Can the photo on a driver's license be changed?
3 Answers
The photo on a driver's license can be changed, but it cannot be replaced privately. This is because the vehicle management office system records electronic photos, ID information, and other details of the driver. If the photo is changed without authorization by staff, the photo on the license will not match the system records. After changing the driver's license photo, carefully inspect the main page of the license. You will notice that part of the stamp's imprint on the photo is closely fitted to the main page. Unauthorized photo replacement constitutes altering or forging a driver's license. Penalties for unauthorized photo replacement: According to relevant regulations, altering, forging, or using an altered or forged driver's license will result in confiscation of the license, a direct deduction of 12 points, and a fine. If caught driving with an altered or forged license, in addition to confiscation and a fine, the vehicle will be impounded, and the offender will face administrative detention for up to 15 days. Methods for changing the driver's license photo: The photo on a driver's license can be updated using the portrait information recorded during driving school enrollment or by taking a new photo on-site after passing the fourth subject test or by providing a new ID photo. For the former, you can take a set of one-inch, white-background, color, bareheaded front-facing photos yourself and inform the staff at the test center during the fourth subject test to replace the photo during the license issuance process. Additionally, you can contact the driving school to re-record the portrait information. For the latter, simply resubmit the new photo.
You can definitely change the photo on your driver's license, but it requires replacing the entire license. I remember last time I changed mine because the photo was too old, and during a traffic stop, the police almost didn't recognize me. The process is actually quite simple: prepare your ID card, old driver's license, and a recent one-inch white-background color photo, then go to the DMV counter to fill out an application form. After the staff verifies your documents, they'll usually take a photo on-site or check if your provided photo meets the requirements. The cost is around 20 yuan, and you can collect the new license in a few days. This is quite important because a mismatched photo could cause issues during security checks or accident handling, even affecting insurance claims. Always keep your documents in good condition to avoid wear and tear, and proactively renew them before expiration to ensure accurate driving information. Your driver's license is a guarantee of safety—don't overlook the details.
You can replace the photo on your driver's license, but you can't just change the photo—you need to apply for a new license. I've experienced this myself: after years of driving, my appearance changed, and the photo no longer matched. Just go to the DMV with your ID card and a newly taken standard one-inch white-background photo. After the staff reviews it, the process is quick—pay around 30 yuan, and you'll receive your new license in about a week. The procedure isn't complicated, but make sure the photo meets requirements—it must be clear and without a hat. While renewing, you can also update your address, which is quite convenient. Don't wait until you're pulled over to regret it—a mismatched photo could lead to unnecessary fines and travel delays. Regularly checking your license's expiration date is a good habit—treat it as important as routine car maintenance. Keeping your documents up-to-date ensures a worry-free driving experience.
