U.S. STATE · DRIVER LICENSE
Oregon 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 12, 2026 · photo law reviewed: October 18, 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
ORS 807.110(1)(i) requires a driver license to include a full-faced photograph taken at the time of application for issuance, replacement under ORS 807.160, or renewal under ORS 807.150, except that DMV may by rule allow use of a photograph already on file; ORS 807.110(2) allows a non-commercial license without a photograph in limited cases. ORS 807.115 requires DMV to retain digital images of license photographs. OAR 735-062-0016 states that DMV will take a digital photograph of the applicant, and OAR 735-062-0125 allows a renewal or replacement by mail containing a photograph on file but not when the most recent photo on file is more than nine years old. The photo statutes and these rules were reviewed; the rest of the administrative-rule set, including the electronic-transaction rule cross-referenced in OAR 735-062-0125, was not fully reviewed.
Where the photo is taken
For a new or in-person renewed license, Oregon DMV takes the picture.
Online renewal, photo reuse, and upload
Eligible online renewals require a DMV photo less than nine years old and the customer must keep the current photo. To change it, visit a DMV office.
New photo upload: Only treat upload as allowed when the linked official instructions explicitly say so.
Scope and limitations
This entry reports the issuing agency’s current public procedure. It does not by itself establish the full legal rule for every permit, state ID, exception, or transaction.
Official laws, rules, and agency sources
- Oregon DMV — License and renewal
- ORS 807.110 — contents of license; photograph (Oregon Legislature, official ORS)
- OAR 735-062-0016 — DMV takes digital photograph (Oregon Secretary of State)
- OAR 735-062-0125 — renewal/replacement by mail with previous photograph (Oregon Secretary of State)
- OAR 735-062-0110 — replacement licenses; previous photo not older than nine years (Oregon Secretary of State)
- OAR 735-062-0120 — licenses without a photograph (Oregon Secretary of State)
Check your exact application
Renewal eligibility and photo handling can depend on your record and transaction.
Open the interactive photo checker