How to Get Passport Photos

After the 9/11 attacks it was nearly impossible to get a passport in a short amount of time. Today it usually takes less than two weeks from the time you submit your application to the time your passport arrives in the mail. U.S passports are valid for 10 years, so it's important to look nice in your passport photo. There are lots of options for passport applicants to acquire pictures of themselves. Here are just a few ideas.

Things You'll Need

• Depending on which method you choose, you'll need:
• A digital camera and Internet access
• Access to a drug store or discount retailer
• AAA membership

Instructions

Easy Process

1. Certain branches of the U.S. Postal Service offer passport photo services. It usually costs a bit more to get your photo taken at the post office, about $15, but not all post offices participate. They often have long lines, and for the high cost it doesn't seem worth the trouble to get your picture taken here.

2. For a small fee, usually less than $10, you can have your passport photo taken at any Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target, Kinkos and more. Just about every retailer with a photo center is taking passport photos these days.

3. Passport photos are free for members of the AAA Auto Club. Call the local number printed on the back of your membership card and they'll tell you where you can find the closest branch location.

Making Your Own Passport Photo

1. If you're crafty and a little bit tech savvy, you can make your own passport photos. Be familiar with the government requirements for passport photo dimensions and specifications then do the following: Sit in front of a white colored wall. Remove any hats or non-prescription glasses. Look directly into the camera. Don't smile. Check that there are no shadows behind you on the image.

2. Upload your image to the ePassportPhoto website. Crop the image to government specifications. Either print your color photo at home on high quality photo paper or upload it to the photo center at your local Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart or Target and pick it up there.

3. Know that ePassportPhoto will ship your picture to you for a fee if you are unable to print it yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Your photo must be in color.

• The size of your head must be no less than 1 inch, no larger than 1 3/8 inches.

• If you print at home, don't use regular printer paper. It will not hold up to the lamination process when your passport is being assembled.

Resources

• ePassportPhoto.com
• U.S. Department of State