The passport photo is the number one reason for applications to be denied.  It’s important you take the perfect passport photo to avoid costly delays. Routine passport processing takes 6-8 weeks or longer. If your passport photo is rejected, it could take another few weeks before your passport is ready. Our expedited passport services are available for travelers that need their passport fast. Our processing times range from 2 weeks to as fast as 24 hours. We also help make sure you have the correct documentation and passport photo to avoid application errors and delays. Get started online today or call our team of passport advisors if you need your passport fast.

Where to get a passport photo

There are several different places you can go to get passport photos made, or you can do it yourself. The important thing is to make sure your passport photo meets all of the strictly-controlled federal requirements. The U.S. Department of State can reject your photo for many reasons.

Can you take your own passport photos?

You can take your own passport photos with a smartphone and the right app. You’ll need to make sure you have a white background. Also, it’s usually best to have another person take the photo for you. We recommend RushMyPhoto or the Passport Photo Creator app. The photo creator app is free and easy to use and allows you to take a compliant passport photo from your iPhone or Android device. The app uses a clever template and smart software that is calibrated to the complex requirements set by the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency. The benefit is that you can take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the way you look. Once you like your passport photo and it meets the requirements, you can choose to print at any Walgreens location near you. There is no additional fee to use this app so you only pay the normal passport photo price when you pick it up at Walgreens. We like this app because you have full control over the final product- your perfect passport photo.

Pros: You can do as many re-takes as you like. This is an especially good option for infants and children because you can take as many pictures as you want for free, instead of crossing your fingers, hoping and praying that your little darling doesn’t decide to yawn, cry, or start sucking his thumb in the middle of a drugstore photo shoot.

Cons: Even if you read the US Passport Agency’s guidelines for passport photos carefully, there is no guarantee any photo will be accepted. It’s ultimately up to the agent that is processing your application. However, this app will give you the best chance of having a compliant photo.

Can I get a passport photo online?

You can get a passport photo online but make sure you do your research. Find a reputable company as your application will be rejected if the resolution is too low or the print paper is not high enough quality. Printing a passport photo online is convenient. What’s not convenient? The State Department rejecting your passport application because your online print doesn’t meet their specifications.

Walgreen’s, CVS, Rite-Aid and most other drug store chains offer passport photo services.  The cost is usually around $15 for two photos. There is no guarantee your photo will meet the compliance guidelines and you may not like the way your photo looks. Still, most people use this option.

Pros: Ideally, the photographer has been trained and is aware of all the special requirements for passport photos.  Plus, drug stores provide instant gratification, since your photos are ready in just a few minutes.

Cons: This option is more expensive than doing it yourself, retakes cost extra and the quality of the pictures can vary.  Babies and toddlers can require multiple retakes to get pictures that comply with US Passport Agency regulations, and the charges can add up.

Post Office

Many post offices across the country are also passport acceptance facilities and some of them offer photo services.

Pros: Post office employees should be familiar with acceptance requirements for passport photos. Also, you can get your photo taken and turn in your application at the same time, so you’ll save a trip.

Cons: You may be required to make an appointment and they may not have passport photo options available.

Professional Photographers

Some professional photography studios offer passport photo services.

Pros: You’ll probably get better, more attractive passport photos, since the person on the other end of the camera is a professional, full-time photographer. For infants and small children, professional photographers might get better results because they have extensive practice coaxing good pictures out of little kids.

Cons: Fees vary by studio, but expect it to cost a good deal more than the post office.

Get Your Passport Fast

Once you have your passport photos, it’s time to apply for a new passport.  RushMyPassport.com can help you get your passport quickly and easily, with processing times as low as 24 hours! If you need a passport in a hurry, come see why we are one of the top companies in the expediting industry, and expedite your passport with us today!