Passport Photos in Oakdale, Minnesota

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Oakdale home as long as it meets federal guidelines. You'll need a white or off-white background, good lighting, and a friend or tripod to take the picture, as selfies are not allowed.

The State Department requires your passport photo to be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 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, you cannot wear glasses in your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Oakdale. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons.

The basic size and background rules are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants' expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in Oakdale, you can lay them on their back on a plain white sheet to ensure nobody else is in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new passport photo taken within the last six months when renewing your passport. Even if your appearance hasn't changed much since your last Minnesota passport was issued, an older photo will be rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. Keep in mind that mailing times to and from the processing center can add up to four additional weeks to your total wait time.

The closest regional facility is the Minneapolis Passport Agency, located about 15 miles west of Oakdale in downtown Minneapolis. This agency is available by appointment only for travelers who have urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency.