What the Texas Department of Public Safety does with your photo
When you get a Texas driver license or ID card, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) takes a digital photo of you at the time of your process. That photo becomes part of your license record and appears on the front of your card. DPS stores the image in their database and uses it to verify your identity when you renew, when law enforcement runs your license, and when other government agencies request it through official channels.
The photo is taken by the DPS employee at the driver license office during your appointment. You cannot bring your own photo or submit one in advance. The camera and lighting are standardized across all Texas DPS offices so that photos are consistent and usable for identification purposes.
Key Takeaways
- DPS takes your photo at the driver license office during your appointment; you cannot provide your own photo or submit one beforehand.
- Your photo is stored in the DPS database and printed on the front of your license card for identification purposes.
- You can request to retake your photo at the time of renewal or at any point by visiting a DPS driver license office in person.
- DPS shares your photo with law enforcement and other government agencies when they request it through official channels, but not with the general public.
- If you wear glasses, a head covering for religious reasons, or have other concerns about how you appear in the photo, you can discuss this with the DPS employee before the photo is taken.
When your photo is taken and what happens to it
Your photo is captured the first time you explore for a Texas driver license or ID card. If you renew your license, DPS will take a new photo at that time unless you are renewing by mail or online (which some Texans can do). The photo remains in the DPS system for as long as your license is active and for a period after it expires.
DPS uses your photo to prevent fraud and identity theft. When you renew your license in person, the DPS employee compares the new photo to the one on file to confirm you are the same person. Law enforcement officers can pull up your photo when they run your license during a traffic stop or investigation. Other state and federal agencies can request your photo through official channels for purposes like background checks or identity verification.
Your photo is not shared with private companies, employers, or the general public. It is not posted online or made available through public records requests. Only authorized government agencies and law enforcement can access it.
How to request a new photo before your license expires
If you are unhappy with your current license photo, you can request a new one by visiting a DPS driver license office in person. You do not have to wait until your renewal date. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a fee for the photo retake. The fee varies but is typically a small amount; check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact cost in your area.
The process is straightforward: tell the DPS employee that you want a new photo, and they will take one when ready. The new photo will be printed on a replacement license card, which you will receive by mail within one to two weeks. Your old card will no longer be valid once the new one arrives.
You can retake your photo as many times as you want, though each retake involves a fee. Some people retake their photo every few years if they have changed their appearance significantly.
Photo requirements and what DPS will and will not allow
DPS has specific rules about what is acceptable in a driver license photo. Your photo must show your face clearly, with both eyes open and visible. You cannot wear sunglasses or tinted glasses in the photo. Regular eyeglasses are allowed if they do not create a glare that obscures your eyes.
Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted. If you wear a hijab, turban, or other religious head covering, DPS will photograph you wearing it as long as your face is fully visible and unobstructed. You should mention this to the DPS employee before the photo is taken so they understand your needs.
You cannot wear a hat, cap, or other non-religious head covering in the photo. You cannot have anything covering your face, including masks or veils (except as noted above for religious purposes). Your expression should be neutral; you can have a slight smile but not a wide grin. The background is always plain and controlled by DPS.
What to do if your photo does not look like you
Driver license photos often look unflattering because the lighting is bright and standardized, and you are typically not smiling. If your photo looks significantly different from how you normally appear, you have the option to retake it by visiting a DPS office. However, understand that DPS will not retake a photo straightforward because you do not like how it looks; the photo must be technically acceptable (clear, properly lit, eyes visible).
If there is a technical problem with your photo—such as it being blurry, too dark, or showing a glare across your eyes—you can contact your local DPS driver license office and explain the issue. They may agree to retake it at no charge if the problem was caused by equipment or DPS error.
If you have changed your appearance dramatically since your photo was taken (significant weight loss or gain, major surgery, extensive scarring), you can request a new photo. Bring documentation of the change if possible, though DPS may straightforward retake the photo without requiring proof.
How to find your local DPS driver license office
To visit a DPS driver license office in person to retake your photo or handle other license matters, go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code to find the nearest office. The website shows hours of operation, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours.
Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system. You can schedule your visit in advance, which typically reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times. Call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times or ask specific questions about photo retakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled a certain way for my driver license photo?
Yes. You can wear makeup and style your hair however you normally do. DPS does not restrict makeup or hairstyles. The only requirement is that your face is clearly visible and your eyes are open and unobstructed. Avoid hairstyles that cover your eyes or forehead.
What if I was not smiling in my photo and I want to retake it?
You can retake your photo at any DPS driver license office by paying the retake fee. However, DPS does not require you to smile in your photo. A neutral expression is standard and acceptable. If you straightforward want a different expression, you can retake it, but understand that the new photo will also be a neutral expression—DPS discourages wide smiles in license photos.
Does DPS sell my photo to other companies or use it for facial recognition?
DPS does not sell your photo to private companies. Your photo is used internally by DPS and shared with law enforcement and other government agencies for official purposes only. Texas law restricts how DPS can use facial recognition technology, and your photo cannot be used for commercial purposes without your permission.
How long does DPS keep my photo after my license expires?
DPS retains your photo in their database for several years after your license expires. The exact retention period is set by state law and record-keeping requirements. If you want your photo removed from the system, contact the DPS directly, though they may not be able to delete it if it is required by law to be retained.
Can I request a photo retake if I was having a bad day when mine was taken?
Yes, you can retake your photo at any time by visiting a DPS driver license office and paying the retake fee. DPS does not require a reason for the retake. However, the new photo will be taken under the same standardized conditions as the original, so the lighting and background will be identical.