Passport Photos Near Me: Where to Go, What to Pay, and a Faster DIY Option
Where to Get Passport Photos Near You
The most reliable walk-in options are pharmacy chains and shipping stores. Walgreens and CVS have photo desks at most locations and typically don't require an appointment — just walk in and ask at the photo counter. Walmart photo centers offer the same service at a lower price point. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations handle passport photos as a standard service. Some USPS offices provide passport photos, often bundled with a passport acceptance appointment — call ahead since not every branch offers photos. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer member pricing that can be among the lowest counter rates available. If you're in a pinch near an airport or urban center, AAA offices often provide free or low-cost photos to members.
Search before you go
Search the retailer's store locator (walgreens.com, cvs.com, ups.com) to confirm your nearest location has a photo center and current hours.
Walk in during staffed hours
Photo desks are typically staffed during store hours, but some close earlier. Call ahead during evenings or weekends to avoid a wasted trip.
Ask for two prints
Standard passport photo service includes two identical 2×2 prints — confirm this when you order so you receive the required pair.
What to Bring and Expect
Counter passport photo services are quick — most take under 15 minutes from walk-in to printed photos. Wear what you plan to wear on your application: no uniforms, no camouflage, no hats or head coverings except for documented religious or medical reasons. Bring cash or a card; most locations accept both. Glasses must be removed (US rules since 2016). The photographer will position you against a plain background — usually a white or off-white backdrop built into the counter setup. You'll review the image on screen before it prints. If the photo doesn't meet requirements, ask them to retake it before paying.
Dress appropriately
Wear everyday clothes in a non-white color so you contrast against the white background. Remove glasses before you arrive.
Have a neutral expression ready
A natural closed-mouth expression or slight natural smile with both eyes open fully is required. Avoid squinting under bright studio lights.
Review before you pay
Most counters show you the image on screen. Check that the background is white, your head is centered, and your expression looks natural before approving.
Counter Costs at a Glance
Retail counter prices for two printed passport photos vary by location. Walgreens and CVS charge around $16.99 at most locations — verify at walgreens.com or cvs.com. Walmart photo centers typically run around $10, making them one of the more affordable walk-in options for those with a Walmart nearby. UPS Store locations range from approximately $12 to $17 depending on the franchise. FedEx Office runs around $15. Post offices that offer photos often charge around $15 and may bundle the fee with a passport acceptance appointment. AAA members can often get photos free or at reduced cost — check with your local branch. Costco members can find some of the lowest counter rates, around $5–6, though not all Costco locations offer the service. Prices vary by location — always check the official site before heading out.
Budget around $10–17 at most chains
Walgreens and CVS are typically $16.99; Walmart is typically lower at around $10. Always confirm current pricing on the retailer's site.
Check membership perks first
Costco members and AAA members may pay significantly less or nothing — worth checking before paying full counter price.
Factor in your time
If the nearest location is out of your way, the DIY route (see below) may save both money and the trip.
The DIY Route: Format Free, Print for Under $1
You can skip the counter fee entirely with a two-step DIY approach that uses the same photo counter in a different way. First, take a photo of yourself against a plain white or off-white wall in good natural light — a smartphone camera works well. Upload the image to EditThisPic and use the free passport photo formatter to crop it to the correct 2×2 inch dimensions, adjust the background to the required white, and ensure the head positioning meets official requirements. Then download the formatted image and upload it to the same Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart photo printing site as a standard 4×6 print order. Two 2×2 passport photos fit on a single 4×6 with room to spare. A standard 4×6 photo print costs around $0.35–0.50 at most photo counters — total cost under a dollar. Cut out the 2×2 prints with scissors. This is a legitimate approach used by many applicants; the State Department cares about the final photo dimensions and quality, not how you printed them.
Take a compliant photo at home
Stand against a white or off-white wall in natural light. Use a smartphone camera at eye level, no flash. Both eyes open, neutral expression, no glasses.
Format it free online
Upload to EditThisPic's passport photo maker — adjust crop, background, and sizing to meet the 2×2 inch US specification. Free, no account required.
Order a 4×6 print and cut
Upload the formatted image to any pharmacy or big-box photo printing service. Order a standard 4×6 print (~$0.35–0.50). Pick up in store and cut out the 2×2 prints.
Quick Requirements Recap
US passport photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) printed on photo-quality paper, in color, with the head measuring 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head. The background must be plain white or off-white. No glasses (with narrow medical exceptions), no hats or head coverings unless required for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement, no uniforms. The photo must have been taken within the last six months. For full details and the digital upload specification for online renewal, see travel.state.gov.
Size: 2×2 inches, color
Printed on photo-quality paper. Head height must be 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to crown.
Background: white or off-white
No patterns, shadows, or colored backgrounds. The photo counter backdrop or a plain white wall both work.
Check travel.state.gov for current rules
Requirements can be updated. Always verify against the official State Department specification before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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