Can I change the photo when renewing my driver's license?
2 Answers
You can change the photo when renewing your driver's license, but you cannot do it yourself, otherwise the license will be considered fake. However, you can replace the photo by applying for a new license using the lost license method. Requirements for the driver's license photo: A straight-edged, front-facing, bareheaded color ID photo of yourself taken within the last 6 months; the background should be white, no uniforms should be worn, the image should be clear with no obvious distortion; the photo size should be 32mm x 22mm. Process for renewing the driver's license: The vehicle owner needs to prepare documents such as their ID card and original driver's license, first undergo a medical examination at a hospital, then go to the DMV or a DMV branch office to queue up and take a number for the renewal process. After waiting for the service window to process the application, the new driver's license can be collected.
Last time I renewed my driver's license, I was indeed able to update the photo. My old picture looked outdated and unflattering, so I brought a newly taken one to the DMV. The staff gave it a quick check and replaced it without any fuss. The photo requirements aren't complicated: it must be a bareheaded photo taken within the last six months, with a pure white or light blue background, typically 1-inch in size. Taking your own photo in advance saves money, but you can also have it taken on-site for an additional fee. After changing the photo, every time I use my license while driving, it feels fresh, unlike before when it was joked that I looked like an old man. I recommend friends to update their photos if they're too old or blurry when renewing their license—the process is super simple. Just bring your ID and the old license; don't worry about extra hassle. The key is to go early when the office is less crowded to avoid long queues, and make sure the photo meets the standards to prevent rejection.
