You’ve got your passport application ready, and now you need to sort out your photos. If you’re thinking about convenience and wondering, “Does Staples Take Passport Photos?”, you’re in the right place to find out. Let’s dive into whether Staples is an option for your passport photo needs, what alternatives you have, and how to ensure your photo is just right for your application.
Staples and Passport Photos: What to Know
Staples is well-known for its office supplies and printing services, but currently, Staples does not offer passport photo services in their stores. While they provide photo printing and other photo-related services, taking passport photos that meet the strict government requirements isn’t something they currently specialize in.
So, if you were hoping to quickly pop into Staples during a supply run to get your passport photos taken, you’ll need to consider other options. Don’t worry, there are plenty of convenient alternatives available.
Where Can You Get Passport Photos Taken?
While Staples isn’t an option, many other places do offer passport photo services, often quickly and affordably. Here are a few popular choices:
- Pharmacies: Drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid are popular choices for passport photos. They usually have in-store studios and trained staff who understand passport photo requirements.
- Post Offices: Many United States Post Offices also provide passport photo services. This can be particularly convenient if you’re also mailing your passport application.
- Retail Stores: Big box stores like Walmart and Target often have photo centers that offer passport photo services.
- Professional Photography Studios: For a more personalized experience, you can visit a professional photographer who specializes in passport and ID photos. This may be a slightly more expensive option but can be beneficial if you want extra assurance of quality.
- Online Passport Photo Services: For ultimate convenience, online services like PhotoAiD allow you to take your photo at home using your smartphone and have it checked for compliance and printed or delivered digitally. This is a great option if you are short on time or prefer to avoid in-person visits.
Examples of passport photos generated using PhotoAiD's passport photo maker.
Getting Your Passport Photos Right: Key Requirements
Regardless of where you choose to get your passport photos, ensuring they meet official requirements is crucial for avoiding application delays. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Size and Dimensions: U.S. passport photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
- Color: Photos must be in color.
- Background: The background must be plain white or off-white.
- Head Size: The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Facial Expression: You must have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open.
- Attire: You should wear normal everyday attire. Uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform are not allowed.
- Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in passport photos, except in rare medical circumstances.
- Hats and Head Coverings: Hats and head coverings are generally not allowed, although exceptions are made for religious or medical reasons.
- Quality: The photo must be clear, sharp, and undamaged. No shadows should be on your face or in the background.
Using a service that specializes in passport photos, whether in-store or online, can help ensure your photos meet these requirements and are accepted the first time.
Examples of passport photos accepted and verified by experts at PhotoAiD.
Why Stapling Your Passport Photo Correctly Matters
Once you have your compliant passport photos, you need to attach one to your application form, especially if you are renewing your passport by mail using Form DS-82. While it might seem like a minor detail, stapling your photo correctly is important.
For mail-in renewals, you MUST staple your photo. If you are applying in person for the first time, don’t staple your photo; the acceptance agent will handle it for you.
Using staples is the only approved method for attaching your photo to the application form when renewing by mail. Do not use tape or glue.
How to Staple Your Passport Photo: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to staple your passport photo to your DS-82 form correctly:
- Position the Photo: Place your photo within the designated photo box on the DS-82 form. This box is usually marked with dotted lines and says “Place Photo Here.”
- Use Four Staples: Use four staples, placing one in each corner of the photo.
- Staple Placement: Position the staples close to the edges of the photo, ensuring you don’t cover any part of your face.
- Check for Shadows: Make sure the staples do not cast any shadows on your face in the photo.
- Ensure Stability: Confirm that the photo is securely attached and doesn’t move around.
Your correctly stapled passport photo should be firmly affixed to the application form and ready for submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stapling
To ensure your application isn’t delayed due to incorrectly attached photos, avoid these common stapling mistakes:
Three examples of incorrectly stapled passport photos, including staples covering the face and photo not securely attached.
- Stapling Through the Face: Avoid placing staples in a way that they cover any part of your face.
- Using Too Few Staples: Always use four staples, one in each corner.
- Loose Attachment: Ensure the photo is securely stapled and doesn’t dangle or easily come off.
In Conclusion
While Staples does not currently offer passport photo services, you have numerous convenient alternatives, from pharmacies and post offices to online services like PhotoAiD. Once you have your compliant photos, remember to staple them correctly if you are renewing your passport by mail. Paying attention to these details will help ensure a smooth passport application process.
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