Best Places to Get Passport Photos: Fast & Affordable Options

July 26, 2024 - Kate

Last Updated On

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!

Quick Answer: Where’s the Best Place to Get Passport Photos?

If you need passport photos quickly, most travelers choose CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, FedEx Office, UPS Store, or USPS locations because they’re widely available and familiar with U.S. passport photo requirements. Prices typically range from about $10 to $18 depending on the retailer and location.

The best option depends on what matters most to you:

• Fastest: Walgreens or CVS

• Cheapest: Walmart

• Most convenient for passport applications: USPS

• Best for printing and shipping services: FedEx Office or UPS Store

• Best DIY option: Taking your own photo at home using official U.S. State Department requirements

Save yourself time and always call ahead before visiting, since photo services can vary by location.

Location	Typical Cost*	Appointment Needed	Best For
Walgreens	$16-$17	Usually no	Fast walk-in service
CVS	$17-$18	Usually no	Convenience
Walmart	$7-$10	Usually no	Budget-friendly photos
USPS	Around $15	Sometimes	Passport application + photo together
FedEx Office	Around $16	Usually no	Printing and travel documents
UPS Store	$10-$15	Sometimes	Reliable photo compliance
At Home	Lowest cost	No	Travelers comfortable following requirements

*Prices vary by location and may change. Verify before visiting.

Key Takeaways

• The best places to get passport photos are Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, USPS, FedEx Office, and UPS Store locations.

• Most passport photo services cost between $7 and $18 depending on the retailer and location.

• Walmart is often the cheapest option, while Walgreens and CVS are popular for fast same-day service.

• USPS can be convenient if you’re applying for or renewing your passport at the same time.

• Passport photos must follow strict U.S. State Department requirements for size, lighting, background, and facial positioning.

• You can take your own passport photo at home, but mistakes may delay your passport application.

• Calling ahead can help confirm pricing, hours, and passport photo availability before you visit.

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!

Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected

Even small mistakes can delay your passport application. Some of the most common passport photo issues include:

• Incorrect photo size

• Shadows on the face or background

• Smiling too much or making exaggerated expressions

• Wearing glasses or headwear without an approved exception

• Poor lighting or blurry images

• Using old photos taken more than six months ago

• Low-resolution printed photos

• Incorrect background color

If you’re unsure whether your photo meets official requirements, having it taken at a passport photo service location can reduce the risk of rejection.

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:

Post Office

USPS Passport Photos

If you’re already applying for or renewing a passport, your local USPS post office can be one of the most convenient places to get passport photos because many locations handle both services during the same appointment.

This option can save you an extra stop and help reduce the chances of missing paperwork or photo requirements during the application process.

Best for: Travelers applying for a new passport or passport renewal at the same time
Typical cost: Around $15 for passport photos*
Appointment needed: Sometimes, depending on the location

Before visiting, check whether your local USPS location offers passport photo services since not every branch participates. Some locations may also require appointments for passport-related services.

One potential downside is availability. USPS locations offering passport services may have more limited hours than pharmacies or retail stores, especially on weekends.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

Pharmacies & Retail Stores

Walgreens Passport Photos

Walgreens is one of the most popular places to get passport photos because locations are easy to find and many stores offer same-day service.

Most Walgreens employees are familiar with U.S. passport photo requirements, including sizing, background, and positioning guidelines. For travelers in a hurry, this can be one of the fastest options available.

Best for: Same-day passport photos and evening or weekend convenience
Typical cost: About $16 to $17*
Appointment needed: Usually no

Walgreens can be especially convenient if you need passport photos outside traditional business hours, since many locations stay open later than government offices.

Calling ahead is still a smart idea because not every location offers photo services at all times, and staffing may affect availability.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

CVS Passport Photos

CVS offers passport photo services at many pharmacy locations nationwide, making it a convenient choice if you want a quick walk-in option close to home.

Many travelers choose CVS because the process is usually fast and familiar. Same as Walgreens, staff members at CVS typically understand the basic passport photo requirements and can help ensure your image meets official guidelines.

