Get Your Passport Photos in Alexandria, Louisiana

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Alexandria home using a smartphone or digital camera. Just ensure you have good lighting, a plain white background, and a friend or family member to take the shot, as selfies are not permitted by the State Department.

The U.S. State Department requires all passport photos to be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) 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 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing glasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Louisiana. Hats and head coverings are also banned 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' expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in Alexandria, you can lay them on their back on a plain white blanket or drape a white sheet over a car seat to get the shot.

Yes, federal rules dictate that you must submit a new, updated photo taken within the last six months when renewing your passport. Even if your appearance hasn't changed much since your last Louisiana driver's license or passport photo, an older image will result in your application being rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you are planning an international trip out of Alexandria International Airport, it is highly recommended to apply several months in advance to account for mailing times.

The closest regional facility is the New Orleans Passport Center, located about 190 miles southeast of Alexandria. This State Department agency is strictly for travelers who need a passport for urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency.