Get Your Passport Photos in Downey, California

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Downey home as long as it meets all federal guidelines. You will need a white or off-white background, good lighting, and a friend or family member to snap the picture. Selfies are strictly prohibited by the State Department, so make sure someone else holds the camera.

The State Department requires all passport photos to be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be printed in color on high-quality, uncreased photo paper with a matte or glossy finish. Your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

No, glasses have been banned in U.S. passport photos since 2016, so you must remove them even if you wear them daily. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows cast by the headwear.

The basic size and background rules apply to infants and toddlers, but the State Department is slightly more lenient about their poses. A baby does not need to maintain a perfectly neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their eyes can be partially closed. When photographing a newborn in Downey, you can lay them on a plain white sheet to ensure no other people or hands are in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you apply for or renew a U.S. passport. The State Department requires the image to be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Using an old photo from a previous passport will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times, which can add several weeks to the total door-to-door process. If you are applying at a local Downey acceptance facility, it is highly recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

The closest regional facility is the Los Angeles Passport Agency, located in the West L.A. Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard. This agency is strictly for travelers who have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days or a life-or-death emergency. You cannot walk in for routine service; an appointment must be scheduled in advance by calling the National Passport Information Center.