The main places that take driver's license photos
You can get your driver's license photo taken at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, at most AAA locations if you are a member, and at some passport acceptance facilities. The DMV is the most direct route — they take the photo as part of your license transaction, and you see the result before you leave. AAA offers photo services at many of their branches, though availability varies by state and location. Some post offices and county clerk offices also offer license photos, but this depends on your state's rules.
The fastest option is often to call ahead. DMV wait times can stretch hours, but many offices now let you book an appointment online or by phone, which cuts your time in half. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday — Saturdays and the end of the month are always crowded.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV office takes license photos as part of the license process, and you can usually book an appointment online to avoid long waits.
- AAA members can get photos at many AAA locations, though not all branches offer this service — call first to confirm.
- Some post offices, county clerk offices, and passport acceptance facilities take license photos, but rules vary by state.
- Bring a valid form of ID and arrive early or book an appointment to minimize wait time.
What to bring and what the photo rules are
Bring a valid form of ID — a passport, military ID, or current license all work. You will also need proof of your Social Security number, usually your Social Security card itself or a tax return. The exact documents vary by state, so check your DMV website before you go.
The photo itself has strict rules. You must face the camera directly, keep a neutral expression, and remove sunglasses and hats (religious head coverings are usually allowed). The background is almost always plain white or light gray — the DMV controls this. You cannot wear a uniform that looks official, and in most states you cannot wear clothing that is the same color as the background. Some states now allow you to smile; others still require a neutral face. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules, because they do change.
DMV offices and how to find yours
Find your state DMV office by searching "[your state] DMV" plus "office locations" or "near me." Most states have a main website listing all branches with hours and phone numbers. Many DMV websites now show real-time wait times, so you can see which branch is least crowded before you go.
If you live in a rural area far from a DMV office, some states send mobile units to county fairs, libraries, or community centers on a rotating schedule. Check your state DMV website for the mobile unit schedule, or call your county clerk's office — they usually know when the unit is coming to your area.
AAA photo services and membership requirements
AAA members can get license photos at many AAA branches, though not all locations offer this service. Call your local AAA office or check their website to confirm they take photos before you drive there. The photo usually costs less than at the DMV, and wait times are often shorter, but you must be a current AAA member.
If you are not an AAA member, membership costs around $50 to $70 per year depending on your state, so the savings on a photo alone will not pay for it. However, if you already have AAA for roadside information or insurance discounts, the photo service is a useful extra.
Post offices and other locations
Some post offices take passport photos, and a few states allow post offices to take driver's license photos as well. Call your local post office and ask whether they take license photos — the answer depends on your state and the specific branch. If they do, you usually do not need an appointment, and wait times are often short.
County clerk offices sometimes take license photos, especially in rural areas where the DMV office is far away. Call your county clerk's office to ask. A few states also allow certain pharmacies or retail photo studios to take license photos, but this is less common. Always confirm with your state DMV first that the photo will be accepted, because some states have strict rules about where photos can be taken.
Online photo submission and digital options
A few states now allow you to upload a photo you took yourself, rather than having it taken in person. This is rare and usually only available for license renewals, not new licenses. Check your state DMV website to see if this option exists where you live. If it does, the rules are strict: the photo must be recent, well-lit, show your full face, and meet the same background and clothing rules as an in-person photo.
Do not use a selfie or a photo from social media, even if it looks professional. The DMV will reject it if the lighting is wrong, the background is not plain, or your face is at an angle. If you are unsure whether your photo will work, call the DMV and ask — they can tell you before you submit it and waste time.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the DMV rejects your photo, you will be asked to take another one on the spot, usually at no extra cost. Common reasons for rejection are shadows on your face, a background that is not plain enough, or an expression that does not meet the state's rules. If you wear glasses, ask whether you should wear them in the photo — some states require it, others do not.
If you are unhappy with your photo after you receive your license, most states allow you to request a new photo at your next renewal, or sometimes sooner for a small fee. A few states will retake a photo if you ask within a certain time frame — call your DMV to ask what your state allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or contacts in my driver's license photo?
Yes, you can wear makeup and contacts. The rules are about your face being visible and recognizable, not about your appearance. Avoid heavy makeup that changes how you look, because the photo needs to match you in person when you show your license.
What if I have a religious reason to wear a head covering?
Most states allow religious head coverings in license photos. Your face must still be fully visible and centered in the frame. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm their specific rules.
Do I have to smile in my driver's license photo?
Rules vary by state. Some require a neutral expression, others allow a smile. Check your state DMV website before you go. If you are unsure, ask the photographer when you arrive — they will tell you what your state requires.
How much does a driver's license photo cost?
The photo is usually included in the cost of your license or renewal, so there is no separate charge at the DMV. If you retake a photo after your license is issued, some states charge a small fee, usually under $10. AAA and post offices may charge separately if they take the photo outside of a license transaction.
Can I use a photo I took at home instead of going in person?
Only a few states allow this, and usually only for renewals. Check your state DMV website to see if remote photo submission is an option. If it is, the photo must meet strict rules about lighting, background, and framing — a selfie will not work.