Where to take your driver's license photo
You can take your driver's license photo at your state's DMV office, at many CVS and Walgreens locations, at some Costco photo centers, and at independent passport photo studios. The fastest option is usually a pharmacy or big-box retailer near you that offers this service same-day. If you go to the DMV itself, they will take the photo as part of your appointment — you do not need to bring one. If you bring a photo from elsewhere, it must meet your state's specific requirements for size, background color, and head position, or the DMV will reject it and you will have to pay again.
The photo is not optional. Every state requires a photo on your driver's license, and you cannot renew or get a new license without one. Some states let you submit a digital photo by mail or online; others require you to be present. Check your state DMV website before you go anywhere, because the rules vary significantly by state and sometimes even by which DMV office you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV will take your photo during your appointment at no extra charge, so you do not have to arrange one in advance unless your state requires it.
- If you bring a photo from a pharmacy or studio, it must match your state's exact specifications for size (usually 2x2 inches), background (usually white or off-white), and head position, or it will be rejected.
- CVS, Walgreens, and Costco photo centers can take driver's license photos, but not all locations offer this service — call ahead or check their website first.
- Some states let you upload a digital photo online or by mail; others require you to appear in person at the DMV for the photo to be taken.
- A rejected photo means you pay again and reschedule, so confirming your state's requirements before you go saves time and money.
Getting your photo taken at the DMV during your appointment
If you are going to the DMV to renew or get a new license, the DMV photographer will take your photo as part of that visit. You do not need to bring a photo or schedule a separate appointment. The photo is taken on the spot, usually right before or after you complete your paperwork. There is no extra fee — the photo cost is included in your license renewal or process fee.
The DMV photographer will tell you what to do: remove your glasses if you wear them (unless you have a medical reason not to), look straight ahead, and keep a neutral expression. The background is almost always a plain light color. If you are unhappy with the photo, some states let you request a retake on the spot, but policies vary. Ask the photographer or the clerk before you leave whether a retake is an option.
Using a pharmacy or retail photo service
CVS, Walgreens, and some Costco locations have photo departments that can take driver's license photos. The photo usually costs between $10 and $20, and you can often get it the same day or within a few hours. Not every location offers this service, so call ahead or check the store's website before you go. Some stores require an appointment; others take walk-ins.
When you arrive, tell the photo clerk that you need a driver's license photo and mention your state. The clerk will know the size and background requirements for your state (or will look them up). The photo will be printed on the standard 2x2-inch format that most states require. Ask for multiple copies — having extras means you will not have to pay again if the DMV rejects the first one for any reason.
Before you leave the store, check the photo against your state's requirements. If it does not meet the specifications — wrong background color, head too small, eyes closed — ask the clerk to retake it while you are there. Once you leave, you own the photo and the store will not remake it for free.
Using an independent passport or photo studio
Independent photo studios and passport photo services can take driver's license photos and usually have more experience with the specific requirements than a pharmacy does. These studios often have better lighting and more professional equipment, which can result in a clearer photo. The cost is typically $15 to $30, and turnaround is usually same-day or next-day.
Search online for "passport photo" or "driver's license photo" in your area, or ask your local print shop whether they offer this service. When you call, tell them your state and ask them to confirm they know your state's requirements. Some studios are very familiar with one state's rules but not another's. Ask whether they will retake the photo if the DMV rejects it — some studios offer this as a may provide, others do not.
Understanding your state's photo requirements
Every state has specific rules about what a driver's license photo must look like, and the DMV will reject your photo if it does not meet those rules. The most common requirements are a 2x2-inch photo, a plain white or off-white background, your head centered and taking up most of the frame, both eyes open and looking straight at the camera, and no glasses (unless you wear them for driving). Some states also require that you show your ears, that your head be at a certain angle, or that your mouth be closed.
A few states have additional rules: some require color photos only, some allow digital photos submitted online, and some have rules about head coverings for religious reasons. Check your state DMV website and search for "photo requirements" or "ID photo specifications." Print out the requirements or take a screenshot before you go to get your photo taken. Show it to the photo clerk so there is no confusion about what your state needs.
If you are unsure whether a photo meets the requirements, ask the DMV clerk when you submit it. If they reject it, ask them specifically what is wrong — too small, wrong background, head at wrong angle — so you can fix it before you pay for another one. Some DMV offices will let you retake the photo on the spot if it is rejected; others will not.
States that let you submit a photo online or by mail
A growing number of states let you renew your driver's license online or by mail, and some of those states let you submit a digital photo as part of that process. If your state offers online renewal, you may be able to take a selfie or have someone photograph you at home, then upload the image. Other states require you to mail a printed photo along with your renewal form.
If you are renewing online and need to submit a photo, the state website will show you the exact specifications: file size, image dimensions, background color, and head position. Follow those instructions exactly. If you are mailing a photo, print it on standard photo paper at the size your state specifies, usually 2x2 inches. Mail it with your renewal form and any other required documents.
Not all states offer this option, and the rules change. Check your state DMV website under "online renewal" or "mail renewal" to see whether you can submit a photo remotely. If your state does not offer remote renewal, you will have to go to the DMV in person for the photo to be taken.
What to do if your photo is rejected
If the DMV rejects your photo, the clerk will tell you why: the background is the wrong color, your head is too small, your eyes are closed, or something else does not match the requirements. Ask the clerk to write down the specific reason so you know what to fix. You will have to get a new photo taken and pay the photo fee again (usually $10 to $20 if you go to a pharmacy or studio, or included in your DMV fee if you retake it at the DMV).
Some DMV offices will let you retake the photo when ready at the DMV at no extra charge if it was their photographer who took the rejected photo. Others will not. Ask before you leave. If you have to go elsewhere to get a new photo, bring the clerk's written explanation with you so the new photographer knows exactly what to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo I took myself at home?
Most states do not accept selfies or home photos for driver's licenses. You need a photo taken by a professional photographer or a DMV employee. A few states may allow a digital selfie if you are renewing online, but you must check your state's specific rules first. If you submit a home photo to a pharmacy or studio, they will likely refuse it and tell you they need to take a new one.
Do I have to wear anything specific for my driver's license photo?
No. Wear whatever you normally wear. Avoid bright white or neon colors that might blend with the background, and avoid large logos or patterns that distract from your face. You can wear makeup, jewelry, and hats (unless your state has specific rules about head coverings). The photo is meant to look like you, so dress the way you usually do.
What if I wear glasses for driving — do I have to take the photo without them?
Most states require you to remove your glasses for the photo, even if you wear them while driving. The rule exists so the photo clearly shows your eyes and face. If you have a medical reason to wear glasses (such as very thick lenses that distort your eyes), ask the photographer or DMV clerk whether an exception is possible. Some states allow exceptions with documentation.
How long does it take to get a photo taken at a pharmacy?
A pharmacy photo usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if you walk in, though some locations require an appointment. If you order online, it may take a few hours to a day. Call the store or check their website to see whether they take walk-ins or appointments only. The DMV photo is taken during your appointment and is included in your visit time.
Can I get my photo retaken if I do not like how it looks?
At the DMV, it depends on the office and the photographer. Some will retake it on the spot at no charge; others will not. Ask before you leave. At a pharmacy or studio, ask whether they offer a retake may provide before you pay. If you do not like the photo after you leave, you will have to pay again to get a new one taken.