Get Your Passport Photos in Mankato, Minnesota

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in Mankato 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. Services like Perfect Passport can help you format and verify your photo from home.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size and printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Digital uploads for online renewals must be at least 600 by 600 pixels.

No, you cannot wear glasses in your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Even then, the head covering must not cast shadows or obscure your face.

The basic requirements for babies and young children are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient about their posture and expression. Infants can be photographed lying on a plain white blanket or sitting in a car seat covered with a white sheet. No other people, including parents holding the child, can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, recent photo every time you renew your passport, whether you mail it from Mankato or renew online. The photo must have been taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Using an old 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 processing takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional federal fee. These timeframes do not include mailing times, which can add several weeks to the total process. If you are applying from Mankato, it is best to submit your application well in advance of your trip.

The closest regional facility is the Minneapolis Passport Agency, located about 80 miles northeast of Mankato. This agency is strictly for travelers who have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days or a life-or-death emergency. You must call the National Passport Information Center to schedule an appointment before visiting.