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Where to Get an Expedited Passport Photo

If you need an expedited passport, you can’t afford to make any mistakes that might delay your application. In addition to filling out your application carefully and double-checking to make sure you have included all of the appropriate documents, you also need to make sure that your passport photo meets the standards set by the US Department of State. That means you shouldn’t try to take your passport photo yourself. Instead, go ahead and spring for a professional. If you’re not sure where to get your picture taken, try one of the following options:

• A drugstore, such as Walgreen’s or CVS. Most drugstores offer passport photo services, and your prints will usually be available in just a few minutes.

• Wal-Mart often offers passport photo services in their photo department. You can have your picture taken and shop while they are being printed.

• Post offices that accept passport applications often offer passport photo services as well.

• A professional photographer: This is the most expensive option by far, but it guarantees that you will get good service and minimizes the chances of your passport photo coming out like a mug shot.

To ensure that your expedited passport application is processed the first time, make sure that your photos adhere to the Department of State’s guidelines for passport photos before you send them in. For example, don’t go in for your photo wearing a hat or headgear of any sort, unless it’s something you wear everyday for religious reasons. The same thing goes for sunglasses: leave them at home unless you need them for medical reasons. Also, face forward toward the camera and keep your expression natural-this is not a modeling shoot! Double-check the pictures to make sure they are in focus and not overexposed, and ask to have them re-done if they are.

Following these guidelines will maximize the chances of your expedited passport application sailing through without a hitch!

About the Author

Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.

How to make a passport photo using an ordinary photo

Passport Frame Each $3.99 Remember your event forever with this Glass Passport Photo Frame. Each Passport Frame holds your favorite 5 in. x 7 in. photo. Add Personalization to your Passport Photo Frame with colorization and your event information.

Passport to Love $1.22 We print the photo. These unique Save the Date announcements are designed as passports! The navy blue passport wrap features a gold foil design which reads PASSPORT to romance. The printed insert features colorful hearts, weathered stamps and your photo at the bottom. SAVE THE DATE XOXOXOXO cannot be changed. Customer must assemble. Bright white enclosure cards available. When customizing, please upload a photo at least 2″ x 2.25″ at 300 DPI or larger. For more information on submitting photos, please visit the Photo Help Center

Passport Personalized Clear Photo Cube Personalized Clear Photo Cube Each $3.59 This Passport Clear Photo Cube displays five of your favorite photos. Each Passport Photo Cube is made of clear acrylic and holds five of your favorite 3 1/4 inch x 3 1/4 inch photos. Customize the personalized insert to match your event’s theme. Easy assembly.

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Bosca Nappa Vitello Passport Case – Black $50.95 The Passport Case makes it easy to find your passport. It secures and protects your passport with its genuine leather and has a clear page keeper so you can show your photo.

Passport Pure Adoration Frame Each $1.99 This Passport Pure Adoration Frame features a background of faux passport stamps, postmarks and logos. Our Personalized Passport Frame is made of plastic and will hold one 5 inch x 7 inch size photo. Customize this Passport Photo Frame with your wording and imprint color for a unique one-of-a-kind favor your guests will cherish for years to come!

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Clava 2408 Passport Wallet $29.38 Passport holder with several pockets for great travel organization. Interior left has large clear window so that passport photo can be seen while held in place. Interior has 5 slot that holds business cards and credit cards vertically and full length vertical slash pocket horizontal exterior back pocket as well. Dimensions 3.25 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches.

Passport Forever Tonight Frame Each $3.29 This Passport Forever Tonight Frame features a background of postmarked stamps and logos. Our Passport Forever Photo Frame is made of metal and will hold one 5 inch x 7 inch size photo. Customize this Personalized Passport Frame with your wording, imprint color and design if you choose. These frames make unique guest favors for any Arabian, Parisian or Venice themed Prom or special event.

Passport Snap In Key Tag Each $1.89 This Passport Snap In Key Tag features a postmarked background. Each Personalized Passport Photo Key Tag is made of acrylic and holds one photo measuring 2 1/2 inches wide x 3 1/2 inches high. Customize this Acrylic Passport Key Tag as a favor for each of your guests at any overseas themed Prom or special event.

Bosca Old Leather Passport Case – Dark Brown $50.95 The Passport Case makes it easy to find your passport. It secures and protects your passport with its genuine leather and has a clear page keeper so you can show your photo. Available Colors: Black, Dark Brown.

Passport to Adv/Guam, Where East M $12.71 Turquoise waters, lush jungles, cosmopolitan shopping and a plethora of historical sites await the traveler that makes the trek to Guam. The island is an endearing mix of 1960′s America, Asia, and exotic Pacific Island. Hosts Julie Conover and Mark Jennings cha cha their way through the weekly Fiesta, swim in waterfalls, snorkel the coral reef and meet a refreshing group of teenage dancers passionate about preserving their colorful heritage.

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Where Eagles Dare $7.99 Where Eagles Dare – Photo