Passport Photos

Travel Prep Starts Here

Need a professional passport photo? PostalAnnex in Van Nuys, CA takes quality passport photos that meet current U.S. Department of State photo requirements. Most stores accept walk-ins, so no appointment is needed.

We Take the Photos. The Government Issues the Passport.

PostalAnnex provides passport photos only. U.S. passports are issued solely by the U.S. Department of State. To apply for or renew a passport, visit travel.state.gov, the official source for forms, fees, and current processing times.

U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

The U.S. Department of State publishes official photo requirements. Your photo must:

• Be in color and printed at 2 x 2 inches, with the head measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Have been taken in the last 6 months
• Have a plain white or off-white background
• Show a full face toward the camera, with both eyes open and a neutral expression

We at PostalAnnex stay up-to-date on the current photo requirements and make sure your photo meets them.

Tips for the Best Passport Photo

There are several do's and don'ts for the best passport photo. These ensure that your photo will be accepted.

Do's
• Do have a neutral expression on your face, eyes open, mouth closed.
• Do face the camera head on and not look to the side
• Do wear clothes that are not black or white so as not to wash out on the white background of the photo backdrop.
• Do wear collared shirts or more business-friendly attire for a clean, professional look.
• Do wear a conservative neckline shirt or dress. This is because if the photo is cropped you will still appear to be wearing clothes.

Don'ts
• Do not wear glasses; lens glare or other reflections can get a photo rejected.
• Do not wear earbuds or headphones.
• Do not wear a uniform or camouflage as the Passport Agency will reject your photo.
• Do not overdo makeup, go for a more natural look.
• Do not wear sunglasses or any other item that will cover part of the face. Eyepatches for medical reasons are allowed.
• Do not wear hats or headbands, but you may wear religious headgear if you have a letter of explanation.

At PostalAnnex in Van Nuys, CA, we specialize in taking professional U.S. passport photos that meet U.S. Department of State requirements. Most stores accept walk-ins, so no appointment is needed. For more information, contact PostalAnnex in Van Nuys below.

Plan Ahead

Passport processing times vary through the year, so build in plenty of lead time before international travel:

• Take your passport photos at least 4 months in advance of your trip; photos must have been taken within 6 months of when you submit them
• Check current processing times at travel.state.gov before booking travel
• Contact your local PostalAnnex with any passport photo questions

Passport Photo Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a passport photo?

Everyone traveling outside the United States needs a passport, and every passport needs a compliant photo. Photos in the same format are also used for many other ID documents.

Does PostalAnnex process passport applications?

No. PostalAnnex takes passport photos only. Passports are issued solely by the U.S. Department of State through travel.state.gov.