Get Your Passport Photos in Oak Ridge, TN

Yes, you can take your own passport photo anywhere in Oak Ridge as long as it meets all federal requirements. You will need a plain white or off-white background, which you can easily find in your home or office. Just make sure the lighting is even and someone else takes the picture, as selfies are not permitted.

Your U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches in size. The image must be printed on high-quality, matte or glossy photo 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 also be uncompressed and free of digital alterations.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing eyeglasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Tennessee. Hats and head coverings are also banned unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical purposes. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows.

The basic federal requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants' expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in Oak Ridge, you can lay them on a plain white blanket or drape a white sheet over their car seat. Just ensure no other people or hands are visible in the final frame.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires the image to be 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 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These federal processing times do not include the time it takes for your application to travel from Oak Ridge to the processing center. It is always best to apply well in advance of your planned international departure.

The closest regional facility is the Atlanta Passport Agency, located about 190 miles south of Oak Ridge. This agency is strictly for travelers who need a passport for urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency. For standard processing, you should use a local acceptance facility or renew by mail.