Get Your Passport Photos in Montebello, California

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in Montebello as long as it meets all U.S. State Department requirements. You will need a plain white or off-white background, good lighting, and someone else to take the picture, as selfies are not permitted. Services like Perfect Passport can help verify that your homemade photo is fully compliant before you submit it.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches in size. The image must be printed in color on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, and your head must measure between 1 and 1.375 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Digital photos must also adhere to strict pixel dimensions and file size limits.

No, you cannot wear glasses in your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Montebello. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious purposes or a doctor's statement for medical reasons. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows.

The basic requirements for babies and young children are the same, including the 2 by 2 inch size and plain white background. However, the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants, allowing them to be photographed lying down on a white blanket or in a car seat covered with a white cloth. It is acceptable if a newborn's eyes are not entirely open, but no other people can be in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new photo when renewing your U.S. passport. The State Department requires that your passport photo be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Using an old photo, even if it was accepted previously, will cause your California passport renewal application to be delayed or rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times, which can add up to two weeks on each end of the process. If you are applying at a local Montebello acceptance facility, it is highly recommended to plan well ahead of your travel dates.

The closest regional agency is the Los Angeles Passport Agency, located in the West L.A. Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard. This facility is strictly for urgent travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies, and you must have an appointment to enter. For routine processing, you should use a standard passport acceptance facility in or near Montebello.