We took our photo via iPhone standing against a light beige wall in our bedroom. The online instructions are very clear what to do.

We uploaded all of our information on a Monday and had both passports, in our mailbox, 10-days later.

Overall, the process was simple and quick. I highly recommend the online renewal process.

Use one of the online editing sites and pay the $2 or so to edit/align/lighten background and use that. I have done this for multiple family members. Or use the free option and tweak it yourself with their template.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We took each other's photos on our phones; just do your best to observe their rules. I don't think they are too onerous.

They aren't as long as you don't have any shadows, don't wear glasses, etc. White or off-white wall behind, adequate lighting. The tool will show you how to crop it properly. Zero need to pay anyone to do it or go anywhere.

We did this and the post office rejected our photos.

Yes. My husband went to Staples and the photo was rejected because it was too close up. I took a photo with my phone and it was accepted. I went and got my.money back. He got the passport in a week! This was early February. Take your own photo following the guidelines. You can submit the Walgreens one first and see if they reject it. Rejection or acceptance happens almost instantly.

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure you can take your own picture now if you have a plain light colored wall.

This

Anonymous wrote:We took each other's photos on our phones; just do your best to observe their rules. I don't think they are too onerous.

They aren't as long as you don't have any shadows, don't wear glasses, etc. White or off-white wall behind, adequate lighting. The tool will show you how to crop it properly. Zero need to pay anyone to do it or go anywhere.

We took each other's photos on our phones; just do your best to observe their rules. I don't think they are too onerous.

Ask for your money back. Just take a selfie on your phone and keep in accordance to State's requirements

I'm pretty sure you can take your own picture now if you have a plain light colored wall.

Went to Walgreens thinking they would do a better job than my teens (if that’s even allowed). The picture is crooked and you can see where rhe screen ends and the Walgreens banner at the top of the screen. Based on examples within the passport renewal pages, the background should be plain white, no clutter. I’m afraid the government will reject the renewal because of this picture.

Anyone with experience or advice?