Where and how to get a new photo taken
You can update your driver's license photo at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, your state's equivalent agency (some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles), or at an authorized third-party location. The fastest way to find out which locations near you offer photo updates is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "photo renewal" or "ID photo update" — most states list the addresses and hours of offices that handle this service.
When you arrive, bring your current driver's license and a form of payment. Some states charge a fee for a photo update alone (typically $10 to $25), while others include it free with a renewal. A few states allow you to submit a new photo by mail or online, though this is less common. The DMV staff will take your photo on the spot using their camera — you cannot bring a photo from home or a photographer.
Dress as you would for any official ID photo: solid-colored clothing works best, avoid large patterns or logos, and remove sunglasses and hats. Most states require you to look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. If you wear glasses, check your state's rules beforehand — some allow them, others do not.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your state's DMV website to find the nearest office that handles photo updates and confirm their hours before you go.
- Bring your current driver's license and payment; most states charge $10 to $25 for a photo-only update, though some include it free.
- The DMV takes your photo on-site using their camera — you cannot submit a photo taken elsewhere.
- Your new photo will appear on a replacement card that arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states.
What documents you need to bring
You need your current driver's license and one form of payment. That is the minimum. Some states also ask for proof of your current address if your license address is outdated, though a photo update alone does not require you to change your address. If you are unsure whether your state requires anything beyond your license, call the DMV office before you go or check their website for a photo update checklist.
If your current license is expired, lost, or damaged, you may not be able to do a photo-only update. In that case, you would need to do a full renewal instead, which requires additional documents like proof of identity and residency. Ask the DMV staff when you call or visit whether a photo update is possible with your current license status.
How long it takes to receive your new card
After your photo is taken, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper receipt or digital confirmation showing your new photo. Your physical replacement card with the updated photo will arrive by mail. The timeline varies by state: most states send the new card within one to three weeks, though some take up to six weeks during busy periods.
You can use your temporary receipt as proof of identity while you wait for the card to arrive. Check your state's DMV website for tracking information — many states allow you to enter your license number to see the status of your replacement card. If your card does not arrive within the timeframe your state posted, contact the DMV to report it.
Photo requirements and what gets rejected
Your photo must show your face clearly, taken straight-on, with your eyes open and looking at the camera. The background is usually plain white or light gray. You cannot wear a hat, headwrap, or sunglasses unless you have a religious or medical reason — if you do, bring documentation and inform the DMV staff before your photo is taken.
Common reasons photos are rejected: extreme shadows across your face, red-eye that was not corrected, a smile so wide your eyes close, head tilted more than slightly, or clothing that blends into the background. If your photo is rejected, the DMV will take another one at no extra charge. Avoid heavy makeup, extreme hair styling, or anything that makes you look significantly different from your current license photo — border agents and police officers compare the two when checking your ID.
Updating your photo without renewing your license
A photo-only update keeps your current license number, expiration date, and all other information the same. You are straightforward replacing the image on file. This is useful if your appearance has changed significantly, your current photo is damaged, or you straightforward want a better image on your ID.
Not all states offer photo-only updates as a separate transaction. Some require you to renew your entire license if you want a new photo. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether a photo update alone is an option. If your state does not offer it, you would need to do a full renewal, which costs more and requires additional documents.
What happens if you do not update your photo
You are not required to update your driver's license photo. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date, regardless of how old the photo is or how much your appearance has changed. However, law enforcement and border agents may question whether the photo matches you, which can slow down traffic stops or airport security checks. A photo that looks significantly different from you now can also make your ID less useful for age verification at banks, bars, or retailers.
If you are renewing your license anyway, the DMV will take a new photo as part of that process. You do not have to pay extra for the photo during a renewal — it is included in the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my photo online or by mail?
Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person so they can take your photo with their camera. A few states offer online photo updates for certain circumstances, but this is uncommon. Check your state's DMV website to see if remote photo updates are available. If not, you must visit an office.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
Rules vary by state. Some allow glasses in your photo, others do not. Contact your state's DMV before your appointment to ask. If your state allows glasses, make sure there is no glare on the lenses. If you wear contacts, wear them to your appointment so your eyes look the same as they will in your photo.
How much does a photo update cost?
Most states charge $10 to $25 for a photo-only update. Some states include a free photo update with a renewal. A few states do not charge for photo updates at all. Check your state's DMV fee schedule on their website, or call the office to confirm the cost before you go.
Do I need to change my address if I update my photo?
No. A photo update is separate from an address change. If your address is outdated and you want to update it, you can do that at the same visit, but it is not required just to update your photo. Some states charge an extra fee for an address change, so ask the DMV staff what applies to your situation.
What if my current license is expired?
You may not be able to do a photo-only update with an expired license. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether you can update just the photo or whether you need to renew your entire license. If renewal is required, you will need additional documents like proof of identity and residency.