Get Your Passport Photos in Pekin, Illinois

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from your home in Pekin as long as it meets all federal guidelines. You will need a plain white or off-white background, good lighting, and a friend or tripod to take the picture, as selfies are not permitted. Services like Perfect Passport can help ensure your homemade photo passes all State Department checks.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches in size, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. The image must be in color, clear, and unedited, with your head measuring between 1 and 1.375 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Digital photos used for online renewals must be at least 600 by 600 pixels.

No, glasses must be removed for all U.S. passport photos to prevent glare and ensure your face is fully visible. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious purposes or medical reasons. Even with an exemption, the head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.

The basic size and background requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infant photos. A baby can be photographed lying on their back on a plain white blanket, and it is acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open. However, no other people, hands, or pacifiers can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new photo that was taken within the last six months when renewing your U.S. passport. Even if your appearance has not changed significantly, using an older photo or the same one from your previous passport will cause your application to be rejected. This rule applies whether you are mailing your renewal from Pekin or applying online.

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 acceptance facility in Illinois, it is best to apply several months before your planned departure.

The closest regional facility is the Chicago Passport Agency, located about 165 miles northeast of Pekin. This agency is exclusively for travelers who need a passport for urgent international travel within 14 days or have a qualifying life-or-death emergency. You cannot walk in for routine service and must schedule an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center.