Passport photos and driver's license photos are notoriously bad: they're about as far from glamour shots as you can get. The only benefit to braving the DMV to get a new driver's license is the chance to swap out your outdated or unflattering photo.
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Unfortunately, you generally can’t renew your license at any time. States generally allow renewals within six months of the expiration date, and many licenses are valid for up to eight years. If you really want to change your photo, you can—for a price: You’ll need to apply for a replacement or duplicate license instead, just as you would if yours were lost or stolen.
The process for obtaining a replacement or duplicate driver's license varies by state, but typically you will need to provide similar identification documents as when you originally applied, such as a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, etc. Visit your state's DMV website to see what you need.
You can also expect to pay for your replacement license. The fee is set by the state and ranges from $5 in Illinois to $31 in California. If you are within six months of your expiration date, you may have to pay a higher, full renewal fee.
