Get Your Passport Photos in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Yes, you can take your own passport photo anywhere in La Crosse as long as it meets all State Department requirements. You will need a friend or family member to take the picture, as selfies are strictly prohibited. Using a service like Perfect Passport ensures your home photo is properly cropped, lit, and compliant before submission.

Your printed passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and printed on high-quality, glossy or matte photo paper. The image must be in color, taken against a plain white or off-white background without shadows. Your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing eyeglasses in passport photos, even if you wear them daily in Wisconsin. Hats and head coverings are also forbidden 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 infants' expressions and head positions. No other people can be in the photo, so parents in La Crosse often lay their baby on a plain white sheet or drape a car seat with a white blanket. The child's eyes should ideally be open, though it is acceptable if a newborn's eyes are partially closed.

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you apply for or renew a U.S. passport. The State Department requires your photo to be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Reusing an old photo from a previous passport will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

Routine passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional federal fee. These estimates do not include mailing times, which can add up to two weeks on either end of the process. Wisconsin residents should apply well in advance of any planned international travel to avoid delays.

The closest regional facility is the Minneapolis Passport Agency, located about 145 miles northwest of La Crosse. This specialized agency does not accept routine applications and is strictly for travelers requiring urgent assistance. You must schedule an appointment by phone and provide proof of international travel within 14 calendar days or a life-or-death emergency.