Best for: Quick walk-in convenience
Typical cost: Around $17 to $18*
Appointment needed: Usually no

One advantage of CVS is accessibility. Since many stores are located in neighborhoods and shopping centers, it’s often easy to fit a passport photo stop into your normal errands.

However, service quality can vary slightly by location, so it’s worth confirming availability before you go.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

Walmart Passport Photos

Walmart is often one of the cheapest places to get passport photos, making it a strong option for budget-conscious travelers.

Many Walmart photo centers provide passport photo printing services that follow U.S. passport requirements. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a potentially less specialized experience, Walmart can be a practical choice.

Best for: Affordable passport photos
Typical cost: About $7 to $10*
Appointment needed: Usually no

Not every Walmart location has a staffed photo center, and some stores may offer limited photo services compared to pharmacies or shipping centers. Calling ahead can help avoid wasted trips.

If price is your top priority, Walmart is often one of the best-value options available.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

FedEx or UPS

FedEx Office Passport Photos

FedEx Office can be a helpful option if you need more than just passport photos. Many locations also offer printing, copying, document preparation, and shipping services in one place.

For travelers preparing visas, travel paperwork, or expedited passport applications, this added convenience can save time.

Best for: Travelers handling multiple travel documents
Typical cost: Around $16*
Appointment needed: Usually no

FedEx Office locations are often designed for quick service and may have longer business hours than government offices. Staff are generally familiar with passport photo requirements and can help confirm your photo meets official standards.

This can be a particularly useful option for business travelers or anyone preparing last-minute international travel paperwork.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

UPS Store Passport Photos

Many UPS Store locations offer passport photo services along with printing and shipping support, making them a convenient stop if you’re mailing passport documents or organizing travel paperwork.

The experience is often quieter and less rushed than large retail chains, which some travelers prefer.

Best for: Travelers mailing applications or needing document support
Typical cost: Around $10 to $15*
Appointment needed: Sometimes, depending on the location

UPS Store locations are independently owned franchises, so services and pricing may vary more than national pharmacy chains. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability and wait times.

If you need passport photos plus secure shipping services, UPS can be an efficient one-stop option.

*Prices and services may vary by location.

Taking Your Own Passport Photo at Home

Can You Take Your Passport Photo at Home?

Yes, you can technically take your own passport photo if you carefully follow official U.S. State Department requirements.

This option can save money, but it also carries more risk if the photo doesn’t meet sizing, lighting, or background rules.

Best for: Travelers comfortable following strict photo guidelines

To improve your chances of approval:

• Use a plain white or off-white background

• Avoid shadows on your face or backdrop

• Keep a neutral facial expression

• Use good lighting

• Make sure the photo is high resolution

• Double-check sizing requirements before printing

Selfies are not accepted for passport applications, so another person will need to take the photo for you.

For many travelers, paying a small fee at a professional passport photo location can help avoid delays caused by rejected photos.

How to Choose the Best Place to Get Passport Photos

The best place to get passport photos depends on your timeline, budget, and comfort level.

Choose a pharmacy if you need speed

CVS and Walgreens are usually the quickest option for same-day passport photos, especially if you need them during evenings or weekends.

Choose USPS if you’re applying for a passport at the same time

Many USPS locations can handle both your passport application and your photo in one appointment, which can save time.

Choose Walmart if you want the lowest price

Walmart often offers some of the cheapest passport photo services compared to national chains.

Choose FedEx or UPS if you need printing or shipping help

These locations can be helpful if you also need to print passport forms, travel documents, or ship paperwork.

Take your own photo if you’re confident with the requirements

DIY passport photos can save money, but mistakes may delay your passport application.

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.

Getting passport photos doesn’t have to be stressful. For most travelers, pharmacies, USPS locations, and shipping centers offer fast and affordable options that meet official U.S. passport requirements.

Before you go, call ahead to confirm photo services and pricing at your local location. A compliant passport photo can help you avoid unnecessary delays and keep your travel plans on track.

If you’re preparing for international travel, you can also review our guide to applying for or renewing a passport before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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