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Passport and driver’s license photos are notoriously bad—about as far from glamour shots as you can get. The only upside to braving the DMV to get a renewed license is the chance to swap out your outdated or unflattering photo.
Unfortunately, you generally can’t renew your license whenever you want. States generally allow renewals within six months of the expiration date, and many licenses are valid for up to eight years. If you do really want to change your photo, you can—at a cost: You’ll need to request a replacement or duplicate license instead, as you would if yours were lost or stolen.
The process to get a replacement or duplicate driver’s license depends on the state, but you’ll generally have to provide similar identification documents to when you originally applied, like a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, etc. Go to your state’s DMV website to find out what you’ll need.
You can also expect to pay for your replacement license. Fees are set by the state and range anywhere from $5 in Illinois to $31 in California. If you’re within six months of your expiration date, you may be required to pay a higher, full renewal fee.
While this process can be done online, you’ll obviously have to go to the DMV office and apply in person if you want to replace your photo.
Alternatives to a replacement or duplicate license
If your state allows in-person applications for address or name changes, you may be able to use that as an opportunity to update your ID photo too. It’s likely that this will be cheaper than getting a replacement license, and it may even be free. However, some states will use the photo already on file instead of allowing you to take a new one.
Similarly, if you don’t yet have a REAL ID—an upgraded license that will be required for flying on May 23, 2023—you can get a new photo taken during the application process. You should be able to upgrade to a REAL ID at any point, even if your current license isn’t due for renewal.
You can also try asking the person taking your photo if you can preview it before they submit it and retake it if you hate it, though not all DMV employees will indulge you.
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