Top 3 Best Places to Get Passport Photos Quickly

July 26, 2024 - Kate

Getting ready for your first international trip can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to ensuring you have all the necessary passport documentation in order. One crucial step in applying for or renewing a passport is obtaining the perfect passport photo, which often feels more complicated than it should be. The good news? Finding the best places to get passport photos is easier than you think!

Passport Photo Requirements 

These photos have specific requirements to ensure the secure identification of travelers consistently no matter where you live in the U.S. Not only does it need to be printed in the correct dimensions, but you have to be set against a particular background and your face needs to take up the accurate amount of space within the frame. Strict particulars like this also prevent identity fraud. 

Basic Requirements for Passport Photos

• Required Size: 2 inches x 2 inches in total, with the size from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head spanning between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches

• Color: Your image must be in color with a white background

• What to Wear: Wear clothing that you’d normally wear –but no uniforms or headgear (including eyeglasses!) are allowed. We recommend wearing dark-colored clothing to help provide contrast against the white backdrop

• Other Things to Know: Photo must have been taken within the last 6 months, so it is as accurate as possible when compared to what you look like when you’re traveling

If you’re having a company take your passport images, they’ll probably already know about these specifications. It never hurts to make sure you do your due diligence to prevent your passport application from being denied!

Can you take your own passport photo?

Technically, yes! However, for the vast majority of travelers, it’s usually much easier to have your passport photo taken at a location that understands the rules. Although, if you have all the right equipment, supplies, and all photo requirements from the U.S. State Department you could save yourself a few dollars and a time on your calendar.

Best Places to Get a Passport Photo

If you’re one of those travelers who needs a passport image in a pinch or doesn’t have the equipment, here are the best places to get passport photos taken:

Your Local Passport Agency

If you live near a passport services office, they can take the photo for you there. Here’s a list of all official passport agencies. As a heads up, this can be a bit of an inconvenient option, as there aren’t very many locations and their hours of operation can be somewhat limited. Be aware, you’ll likely have to set up an appointment if you go this route.

Post Office

Many post office locations provide passport photo services. Call ahead to your local post office before you go to make sure yours is one of them!

Pharmacies & Retail Stores

Most national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as some of the smaller local pharmacies, offer services to take passport photos. Similarly, some big national chain stores like Target and Walmart also offer passport images. We recommend calling ahead though since services may vary from store to store. Many people agree that these are the best places to get passport photos because it’s so convenient and fast!

FedEx

FedEx might not be the first place you think of as a recommended place for passport photos. However, it offers a convenient passport photo service that provides customers with high-quality photos that meet official requirements. For a fee of around $15, any FedEx Office location will take two photos for you. The service includes assistance with guaranteeing that the photos comply with size and backdrop specifications. Definitely one of the ideal spots for passport photography not many know about!

Where You Shouldn’t Get Your Passport Pictures Taken

Photo Booths: Many automated photo booths do not guarantee compliance with passport photo specifications, such as dimensions, background, and lighting.

Casual Photography Studios: Some local photography studios may not be familiar with the photo guidelines, potentially causing your passport application to be denied.

Personal Devices: Using your own device to take a passport photo isn’t usually recommended if you don’t have the proper backdrop and framing. Selfies are also not accepted.

Non-Professional Retail Stores: While some retail locations offer photo services, not all staff receive training in photo specifications, which can lead to mistakes.

Social Media or Informal Settings: Photos taken in casual environments or for social media often do not fit the strict criteria for passport photos.

We hope this simplifies the passport process so you can enjoy the fun parts of your travels! If you need to purchase your first passport or renew your current one, our detailed blog gives you easy steps to get you on your next international trip quicker.