U.S. STATE · DRIVER LICENSE
Minnesota Driver License Photo Requirements
Find out whether you need to make a photo, where the state takes it, and what is known about online renewal and photo upload.
Sources reviewed: October 14, 2026
Do you need to make a photo?
Do not prepare a separate photo unless the state agency or your transaction instructions specifically ask for one. The agency procedure below describes where a photo is captured and what is known about remote renewal.
This page covers a driver license. It does not automatically apply to learner permits, state identification cards, commercial endorsements, or every exception.
Photo law and requirements
Minn. Stat. § 171.06, subd. 7 establishes limited remote application eligibility and photo-on-file / submitted-photo conditions. Minn. R. 7410.1810, subp. 1 requires the department to take the full-face image for a license, permit, or ID. Minn. Stat. § 171.071, subd. 4 provides a separate homebound variance for certain noncompliant ID applicants. These provisions do not create a general online photo-upload option.
Where the photo is taken
Minnesota Rule 7410.1810 requires the department to take a full-face image for a driver license, permit, or ID. DPS publishes the photo standards. If a photo fails those standards, DPS says you may have to return in person to take another one. Do not prepare a passport-style print for a normal office transaction.
Online renewal, photo reuse, and upload
Minn. Stat. § 171.06, subd. 7 covers a limited remote-application process for specified people (including certain military, Peace Corps, and federal foreign-service applicants and qualifying family). It requires a photo on file from the last five years or most recent issuance; only for a noncompliant license/ID may the applicant submit a compliant photo instead. This is not a general photo-upload option for ordinary renewals. The statute does not specify that the submission is an online upload.
New photo upload: Only treat upload as allowed when the linked official instructions explicitly say so.
Scope and limitations
The homebound photo variance in Minn. Stat. § 171.071, subd. 4 is a separate, limited path for noncompliant ID cards and requires documented homebound status. Full photo-specific statutes and the administrative image rule were reviewed; check DPS for the exact remote application steps.
Official laws, rules, and agency sources
- Minnesota DPS — license and ID photo standards
- Minnesota DPS-DVS — remote application and photo submission guidance
- Minnesota — online license and permit renewal
- Minnesota Revisor — Minn. Stat. § 171.06 (remote application; photo conditions)
- Minnesota Revisor — Minn. Stat. § 171.071 (homebound photo variance)
- Minnesota Revisor — Minn. R. 7410.1810 (department-captured credential image)
Check your exact application
Renewal eligibility and photo handling can depend on your record and transaction.
Open the interactive photo checker