Get Your Passport Photos in Columbia, Tennessee

Yes, you can take your own passport photo anywhere in Columbia as long as it meets federal guidelines. You must use a plain white or off-white background and ensure proper lighting without shadows. Services like Perfect Passport can help verify your selfie meets all State Department requirements.

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper and clearly show your full face, with your head measuring between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. It must also be a high-resolution color photo taken within the last six months.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing glasses in your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily. Hats and head coverings are also not allowed unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must be visible without any shadows cast by clothing or hair.

The basic size and background rules are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infant photos. For example, a newborn's eyes do not need to be entirely open, and you can lay them on a plain white sheet to take the picture. However, no other people, hands, or pacifiers can be visible in the frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires your picture to have been taken within the last six months to 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 6 to 8 weeks from the time the application is received. If you pay for expedited service, the processing time is reduced to 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing times to and from the processing center can add several weeks to these estimates, so Columbia residents should plan accordingly.

The closest regional facility for urgent travel is the Atlanta Passport Agency, located about 250 miles southeast of Columbia. This agency only accepts walk-ins by appointment for life-or-death emergencies or international travel scheduled within 14 days. For standard processing, you can simply use a local acceptance facility like the Columbia post office.