Get Your Passport Photos in New Bern, NC

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in New Bern as long as it meets all federal guidelines. Services like Perfect Passport help ensure your selfie or home photo is perfectly cropped and compliant. Just make sure you have good lighting and a plain white background.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches 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. Digital formats must be uncompressed and high resolution.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing glasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily. Hats and head coverings are also forbidden 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 shadows.

The basic size and background requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants. A baby does not need to have a perfectly neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their eyes can be closed. However, no other people or hands can be visible in the photo, which is why laying the baby on a plain white sheet is often recommended.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo whenever you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires your passport photo to be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Using an old photo from a previous passport will cause your renewal application to be rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the time your application is received. If you pay the additional government fee for expedited service, the processing time is reduced to 2 to 3 weeks. Keep in mind that mailing times can add a few extra weeks to the total turnaround.

The closest regional U.S. Passport Agencies to New Bern are located in Washington, D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina, both of which are over 250 miles away. These federal agencies are strictly for urgent travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies and require an appointment. For routine processing, you can simply use a local New Bern acceptance facility like the post office.