How Long Does It Take to Review Submitted Driver's License Photos?
3 Answers
When submitting a driver's license photo via 12123, the review process typically takes around three days. Requirements for driver's license photos: The photo must be a recent (within the last 6 months), front-facing, bareheaded, single-person, color, white-background, one-inch photo. The dimensions should be 3.2cm*2.2cm, and the photo must be clear with a natural expression. Process for changing driver's license photos: Step 1: Log in to the "Traffic Management 12123" mobile app and click "More" to enter the business center. Step 2: Navigate through [Business Center] → Driver's License Services to access the [Submit Driver's License Photo] business process. Step 3: Upload the photo. Carefully read the photo requirements and take/upload a photo accordingly (or upload a pre-taken one-inch photo). After reviewing the prompts, click [Submit]. Once submitted, you can check the progress of your application at any time via the [Online Progress] function. If you are applying for an electronic driver's license for the first time, you can change the photo immediately. However, if you wish to change the photo again after approval, you must wait for a 6-month interval. If your electronic driver's license application is rejected, the reason is usually due to non-compliant photos. The photo must meet all requirements to be approved. Note: If your electronic driver's license application is rejected three times consecutively, you will need to apply in person at a traffic management department.
A few days ago I just submitted my driver's license photo on the 12123 APP, and the whole process was quite fast. The system first conducts an automatic pre-review, which usually takes about ten minutes to complete. Then comes the manual review stage - the vehicle management office is quite efficient nowadays, typically providing results within 1 business day. Last time I submitted in the morning and got approved by evening. However, do note that processing might be delayed during system upgrades or peak application periods, so it's better to avoid the beginning/end of month when many people apply. After approval, remember to click 'submit application' in the APP for final confirmation - the photo automatically syncs to your digital driver's license which is super convenient.
Last year when I renewed my driver's license, I specifically researched the photo review process. It's actually simpler than expected. If submitted via the Traffic Management 12123 app, the backend system operates 24/7. Photos uploaded during daytime usually get reviewed the same day, with feedback guaranteed by the next day at the latest. If stuck in manual review for over three days without progress, there's likely an issue with the photo - perhaps a dark background or light-colored clothing. It's best to retake a white-background ID photo and resubmit. My colleague got rejected because hair covered his ears. The DMV offline counter is even faster - just bring a CD to copy the photo on-site, and it'll be done in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette.
