U.S. STATE · LEARNER PERMIT
New York Learner Permit Photo Requirements
Find out whether a learner permit carries a photo, where the photo is taken, and whether any part of applying can be done online.
Sources reviewed: October 19, 2026
Should you make a photo?
Do not prepare your own photo unless the agency or your transaction instructions specifically ask for one.
This page covers a learner (instruction) permit. It does not automatically apply to driver licenses, state ID cards, or every exception.
Issuing agency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Where the photo is taken
Your New York learner permit photo is taken at a DMV office. You get a temporary permit there, and the permit itself arrives by mail within about 2 weeks.
Online steps and photo upload
Eligible applicants can take the permit test online and upload scans or photos of their documents, not a portrait. The DMV takes images during the online test, but you still book an office visit to have your photo taken.
Photo law and rules
A photo-specific statute or rule for this credential has not yet been summarized on this page.