Quick and Easy Passport Photos in San Carlos

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in San Carlos as long as it meets all federal guidelines. Services like Perfect Passport help ensure your home photo is perfectly cropped and compliant with State Department rules.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be in color, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, and feature a plain white or off-white background.

No, you cannot wear glasses in your U.S. passport photo unless you have a signed doctor's note for medical reasons. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless worn daily for religious or medical purposes, which requires a signed statement.

The basic size and background rules are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants' poses. For example, a newborn's eyes do not have to be entirely open, and you can lay them on a plain white car seat or blanket to take the photo.

Yes, you must submit a new photo when renewing your U.S. passport, even if you are just mailing your application from San Carlos. The State Department requires your picture to have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

Whether you apply from San Carlos or anywhere else in California, routine passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you pay for expedited service, the processing time is reduced to 2 to 3 weeks, not including mailing times.

The closest regional facility is the San Francisco Passport Agency, located about 25 miles north of San Carlos. You can only visit this agency if you have an appointment for urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency.