Passport Printing and Expedited Services Explained
Getting ready for international travel can be exciting, but passport details can trip people up. Between photo requirements, application paperwork, and timelines, it’s easy to get stuck.
The good news is that with the right preparation, you can get your passport photo printed and your application moving quickly.
At Blue Bird Pack & Ship in Denver, we help travelers every day with professional passport photos and guidance on expedited services. Here’s what you need to know before you head out the door.
Do I Need a Printed Photo or Digital?
For U.S. passport applications, you’ll need a printed photo.
Digital photos aren’t accepted for the application itself, though you can use them for online renewals in other countries.
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New passport applications and renewals in the U.S. both require physical photos.
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The standard is two identical color prints.
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Professional printing ensures the photo meets all the official rules.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship provides same-day printed passport photos that meet U.S. Department of State standards.
The physical photo requirement is an anti-counterfeiting measure; digital photos are very easy to manipulate, whereas physical photos, while they can be modified, require a great deal more expertise than the average person has.
Photo Standards (Size, Background, Face Rules)
Passport photos have strict requirements. The U.S. Department of State has clear guidelines:
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Size must be 2 inches by 2 inches.
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The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns.
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Your face should be centered, looking directly at the camera, with a neutral expression or natural smile.
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No hats, glasses, or head coverings unless worn daily for religious purposes.
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The photo should be recent — taken within the last six months.
Getting these details right the first time avoids delays.
According to the State Department, photo errors are one of the top reasons passport applications get sent back.
Working with Blue Bird Pack & Ship makes the project easier; we have everything set up to take your passport photo right in seconds. You can walk in and have a passport-ready photo usually in just a few minutes.
What to Bring
When you’re getting your passport photo taken or submitting your application, make sure you have:
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Government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license)
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Your completed application form (DS-11 for first-time applicants, DS-82 for renewals)
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Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
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Payment for passport fees (check the State Department website for current amounts)
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If you’re using expedited services, proof of urgent travel (like flight confirmation) may be required.
This is a partial list of what the government requires to give you a passport. You can see everything you'll need and start your application process here.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship can take your photo without all the paperwork present, but having your ID on hand is a good habit in case you’re going straight to submit your application.
Where to Go in Denver
You have a few options for getting passport photos and submitting applications:
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Local acceptance facilities such as post offices, some libraries, and county clerk offices.
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Professional pack-and-ship centers like Blue Bird Pack & Ship that provide compliant photos and can guide you on next steps.
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The Colorado Passport Agency in Aurora for urgent, in-person appointments (by appointment only).
The State Department website has a complete list of locations for passport processing, including how to do it by mail and through your local postmaster. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Choosing a location that offers both photo services and application support can save you time.
What “Expedited” Really Means
Expedited passport service speeds up the processing time, but it’s not instant.
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Standard processing is currently about 6–8 weeks.
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Expedited service can reduce that to 2–3 weeks if you pay the additional fee.
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If you have proof of immediate international travel (within 14 days), you may qualify for an in-person appointment at a passport agency, which can turn it around in as little as 1–3 business days.
The extra fee for expedited service is set by the U.S. Department of State. It’s separate from any photo or shipping costs you pay at a retail location.
Cost vs. Speed
When deciding on expedited service, weigh the urgency of your travel against the cost.
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If you’re traveling in less than two months, expedited service is worth considering.
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For trips booked further out, standard processing might be fine.
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Keep in mind that mailing times are not included in processing estimates — choose tracked shipping for added security.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship can help you prepare your application and ship it with the right tracking so you know exactly when it arrives.
Quick Passport Facts
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Passport photos can’t be digitally altered — no filters, retouching, or background changes.
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The U.S. has over 7,000 passport acceptance facilities nationwide.
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According to the State Department, more than 24 million passports were issued in 2023.
Final Tips Before You Go
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Get your passport photo taken by a professional to avoid common errors.
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Double-check all application details before submitting.
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Consider expedited service if travel is within 8 weeks.
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Keep copies of your application and shipping receipt.
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Store your passport in a safe place until you travel.
Do I Really Need a Passport?
Your U.S. government issued passport is the ultimate form of identification. Whether it’s to identify yourself on a domestic flight, to travel into Canada or Mexico by car, or to try to reenter the United States through any port of entry, your passport will be required.
It’s important to understand that “port of entry” doesn’t just refer to a seaport, but to any place where you can enter the United States from a foreign country. That includes: airports, seaports, border crossings, even bus depots can all qualify as ports of entry.
If you plan on traveling even within the United States of America, let alone outside of it, a passport can make sure that you never have to work about identifying your to the satisfaction of American authorities.
Passport Help in Denver
Travel plans run smoother when your passport is ready to go. Blue Bird Pack & Ship offers same-day passport photo printing and guidance on expedited service so you can focus on your trip, not the paperwork. Stop in today, and we’ll make sure you’re travel-ready.