Get Your Passport Photos in Dubuque, Iowa

Yes, you can absolutely take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Dubuque home. The U.S. State Department allows DIY photos as long as they meet all federal requirements, such as having a plain white background and proper lighting. Just ensure you have someone else take the picture, as selfies are strictly prohibited.

Your printed passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size and printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Within the image, your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. If you are submitting a digital photo online, it must be at least 600 by 600 pixels.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing eyeglasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Iowa. Hats and head coverings are also not allowed unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must be clearly visible without any obscuring shadows.

The core photo requirements are the same for infants and children, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with their poses. For example, a newborn's eyes don't have to be entirely open, and you can lay them on a plain white blanket to take the photo. Just ensure no hands, pacifiers, or car seat straps are visible in the final image.

Yes, you must submit a new photo when renewing your passport, even if your appearance hasn't changed much. The State Department requires your passport photo to be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current look. Using an older 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're planning an international trip out of Dubuque, it's best to apply several months in advance to avoid any stressful delays.

The closest regional U.S. Passport Agency to Dubuque is the Chicago Passport Agency, located about 175 miles east in Illinois. This specialized facility is not a standard post office and only accepts appointments for urgent international travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies. For routine processing, you should use a local acceptance facility right here in Iowa.