What the Ada County office needs for your license photo
The Ada County Driver License Office, located in Boise, takes your photo on the day you visit — you do not bring one with you. The office has a camera and photographer on site. What you do need to bring is a valid form of identification and proof of your current address, because the photo is attached to your license record, and the office needs to verify who you are before they photograph you.
The photo itself is taken against a plain background, and you will be asked to remove hats, sunglasses, and anything that covers your face or obscures your features. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can keep them on. The photo becomes part of your license and is used for identification purposes, so the office has specific rules about what you can and cannot wear or do during the photo session.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid ID and proof of your current address to the Ada County office; the photographer will take your photo on site.
- Remove hats, sunglasses, and anything covering your face before the photo is taken, but you may wear prescription glasses.
- Wear clothing that contrasts with the plain background so your face is clearly visible in the final photo.
- The photo is taken the same day you visit, so plan for a few extra minutes during your appointment for the photo session.
Acceptable forms of ID to bring
Idaho accepts several forms of identification at the Ada County office. A current passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, or a school ID plus a utility bill in your name.
The office staff will tell you during your visit whether the documents you brought are acceptable. If you are unsure before you go, you can call the Ada County Driver License Office at their main number to ask about your specific documents. Bringing the right ID the first time saves you a return trip.
Proof of address requirements
Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document with your name and address printed on it. The document must show your current address — the one you want on your license — and it must be recent, usually from the last 60 days.
If you have moved recently and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new address, ask the office what other documents they will accept. Some offices take a signed letter from a landlord or a recent mail from a government agency. Bring the original document or a certified copy; photocopies are usually not accepted.
What to wear for your photo
Wear clothing that contrasts with the plain background the office uses. If you wear a light-colored shirt, the background will be darker, and vice versa. This contrast makes your face stand out clearly in the photo. Avoid busy patterns or large logos that might distract from your face.
Your expression should be neutral or a slight smile — the same expression you would use for any official photo. The photo is taken straight on, so look directly at the camera. If you blink or are not happy with how the photo looks, ask the photographer whether a second photo can be taken. Some offices will retake the photo if there is a clear problem.
Timing and what happens after the photo
The photo session takes only a few minutes, but plan for it as part of your overall visit to the Ada County office. If you are renewing your license, getting a new one, or updating your address, the photo is taken as part of that process. The office will print your license with the photo on the same day or mail it to you within a few weeks, depending on whether you are getting a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license.
Once your license is printed, the photo cannot be changed unless you return to the office and request a new photo. This usually requires paying a fee and visiting in person again. Taking a moment to prepare before your photo session — checking your appearance, making sure your clothing contrasts with the background, and being ready to look at the camera — helps you avoid needing to return.
Special situations: glasses, medical conditions, and religious head coverings
If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them in your photo. The office asks only that the lenses are not so dark that your eyes cannot be seen. If you have a medical condition that affects how you look or how you can position yourself for the photo, tell the office staff when you arrive. They may be able to make adjustments.
If you wear a religious head covering, Idaho law allows you to wear it in your license photo as long as your face is fully visible from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. The covering cannot cast a shadow on your face. If you are unsure whether your specific head covering will be allowed, call the Ada County office ahead of time to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photo I took myself instead of having one taken at the office?
No. The Ada County Driver License Office takes your photo on site using their camera and photographer. You cannot bring a photo from home or a professional photographer. The office needs to may support the photo meets state standards for identification.
What if I do not like how my photo looks?
Ask the photographer when ready after the photo is taken whether you can take another one. Some offices will retake the photo if there is a clear problem, such as a blink or poor lighting. Once your license is printed, you can request a new photo by returning to the office and paying a fee.
Do I need to smile in my license photo?
No. A neutral expression or a slight smile are both acceptable. The photo should look like you — the same expression you would use for any official identification. Avoid extreme expressions or poses.
Can I wear a hat or headband in my photo?
Hats and headbands that cover your hair are not allowed, unless they are part of a religious head covering that shows your full face. The office needs a clear view of your entire face, from hairline to chin and ear to ear, for identification purposes.
What if I wear contact lenses instead of glasses?
You do not need to do anything different. If you wear contacts and do not wear glasses, your photo will be taken without glasses. If you wear both contacts and glasses, you can choose whether to wear the glasses in your photo — either way is fine.