U.S. STATE · DRIVER LICENSE
Texas 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
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
Texas Transportation Code § 521.059 governs image verification. DPS says the photo is taken during every in-office credential transaction.
Where the photo is taken
Texas DPS takes a photo at every in-office driver-license or ID transaction. Texas Transportation Code § 521.059 governs image verification.
Online renewal, photo reuse, and upload
Eligible remote renewal is not an applicant-photo upload route. To update the portrait, schedule an office visit.
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
Check your exact application
Renewal eligibility and photo handling can depend on your record and transaction.
Open the interactive photo checker