Will I get a new picture taken when I change my name on my drivers license?

Either call the DMV and ask or be prepared. Honestly, how much preparation do you need for a driver’s license picture? It’s pretty much going to look somewhere between maybe not the worst driver’s license picture every or make you look like you escaped from a facility for the criminally insane. It’s a driver’s license photo not portrait. Relax, Just make sure you have all the paperwork they will need for the name change.

In New Jersey, you wouldn’t need an eye exam and the decision to have a new picture or not would be yours, but since they are issuing you a whole new license, I imagine they will take a new picture.

@lillycoyote is right. It’s the documentation you should be worrying about, not the picture.

Yes, the documentation is the most important thing because DMV doesn’t care whether or not you didn’t think you would need “it” they just want to see “it,” whatever “it” is. I will add one thing though, if NY state issues secure ID licenses now, my state does, you will be required to have a “neutral expression” on you face. You can smile, you just have to smile without looking like you’re smiling. You could practice that. :-)

How weird is that?
I don’t think CA. does this. Jeez..next year on my Birthday will be the first time in 20 years that I will be required to take the test again and maybe get a vision test because I am over 50 now. I have been getting 5 yr. renewals in the mail forever and I am stressed about taking the test again. lol
I have never heard of having to jump through these hoops for getting married, Maybe the laws have changed but I never had to do that when I got married, but…I am in CA. not NY.

I am pretty sure in FL they just changed the name. I guess I could have changed the photo if I wanted too. I think you will be able to change the photo if you want to. Just ask if they don’t offer. I doubt you have to do an eye test, but if you wear glasses I would bring them with just in case.

@ItalianPrincess1217

You could really simplify this matter by changing your mind and not changing your name. ;-)

@Coloma

Will you have to take the written and driving tests in 2016, or just the former?
I’m 68 and the only test I’ve had to take since 1972 is the eye exam.

@Brian1946 I really don’nt know, just that I have a renewal and I figure it must be time for some kind of test, it’s been forever. Maybe not, we shall see.

@Coloma I don’t know the details of your license history, but I don’t think you’ll even have to take an eye exam. I don’t think I had to do anything except renew by mail when I was 56. I didn’t have to take an eye test until I was 61.

I think @Coloma likely will have to do an eye test, but not anything else. That’s how it is in most states, although I think the age for the repeat eye test is older than 50 in my state. I’m not sure though. The laws may have changed since I last heard about it.

I would be interested to know if states are actually making people take a written or driving test again for a renewal. That’s the first I have heard of that.

@lilcoyote By prepared I mean cost wise. I assume if I get a new picture and eye exam it’ll be more money (closer to $65 instead of $12). The DMV doesn’t answer phones in my area and the website just says what forms to fill out. I’ve already gathered all the documents they had listed so I’m all set there.

@Brian1946 My driving history is impeccable, only one minor rear ender years ago, no moving violations. No tickets of any kind, sans one parking ticket. I’m a good risk, maybe they will just keep renewing me through the mail for another 5 years or so. I hope. haha

I did have a new picture taken but no eye exam and the cost was only $12.50. Not bad at all!

I love my current picture, believe it or not, I look so young and skinny. Damn…can I keep it forever, puhleeeses. It’s been 15 years. lol

@Coloma I really liked my original too! I wish I didn’t have to give it up.