N-400 Photographs

[sapro]

Hello forum members,
Which is a good place to take Passport Style photographs to send with the N-400 Application to the Service Center? Of the 2 which is 'Walgreens' and 'Fedex Kinkos' in my area (west coast) which is better to take passport photos?

Somewhere in the forum I read that 1 of the shop photos had issues with writing the 'A' Number and Name on the back of the photo. May be it has to do with the paper thickness. Is there any specific pencil that I need to buy or will any standard Pencil work?

Thanks for the response in advance.

 

[Flydog]

I just picked someone nearby. As long as they can follow the instructions (http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-603.pdf), you should be good to go.

The problem with writing on the back is that the photographic paper may be too glossy for the pencil to write on. Some folks have found that rubbing the area you will write lightly with a pencil eraser can roughen the surface up enough.

good luck

 

[sapro]

Thanks Flydog.

 

[1caliN400]

I got my picture at the drugstore and it was definately too glossy to write on the back with a pencil. So, I didn't write my name on it hoping they wouldn't screw up.

Probably an unjustified leap of faith, but it worked out and they didn't lose anything.

 

[boatbod]

I got my picture at the drugstore and it was definately too glossy to write on the back with a pencil. So, I didn't write my name on it hoping they wouldn't screw up.

You can easily write on the back of any photo paper by scuffing up a small area with an emery board or fine wet/dry sandpaper. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense, but I'd probably never have thought about it if I hadn't first seen my IO do it during my interview last year.