The Philadelphia Driver's License Center handles photos in-house
The Philadelphia Driver's License Center, located at 1401 Arch Street, takes your photo when you visit for a new license or renewal. You do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere — the center's staff photograph you as part of the appointment. The photo is taken on-site, digitally captured, and printed directly onto your license.
If you are renewing by mail or online (available for some renewals in Pennsylvania), you will use the photo from your current license unless you request a new one. To get a new photo during a mail or online renewal, you must visit the Arch Street location in person instead.
The center operates by appointment only. You schedule your visit through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website or by calling the automated scheduling line. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Key Takeaways
- The Philadelphia Driver's License Center at 1401 Arch Street takes your photo during your appointment; you do not bring one from a photographer.
- You must schedule an appointment through PennDOT's website or phone line before you visit — the center does not accept walk-ins.
- If you renew by mail or online, your current photo stays on your license unless you request a new one, which requires an in-person visit.
- Bring a valid form of identification and any documents required for your transaction (new license, renewal, or name change).
- The photo is taken digitally at the center and meets Pennsylvania's driver's license photo standards automatically.
How to schedule your appointment at the Arch Street location
Visit www.dmv.pa.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver's License section. You will enter your zip code (19107 for Center City Philadelphia), select the Arch Street location, and choose an available date and time. The system shows you open slots weeks in advance, though availability varies by season.
If you prefer to schedule by phone, call the PennDOT automated line at 1-833-724-3683. You will need your Social Security number and current license number (if renewing) to complete the booking. The system will confirm your appointment and send you a confirmation number by email or text, depending on how you registered.
Appointments typically fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon. Early morning slots (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) tend to have shorter wait times once you arrive, even though your appointment is scheduled.
What documents to bring for your photo appointment
Bring your current driver's license or state ID as proof of identity. If you are explore for a new license (not renewing), bring your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents showing your current Philadelphia address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
For a name change, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the new name, along with your current license and address documents. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, your current license alone is usually sufficient, though the center may ask for an address document depending on how long it has been since your last renewal.
Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number on it. The center will not photograph you without it.
Photo requirements and what happens if you do not like your photo
Pennsylvania's driver's license photo must show your face clearly, taken straight-on, with a neutral expression and your eyes open. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your features. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not hide your face.
The center's photographer will take one photo during your appointment. If you blink or the photo is unusable, the photographer will retake it. You do not get to choose between multiple shots — the center uses the clearest image captured.
If you are unhappy with your photo after you receive your license, you cannot return to have it retaken for free. You would need to renew your license early, which costs the standard renewal fee. Some people choose to do this if the photo is significantly unflattering, but it is not a common practice and costs money.
Hours and location details for the Philadelphia center
The Philadelphia Driver's License Center is at 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, in Center City between 14th and 15th Streets. It is accessible by SEPTA bus (routes 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 33, 38, 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, and 61 all stop nearby) and by the Market-Frankford Line (13th Street Station is two blocks away).
The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. During peak times (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays), wait times after your appointment time can range from 15 to 45 minutes, even with a scheduled slot.
Parking is available in nearby commercial lots and garages, though street parking in the area is limited and meter rates are high. Many people use public transit or rideshare to avoid parking hassles.
What to expect during your photo appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and ID. You will be called to a photo station, where a staff member will position you in front of a digital camera, adjust the lighting, and take your photo. The entire photo process takes less than two minutes.
After your photo is taken, you will move to a processing window to complete the rest of your transaction — paying fees, answering questions about your address and driving history, and signing documents. Your photo is printed onto your license at this stage or sent to a printing facility if the license cannot be produced on-site that day.
You will receive your new license either when ready (if printed on-site) or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The center will tell you which applies to your transaction before you leave.
Other Philadelphia-area locations if Arch Street is fully booked
If the Arch Street center has no available appointments for several weeks, you can check other PennDOT locations in the Philadelphia region. The Northeast Philadelphia Driver's License Center (9101 Roosevelt Boulevard) and the Upper Darby Driver's License Center (50 Granite Lane, Upper Darby) both take photos and may have earlier openings. You can schedule at any location through the same PennDOT website or phone line.
Travel time to these locations is longer than Arch Street, but appointment availability sometimes differs by location. If you are flexible on timing, checking all three centers may get you an appointment sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photo from a professional photographer instead of having one taken at the center?
No. PennDOT requires that your driver's license photo be taken at a licensed facility — either a Driver's License Center or an approved third-party vendor. The Arch Street center is a licensed facility, so your photo must be taken there during your appointment.
What if I wear glasses — will my photo show me with or without them?
You can wear glasses in your photo, but there are restrictions. Your eyes must be clearly visible, and the lenses cannot have a glare or reflection that obscures your eyes. If the photographer sees a glare, they will ask you to remove them. Prescription sunglasses are not permitted.
Do I have to smile for my driver's license photo?
No. Pennsylvania requires a neutral expression — you should not smile or frown. Your mouth should be closed and relaxed. The photographer will instruct you on the correct expression before taking the photo.
How long does the photo appointment take from start to finish?
The photo itself takes about two minutes. The entire appointment, including check-in, processing, and payment, usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the center is and whether your transaction requires additional verification.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment if I need to?
Yes. Log back into the PennDOT website with your confirmation number and select "Manage Appointment" to cancel or reschedule. You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment time. If you cancel, you will need to book a new appointment through the system.