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March 15, 2023
What is Best Place for Passport Photo?
The photo is an essential document when you apply for a passport or a visa because it serves as an identification form. Sometimes it is not so easy to obtain it as you must waste your time and money. However, fear not. In this article, we will present you with the best places to take passport photographs as well as photo requirements. So let’s get started.
Where to take Passport Photos?
The options for taking photos may differ as they depend on the area you come from. Below we present the most common places where you can take a picture. Check them all and pick the solution that is perfect for you.
Professional Photo Studios
The most common method is to use a professional photo studio. This is the best way if you care about quality and quick services.
The professionals know all the requirements, so you don’t need to worry about the picture size, visibility, or other important aspects. Thanks to that, your application won’t be rejected. Note that you may pay a little bit more and wait for the shooting.
Pharmacies and Retail Shops
Going to Walmart, Target, or CVS pharmacy to get a passport photo is a very popular choice as it is usually quite convenient and affordable. You will obtain images right away for a reasonable price.
However, be careful and check if the stores participate in the passport photo service program. Not all of them offer that, and meeting the necessary photo conditions is essential.
Also, you can try to get a photo in the pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, or CVS.
UPS/FedEx Shipping Centers
Shipping centers (UPS/FedEx, etc.) are also an option if you want to take a passport photo. However, you must check if the location offers that kind of service before you decide to go there. It is possible to schedule your visit online so that you can avoid standing in line.
If you want to get a new passport quickly, you can use FedEx’s expedited passport renewal services to make the process even faster.
Passport Services and Post Offices
Some post offices offer passport photo services, but usually, you should have all the required documents with you and apply for a passport there. It is not the most popular option, and it’s better to obtain photos before.
Besides, you can try to get a passport photo at the Passport Acceptance Facilities, but it is recommended to check if the place offers that. This institution conducts passport processing, so you can obtain it there, but it is not always possible to take a photo in such a place.
Passport Photo at Home
You can try to take a passport photo at your home if you don’t want to waste your time on a visit to the studio or another location that offers photography services. A passport photo online software and a decent camera/smartphone may help you with that.
Thanks to the applications, you can upload your color photo and change it so it will be perfect when it comes to the requirements. Then, you need to print it out. Remember that:
- Pictures must be colorful and recent (not older than 6 months).
- The face must be clear without any filters or editing.
- It can’t be a selfie, and someone else must take a photo.
- Don’t wear eyeglasses.
- The background must be white.
This method is not recommended, though, as you need to be very careful about rules and, in many cases, print out the photos.
Passport Photo Requirements
Photo requirements for a passport may differ depending on the country. When it comes to the U.S., generally, the picture must be as follows:
- in the correct size – between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm)
- colorful and recent (taken within 6 months)
- on the plain white background
- show full face with neutral facial expression.
Besides, you can have a natural smile in the picture. Head covering is possible only because of religious reasons. Furthermore, you shouldn’t wear glasses, as the eyes must be visible, as well as uniforms or headphones. Wear your daily clothes. Remember you need to take a new photo, as you can’t use ID photos or those from other documents.