Applying for a passport involves several steps, and one crucial aspect is getting your passport photos right. The photo you submit must meet strict government regulations to ensure your application isn’t delayed or rejected. If you’re wondering “where to take photo for passport”, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best options for getting compliant passport photos, ensuring a smooth passport application process.
Understanding Passport Photo Requirements
Before you decide where to get your passport photo, it’s essential to understand the requirements set by government authorities. These regulations are in place to ensure your photo is clear, recent, and accurately represents your appearance. Key requirements generally include:
- Size: Typically 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
- Background: Plain white or off-white.
- Head Size: Specific dimensions for head height and position within the frame.
- Expression: Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- Attire: No uniforms, hats, or eyeglasses (unless for medical reasons; with doctor’s note). No head coverings unless for religious purposes.
- Quality: Sharp, clear, and not blurry or pixelated. No shadows on the face or background.
- Recency: Taken within the last six months.
It’s always best to check the official website of your country’s passport authority for the most up-to-date and detailed specifications. For U.S. passports, you can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Top Locations to Get Your Passport Photos
Now that you know what makes a good passport photo, let’s explore the best places to get them taken:
1. Drugstores and Pharmacies
Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid are popular and convenient options for passport photos. They usually have photo centers that offer passport photo services with trained staff who are familiar with the requirements.
- Pros: Convenient locations, often no appointment needed, relatively quick service (usually within minutes).
- Cons: Quality can vary depending on the staff and equipment, may be slightly more expensive than other options.
Example: Walgreens Passport Photos
Walgreens is a well-known option, offering passport photos that meet U.S. government standards. They provide two printed photos and often include a digital copy. You can simply walk into a Walgreens store with a photo center and request a passport photo. Find your nearest Walgreens Photo Center.
2. Big Box Retail Stores
Stores like Walmart and Target also offer passport photo services in their photo centers. Similar to drugstores, they provide convenience and quick turnaround.
- Pros: Widely available locations, generally affordable pricing, often offer other photo services as well.
- Cons: Similar to drugstores, quality can depend on the specific location and staff expertise.
3. Professional Photo Studios
For guaranteed quality and expertise, professional photo studios are an excellent choice. They specialize in portrait photography and are highly knowledgeable about passport photo requirements for various countries.
- Pros: High-quality photos, experienced photographers, expertise in lighting and posing for passport photos, often offer retakes if needed.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than drugstores or retail stores, may require an appointment.
4. AAA (American Automobile Association)
If you are a AAA member, you can often get passport photos taken at AAA locations. This can be a convenient option if you are already visiting AAA for other travel-related services.
- Pros: Discounts for AAA members, reliable service, often combined with other travel services.
- Cons: Limited to AAA members, may not be as widely available as drugstores or retail stores.
5. Post Offices (USPS)
Some United States Post Offices offer passport photo services, along with passport application processing. This can be a very convenient option to get everything done in one place.
- Pros: Convenient for processing passport applications immediately after getting photos, staff familiar with passport requirements.
- Cons: Not all post offices offer photo services, may require an appointment, potentially longer wait times. Check with your local post office if they provide this service.
Getting Passport Photos for Babies and Children
Taking passport photos of babies and young children can be a bit more challenging. Many of the locations mentioned above, like Walgreens and professional studios, are equipped to handle photos for infants and children. Key tips for baby and child passport photos:
- Patience: Be patient and allow extra time.
- White Background: Lay the baby on a white sheet or blanket for a suitable background.
- Neutral Expression: It’s acceptable for newborns to have slightly open eyes, but try to get a neutral expression if possible for older babies and children.
- No Shadows: Ensure there are no shadows on the baby’s face.
- Support: You can support the baby from behind the white sheet, but your hands should not be visible in the photo.
Walgreens, for example, explicitly states they offer passport photos for all ages, including babies and children, indicating their staff are trained to assist with these photos.
DIY Passport Photos: Proceed with Caution
While technically you can take passport photos yourself, it’s generally not recommended unless you are very meticulous and have a good understanding of all the requirements. If not done correctly, your application could be rejected, causing delays.
- When DIY might be considered: If you are in a very remote location with no access to photo services, or for renewal applications where minor discrepancies might be more acceptable (check specific guidelines).
- Challenges: Ensuring correct size, background, lighting, and pose can be difficult at home.
If you choose to DIY, use a tripod, have someone assist you, use natural light, and carefully review all government guidelines. There are also online tools and apps that claim to help with DIY passport photos, but use them with caution and double-check compliance.
Cost of Passport Photos
The cost of passport photos can vary depending on the location:
- Drugstores/Retail Stores: Typically around $15 – $20 for two photos. Walgreens passport photos, for instance, are priced at $16.99 for two printed photos and include a free digital copy.
- Professional Studios: Can range from $20 – $40 or more, depending on the studio and services offered.
- AAA/USPS: Prices may be comparable to drugstores or slightly lower for members at AAA.
While cost is a factor, prioritize compliance and quality to avoid passport application issues.
Ensuring Your Passport Photo is Accepted
To maximize the chances of your passport photo being accepted:
- Communicate Requirements: Clearly tell the photographer that the photos are for a passport and, if necessary, specify the country.
- Review Before Leaving: Before leaving the photo location, review the photos yourself to check for obvious issues (e.g., shadows, wrong background, eyeglasses if not permitted).
- Ask About Compliance Guarantee: Some places, especially studios, may offer a guarantee of compliance or free retakes if the photo is rejected due to quality issues.
- Digital Copy: Getting a digital copy is useful for online passport applications or for future use. Walgreens provides a free digital copy via email, which is a convenient added benefit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right place to take your passport photo is a small but significant part of the passport application process. For convenience and reasonable cost, drugstores like Walgreens and retail stores are good options. For guaranteed quality and expertise, professional photo studios are recommended. USPS and AAA offer convenient options, especially if you are already using their other services. By understanding the requirements and selecting a reputable photo service, you can ensure your passport photo meets all guidelines and helps your application process smoothly. Remember to always double-check the latest official guidelines from your country’s passport agency before getting your photo taken.
