The Lebanon PennDOT office takes photos on-site during your visit
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver License Center in Lebanon handles photo capture as part of the license or ID card issuance process. You do not need to bring a photo with you — the office photographs you during your appointment using their camera. The photo becomes part of your official Pennsylvania driver license or ID card.
The Lebanon center is located at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. It operates as a full-service PennDOT office, meaning it handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and ID cards all in one location.
Key Takeaways
- PennDOT takes your photo at the Lebanon center during your visit — you do not bring one from outside.
- Wear solid-colored clothing without patterns, logos, or busy designs for the clearest photo result.
- Remove hats, sunglasses, and headwear unless you have a religious or medical reason, which you must document.
- The photo is taken indoors under controlled lighting, so avoid wearing tinted glasses or anything that obscures your face.
- You will see the photo on screen before it is finalized, and you can request a retake if you are unhappy with it.
What to wear for your photo
Solid colors work best for driver license photos. Wear a shirt or top in a single, neutral color — black, white, gray, navy, or similar tones photograph clearly. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, stripes, or anything with text across the chest, because these distract from your face and can make the photo harder to use for identification purposes.
The background at the Lebanon center is typically plain and light-colored, so darker clothing creates better contrast. Avoid wearing the same color as the background, as this can blur the line between your head and shoulders in the final image.
Headwear, glasses, and face coverings
Remove hats, baseball caps, hoods, and headwear of any kind before the photo is taken. This includes religious head coverings unless you have a documented religious reason — in that case, bring written confirmation of your faith or a letter from your religious leader, and PennDOT will photograph you with the covering in place.
Sunglasses and tinted glasses must come off. Regular eyeglasses are permitted and often recommended if you wear them daily, because your license photo should match how you normally look. If you wear glasses, make sure they do not have a glare or reflection on the lenses, as this can obscure your eyes in the photo.
Face coverings are not permitted unless you have a medical reason documented by a healthcare provider. If you may have access to for a medical exemption, bring the documentation with you to your appointment.
Makeup, facial hair, and appearance
There are no restrictions on makeup, but keep in mind that your photo should look like you on an ordinary day. Avoid heavy makeup that changes your appearance significantly, because the photo needs to match how you look when you present your license to police, banks, or other officials.
Facial hair is permitted and does not require any special documentation. If you have a beard or mustache, you can keep it for your photo. However, if you shave it off after getting your license, your appearance will look noticeably different from the photo, which can cause confusion during ID checks.
How the photo process works at the Lebanon center
When you arrive for your appointment, you will complete your process and provide your documents. Once a staff member verifies your information, they will direct you to the photo area. The photographer will position you in front of the camera, adjust the lighting, and take the photo.
After the photo is taken, you will see it displayed on a screen. If you are unhappy with the result — if your eyes are closed, you are blinking, or the framing is off — you can request a retake. Most people are allowed one retake at no additional charge. The final photo is then attached to your license or ID card.
Documents you need to bring
While the Lebanon center handles the photo, you still need to bring required documents to prove your identity and residency. Bring your current driver license or ID card if you have one, your Social Security number or card, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are a new driver or explore for your first Pennsylvania license, bring your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and two documents showing your current address. The staff at the Lebanon center can tell you the full list when you call to schedule your appointment.
Scheduling your appointment at the Lebanon center
PennDOT recommends scheduling an appointment in advance rather than walking in. You can schedule online through the PennDOT website or by calling 1-800-932-4600. Appointments typically fill up several weeks ahead, especially during peak times like summer and around holidays.
When you schedule, you will select the type of transaction you need — new license, renewal, replacement, or ID card — and the system will show you available dates and times. Bring your confirmation number or appointment details when you arrive at the Lebanon center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my driver license photo?
Yes, you can wear regular eyeglasses if you wear them daily. Make sure the lenses do not have a glare or reflection that obscures your eyes. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted.
What if I am not happy with my photo after it is taken?
You can request a retake when ready after seeing the photo on screen. Most people are allowed one retake at no extra cost. If you are still unhappy after the retake, you may be able to request another one, but this depends on the staff member's judgment.
Do I need to bring a printed photo to my appointment?
No. The Lebanon PennDOT center takes your photo during your visit using their equipment. You do not need to bring a photo from outside.
Can I wear a religious head covering in my photo?
Yes, if you have a documented religious reason. Bring written confirmation from your religious leader or faith organization, and the photographer will include the head covering in your photo.
How long does the photo process take?
The photo itself takes only a few minutes. The entire appointment, including process processing and document verification, typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the center is.