Get Your Passport Photos in Erie, Colorado

Yes, you can easily take your own passport photo from your home in Erie using a smartphone or digital camera. 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 printed passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be printed on high-quality, glossy or matte 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.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing eyeglasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Colorado. Hats and head coverings are also forbidden unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons.

The basic federal requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants regarding closed eyes or looking away from the camera. If you are photographing a baby in Erie, laying them on a plain white sheet or draping a car seat with a white cloth works best. No other people or hands can be visible 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 your photo to be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you are planning a trip out of Denver International Airport, it is best to apply several months in advance to account for mailing and processing times.

The closest regional facility is the Colorado Passport Agency, located about 40 miles south of Erie in Centennial. This agency is only for urgent travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies, and you must schedule an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center.