Get Your Passport Photos in Rapid City

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in Rapid City as long as it meets all federal guidelines. You must use a plain white or off-white background, which you can easily find in your home or office. Just make sure someone else takes the photo, as selfies are strictly prohibited by the State Department.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches in size and printed in color on high-quality, uncreased photo paper. Additionally, your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Digital alterations or filters of any kind are not allowed.

No, glasses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos, even if you wear them daily in Rapid City. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows.

The basic State Department requirements are the same for infants and children, but the government is slightly more lenient regarding their exact pose and expression. For example, a newborn's eyes do not need to be completely open in the photo. If you are photographing a baby in Rapid City, laying them on a plain white blanket is often the easiest method.

Yes, you must submit a new photo when renewing your passport, even if your appearance hasn't changed. The State Department requires all passport photos to be taken within the last six months. Reusing an old photo will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes about four to six weeks, while expedited service takes two to three weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times from South Dakota, which can add a few extra weeks to the total process. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of any planned international travel.

The closest regional U.S. Passport Agencies to Rapid City are located in Denver, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Because both are over 350 miles away, most South Dakota residents should use a local acceptance facility for routine processing. The regional agencies are strictly for travelers with urgent international travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies.