious reasons — in that case, the bureau has specific rules about what parts of your face must remain visible. Sunglasses are not allowed, even if you have light sensitivity.
The background must be plain and uncluttered. You cannot submit a photo taken at home, at a photo studio, or from social media. The bureau's camera is the only source for your official license photo.
If you have facial hair, scars, or other distinguishing marks, those appear in your photo as they are. You do not need to shave or cover anything — the photo should match your everyday appearance so that law enforcement and others can recognize you.
What happens if you are unhappy with your photo
If the photo does not look like you or you blink during the shot, ask the staff to retake it when ready. Most bureaus will take a second photo at no extra cost if there is a clear problem — a closed eye, extreme glare, or a technical issue with the camera.
If you are unhappy with how you look in the photo but the image is technically acceptable, you have two options. You can request a new photo when you renew your license, or you can visit the bureau before your renewal date and pay a replacement fee to get a new photo taken and a new license issued.
Renewal and photo updates
When you renew your driver's license in Mississippi, you can keep the same photo or request a new one taken at the bureau. If you want to keep your current photo, the renewal can sometimes be done by mail or online, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
If you request a new photo during renewal, you must visit the bureau in person. The staff will photograph you again, and your new license will have the updated image. This is a good time to update your photo if your appearance has changed significantly or if you were unhappy with the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own photo instead of having one taken at the bureau?
No. The Mississippi driver's license bureau requires that your photo be taken on-site using their camera. You cannot submit a photo from a studio, home, or any other source. The photo must be taken during your visit to the office.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
You can wear glasses in your driver's license photo if you wear them for vision correction. Contacts do not show in the photo, so they are fine to wear. Sunglasses are not allowed, even if you have light sensitivity or a medical reason — the bureau has specific exceptions only for religious head coverings.
Do I need an appointment to get my photo taken?
No. The Tupelo bureau accepts walk-ins during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Wait times vary, so arriving early in the day or mid-week may mean a shorter wait than late afternoon or Friday.
How much does it cost to get a new photo taken?
There is no separate charge for the photo taken during a new license or renewal. If you want a replacement license with a new photo before your renewal date, there is a replacement fee, which varies — contact the Tupelo bureau directly for the current amount.
Can I get a new photo taken if my license is not expired yet?
Yes. You can visit the bureau and request a replacement license with a new photo. You will pay a replacement fee, and the new license will have your updated photo and a new expiration date. This is useful if your appearance has changed or you were unhappy with your original photo.