Get Your Passport Photos in Brea, California

Yes, you can easily take your own passport photo from your home or office in Brea using a smartphone. The State Department allows self-taken photos as long as they meet all official requirements, such as having a plain white background and proper lighting. Just make sure someone else takes the picture, as selfies are strictly prohibited.

Your U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image needs to be printed in color on high-quality photo paper, and your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Whether you print it in Brea or order it online, the dimensions must be exact.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing eyeglasses in passport photos, even if you wear them daily in California. Hats and head coverings are also banned unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must be clearly visible without any shadows or obstructions.

The technical requirements for baby passport photos are the same, but the government is slightly more lenient regarding infant expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in Brea, you can lay them on their back on a plain white sheet or drape a car seat with a white cloth. No other people, hands, or props can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo whenever you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires your picture to have been taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Even if you haven't changed much since your last California passport was issued, an older photo will cause your application to be rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These federal processing times do not include mailing times to and from the passport facilities, so California residents should plan accordingly. If you have an immediate emergency, you may qualify for faster processing at a regional agency.

The closest regional facility to Brea is the Los Angeles Passport Agency, located on Wilshire Boulevard. This agency is exclusively for travelers who need a passport for urgent international travel within 14 days or for a life-or-death emergency. You cannot walk in; you must call the National Passport Information Center to schedule an appointment.