Get Your Passport Photos in Ithaca, New York

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Ithaca home as long as it meets all federal guidelines. You will need a friend or family member to take the picture, as selfies are strictly prohibited by the State Department. Make sure you stand in front of a plain white or off-white background with good lighting.

Your U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches in size. The image must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, and your head must measure 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, the State Department does not allow glasses in passport photos, so you must remove them before taking your picture. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Even with an exemption, your full face must remain visible without any shadows.

The basic photo requirements for infants and children are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient about their poses. For example, a newborn photographed in an Ithaca hospital or at home can have their eyes partially closed, and they can be laid on a plain white blanket. However, no other people, hands, or pacifiers can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new photo every time you apply for or renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires your picture to 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 six to eight weeks from the time your application is received. If you pay for expedited service, the processing time is reduced to two to three weeks. Keep in mind that mailing times from New York to the processing centers can add a few extra weeks to the total turnaround.

The closest regional facility for urgent travel is the Buffalo Passport Agency, located about 150 miles northwest of Ithaca. This agency only accepts appointments for travelers who have an international departure within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency. For routine processing, you can simply use a local acceptance facility like a post office or library in Tompkins County.