Get Your Passport Photos in Burien, Washington

Yes, you can take your own passport photo in Burien as long as it meets all federal guidelines. You must use a plain white or off-white background, ensure proper lighting, and have someone else take the picture since selfies are strictly prohibited. Services like Perfect Passport can help verify your home photo meets these strict State Department standards.

The U.S. State Department requires all passport photos to be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size. The image must be printed in color on high-quality, uncreased 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 be high resolution and cannot be digitally altered or retouched.

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

The basic federal requirements for lighting, size, and background are the same for babies and young children. However, the State Department is slightly more lenient regarding infants' expressions and allows them to be photographed lying down on a plain white sheet. No other person, including parents, can be visible in the frame, which makes taking the photo at home in Burien a stress-free option.

Yes, you must submit a new passport photo whenever you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires your photo to have been taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Even if your look hasn't changed much, reusing an old photo 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 by mail from Washington to a passport facility. If you need your passport faster, you may need to apply in person at a regional passport agency.

The closest regional facility is the Seattle Passport Agency, located just a short drive north of Burien in Downtown Seattle. This agency is strictly for travelers who have urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency. You cannot walk in for routine service and must schedule an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center.