Where to get your driver's license photo taken
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency runs the locations where you can have your photo taken for a driver's license. These are usually the same offices where you renew your license or register a vehicle. Some states also contract with third-party vendors — often at UPS stores, AAA offices, or Walmart photo centers — to take photos without requiring a full DMV appointment.
The fastest way to find a location near you is to visit your state DMV's official website and use their office locator tool. You enter your city or zip code, and the tool shows you which offices are open, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. A few states let you upload a photo you've taken yourself instead of visiting in person, though this is less common.
If you need a photo taken quickly and your state allows it, third-party vendors are often faster than DMV offices because they typically have shorter wait times and more flexible hours. However, not all states permit this, and the photo must meet your state's specific requirements — background color, head size, glasses rules, and expression rules vary.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website has an office locator tool that shows you nearby locations, hours, and whether appointments are required.
- Some states allow third-party vendors like UPS stores or Walmart photo centers to take driver's license photos, but rules vary by state.
- Photos must meet your state's specific requirements for background, head size, glasses, and expression — check your state's photo standards before you go.
- Walk-in availability varies by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can save you a trip.
How to use your state DMV's office locator
Every state DMV maintains a searchable map or list of offices on its website. Go to your state's DMV homepage (search "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] Department of Motor Vehicles"), then look for a link labeled "Find an Office," "Office Locations," "DMV Near Me," or "Service Centers." Enter your zip code or city name.
The results will show you the address, phone number, hours of operation, and often a note about whether that location handles photo services. Some offices are full-service (they handle everything), while others handle only specific services. A location might do renewals but not new photos, for example. The listing usually tells you this upfront.
Many DMV websites also show current wait times or let you book an appointment directly through the site. If your state offers online appointment booking, use it — it reserves your time slot and usually gets you in faster than a walk-in. If appointments are not available online, call the office directly to ask about wait times and whether they're currently taking walk-ins.
Third-party photo vendors and whether your state allows them
States that permit third-party photo services typically contract with national chains. Common vendors include UPS Store locations, Walmart photo departments, CVS, Walgreens, and AAA offices. These vendors have been trained on your state's photo requirements and use approved equipment. The photo is then sent directly to the DMV or printed on your license at a state facility.
Not all states allow this option. To find out whether yours does, check your state DMV website for a section on "approved photo vendors" or "third-party photo services." If your state allows it, the DMV website will list which vendors are approved and may provide a locator tool to find one near you. If your state does not allow third-party photos, you must visit a DMV office.
Third-party vendors are often faster because they have more locations and longer hours than DMV offices. However, they charge a fee — usually between $10 and $25 — on top of any DMV renewal or license fee. DMV offices typically take the photo for free as part of your renewal or new license transaction.
Photo requirements you need to know before you go
Your state has specific rules about how your photo must look. These rules cover background color (usually plain white or light blue), head size (your face must fill a certain percentage of the frame), whether you can wear glasses, whether you can smile, and whether certain head coverings are allowed for religious reasons. Sunglasses are never allowed, and your eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Before you visit any location — DMV or third-party — check your state's photo standards on the DMV website. Look for a page titled "Photo Requirements," "ID Photo Standards," or "License Photo Guidelines." Many states show example photos of what is acceptable and what is not. If you wear glasses, find out whether your state allows them in the photo; some states do, others do not, and a few allow them only if you have a prescription for distance vision.
If your photo is rejected because it does not meet requirements, you'll have to retake it. This can delay your license renewal or new license. Taking a moment to read the requirements before you go saves you a return trip.
What to bring to your photo appointment
You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable documents vary by state, but typically include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or lease agreement. Check your state DMV website for the exact list of documents it accepts, because requirements differ.
If you're renewing your license, bring your current license. If you're getting a new license, bring the documents that prove your identity and residency. If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
Wear clothing that contrasts with the background color your state uses. If your state uses a white background, avoid white or very light clothing. If it uses a light blue background, avoid blue. This helps the photo be clear and readable.
Appointment booking versus walk-in availability
Many DMV offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. Check your state's website to see whether the location you want to visit takes appointments, accepts walk-ins, or both. If appointments are required and none are available online, call the office directly — sometimes staff can book you over the phone or tell you when the next appointment slots open.
Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the location, the day of the week, and the time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you're planning to walk in, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide whether to go now or come back later.
Some states let you renew your license online or by mail without visiting an office at all, though you may still need an in-person photo if you're getting a new license for the first time or if your current photo is too old. Check whether your state offers remote renewal options before you make a trip.
What to do if no locations are open near you
If the nearest DMV office is far away or has no available appointments, check whether your state allows mail-in photo submission or online renewal. Some states let you submit a digital photo you've taken yourself, though the photo must still meet state requirements. Your state DMV website will explain whether this option is available and what the photo specifications are.
If your state does not allow remote photo submission and the nearest office is genuinely far away, contact your state DMV directly by phone or email to ask about alternatives. Some states have mobile DMV units that visit smaller towns on a schedule, or they may be able to direct you to a closer location you missed in your initial search.
If you're moving to a new state, you may be able to renew your current license by mail before you move, which delays the need for a new photo. Check your current state's renewal rules to see whether this is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo I took myself instead of going to an office?
Some states allow self-submitted photos for renewals, but most require an in-person photo at a DMV office or approved vendor. Check your state DMV website under "photo requirements" or "remote renewal" to see whether your state accepts digital photos. If it does, the photo must still meet all state standards for background, lighting, head size, and expression.
How long does it take to get a photo taken at the DMV?
The photo itself takes a few minutes, but your total wait time depends on how busy the office is. Walk-in wait times can range from 15 minutes to several hours. If you have an appointment, you'll usually be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time. Calling ahead or checking your state's website for current wait times helps you plan.
What if I wear glasses for distance vision — can I wear them in my photo?
Rules vary by state. Some states allow glasses if you wear them for driving, others do not allow them at all, and some allow them only if you have a prescription for distance vision. Check your state's photo requirements page, which usually specifies the glasses rule. If you're unsure, call the office before you go.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
It depends on your state and the specific office. Check your state DMV website's office locator — it will tell you whether that location requires appointments, accepts walk-ins, or both. If appointments are required and none are available online, call the office to ask when slots open up or whether they take phone bookings.
Can a third-party vendor take my photo if my state allows it?
Yes, if your state permits third-party photos. Check your state DMV website for a list of approved vendors in your area. Third-party vendors charge a fee (usually $10 to $25) but often have more locations and shorter wait times than DMV offices. The photo must still meet all your state's requirements.