Renewing US passports for minors - do we need US photo sizes?

Hi all,
We just realized that 2x's US passports expired in September so we have appointments in a couple of weeks to get them renewed. However, the application states we need 2x2 passport photos (US size). Does anyone know where we can get these (preferably before we go down to London, we only arrive at 9am for 10:30am appointments) or will they be OK with UK passport photo sizes that we can get done anywhere? I know for my UK visa, they were fine with the US photos that I sent in.

I tried to search, but couldn't find this specific answer!

I'm worried about 2 VERY active 6 year olds destroying the embassy without their ipads to distract them! I will definitely take a deck of cards or something!

Thanks!

I think the UK is ok with US-sized passport photos because they can cut them to size (UK size is smaller than US), but it won't work the other way around.

If you can take a photo yourself, this website (below) lets you upload it, fit it to specs and save it as a 4x6 or 5x7 photo.

I usually do this and then have them printed at Costco in the US or Snappy Snap in the UK. All I need to do is cut them to size.

I've done this for US passport applications and UK visas and I've never had a problem. I've found it's a lot cheaper than getting passport photos taken and there are usually spares. Plus, I get to pick the photo I want on my passport and visa. 

http://www.idphoto4you.com/

The US Embassy will only accept US-sized photos (at least that was the case when I applied for my US visas in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2011). They may have a US-passport photo booth in the Embassy if you are really stuck (at least they do in the visa section of the embassy), but otherwise you have a few options.

The US Embassy has a list of all the places that will print US-sized passport photos - I've been to Snappy Snaps to get mine done before, though they were quite pricey (about £12) - or you could also take your own photos at home and then get them printed in 2x2 size at a store.

From the US embassy site regarding passport photos:
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/photo.html
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/faqs/faq_photos.html

And their links for photographers in England and Wales who will do them:
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/photographers.html

If you can take a photo yourself, this website (below) lets you upload it, fit it to specs and save it as a 4x6 or 5x7 photo. I usually do this and then have them printed at Costco in the US or Snappy Snap in the UK. All I need to do is cut them to size. I've done this for US passport applications and UK visas and I've never had a problem. I've found it's a lot cheaper than getting passport photos taken and there are usually spares. Plus, I get to pick the photo I want on my passport and visa.  http://www.idphoto4you.com/

Ohh, this is very helpful! I knew someone could help me out!

The US Embassy has a list of all the places that will print US-sized passport photos - I've been to Snappy Snaps to get mine done before, though they were quite pricey (about £12) - or you could also take your own photos at home and then get them printed in 2x2 size at a store.

Ksand, you were so helpful with my many visa questions (all came out find in the end, btw, even with the bank accounts being in my DH and his ex's name!) and now you are helping with my kids too! Thanks so much both!

Taking our own photos and not having to take them in somewhere would be great. And getting them printed at Costco is a great idea. Do they have an issue with kids smiling like they do with adults? (Although generally I can't get my kids to smile for a photo to save my life! Tongues out, is another problem!)

We went on Wednesday and everything was very quick and easy. I was concerned there'd be a lot more security after the Paris bombings.

I just wanted to update that there is a passport photo booth for US sized photos for £7 in the lobby of the Visa section of the embassy.

I printed pictures from the website that was given to me in this thread, but just in case, I wanted to let people know that there is a photo booth at the embassy!

They have a really nice children's play area with soft structures, books, and they show CBeebies on the TV. They also now allow smart phones and iPads in, as well, so the kids are well occupied.

Thank you for updating us about the photo booth in the embassy! I would of been lost as well trying to figure it out