Passport Photos in Garden City, NY — Fast, Compliant & Same-Day
Need a passport photo that actually meets the government's requirements? Skip the grocery store kiosk — here's why professional photography makes a difference.
Neptune Photo takes compliant US passport photos in about 10 minutes, walk-in, at 731 Franklin Ave in Garden City, NY — two printed 2x2 photos that meet State Department requirements. We also shoot photos for visas, Global Entry, green cards, and other IDs. Here's what the government requires and how to prepare.
US Passport Photo Requirements
The US State Department has strict guidelines for passport photos. Getting them wrong means your application gets rejected. Here are the key requirements:
- Size: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
- Head size: Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Glasses: Not permitted (as of 2016)
- Recency: Must have been taken within the last 6 months
- No head coverings unless worn daily for religious reasons
- No filters or editing that alters your appearance
Why Professional Photos Matter
Passport photos taken at retail kiosks or printed from your phone frequently get rejected for subtle reasons:
- Background that isn't truly white (a cream wall, shadows)
- Head positioning that's slightly off-center
- Shadows on the background caused by bad positioning
- Improper sizing or resolution when printed
- Glare on skin from harsh flash
A professional photographer knows how to position you correctly, light the background evenly, and produce prints that meet every technical specification. At Neptune Photo, we've taken thousands of passport photos — we know exactly what the State Department is looking for.
What to Expect at Neptune Photo
Walk in — no appointment needed for passport photos during regular business hours. Full details are on our photography & passport services page.
When you arrive:
- We'll seat you in front of our plain white backdrop
- Position your head at the correct height and angle
- Take several shots with even, professional lighting
- Select the best frame together
- Print two compliant 2x2 photos while you wait
The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Other ID Photos We Provide
In addition to US passport photos, we produce compliant photos for:
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck enrollment
- Visa applications (we can adjust specifications for different countries)
- US Naturalization (N-400 form requirements)
- Driver's license renewal (NJ and NY DMV-compliant)
- Green card / Permanent Resident Card applications
- Military ID
Digital Passport Photos
If you're applying for your passport online, we can provide a compliant JPEG file sent to your email — correct pixel dimensions, proper color space, and file size under 240KB as required by the State Portal.
Tips for a Great Passport Photo
Wear solid colors. Avoid white or very light clothing (it blends into the background).
Pull your hair back if it tends to obscure your face — the examiner needs to clearly see your full face from cheekbone to cheekbone.
No smiling — a neutral expression with your mouth closed is required.
Remove glasses — this has been required since 2016 and is a common reason for rejection.
FAQ
How much do passport photos cost at Neptune Photo?
Current pricing is listed on our photography & passport services page. You get two printed, compliant 2x2 photos, ready in minutes.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No. Glasses have not been allowed in US passport photos since 2016 — they're one of the most common reasons applications get rejected.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
No — a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open is required.
How recent does a passport photo have to be?
It must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Can I get a digital passport photo for online applications?
Yes — we can email you a compliant JPEG with the correct dimensions, color space, and file size for the State Department's online portal.
Neptune Photo is located at 731 Franklin Ave, Garden City, NY 11530. We're open Monday–Saturday and no appointment is needed for passport photos.
Cover photo: Famartin, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Written and reviewed by the Neptune Photo team — the staff behind the counter and in the film lab at our Garden City, NY shop since 1963. Read our editorial policy
