Get Your Passport Photos in Delaware, Ohio

Yes, you can take your own passport photo from the comfort of your Delaware home as long as it meets all federal requirements. You must use a plain white or off-white background, which is easy to find in most houses or apartments. Just ensure your lighting is even and you have someone else take the picture, as selfies are strictly prohibited.

The State Department requires all passport photos to be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size. The image must be printed 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 photos used for online renewals must be at least 600x600 pixels.

No, glasses have been banned in all U.S. passport photos since 2016, so you must remove them before taking your picture. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you wear them daily for religious or medical reasons, in which case you must provide a signed statement. Even during the sunny Ohio summers, sunglasses are never permitted.

The basic federal requirements remain the same for infants, but the State Department is slightly more lenient regarding their posture and expression. For example, a newborn's eyes do not need to be completely open, and you can lay them on a plain white blanket to take the photo. No other people, including parents holding the child, can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you apply for a passport renewal. The State Department requires your picture to have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance accurately. Even if you look exactly the same as you did in your old Ohio driver's license or previous passport, an older photo will be rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the time the State Department receives your application. If you pay for expedited service, the processing time is reduced to 2 to 3 weeks. Keep in mind that mailing times to and from federal processing centers can add a few extra weeks to your total wait.

The closest regional facility for urgent travel is the Detroit Passport Agency, located about 160 miles north of Delaware. This agency only accepts walk-ins by appointment for life-or-death emergencies or international travel scheduled within the next 14 days. For routine processing, you can simply use a local acceptance facility like a post office or library in Delaware County.