Where to Get a Passport Photo Taken
There are many places to get a passport photo. At least one photo is
required when applying for most passport services. Where you get a
passport photo is important because submitting an unacceptable picture is one of the
principal reasons that applications are delayed. This article will
provide you with several options for getting a passport size photo done.
Where NOT to Get a Passport Photo
There are some places that you should
avoid if you want your photo to be accepted and your application
processed without delay. One place to stay away from is a photo booth.
The fact that most people now use their cell phone to take pictures has made photo
booths pretty rare. Even so, be aware that this type
of photo is not acceptable.
You should also stay away from old
pictures stored on your computer or cell phone. Besides the fact that
passport photos must be recent (taken within last 6 months), there is a
good chance that the pictures you have on your computer would need to
be edited which is also prohibited.
Finally, do not use a cheap disposable camera to take your passport photo. The quality will not be high
enough. These cameras usually produce grainy images that will
certainly be rejected.
Places to Get a Passport Photo
There are several options when it comes to getting a passport
photo. Unless you live in a remote area, there are probably several
locations close to your residence where you can get your passport
pictures taken. Below is a list of places where you can get your
photographs. We have included a price comparison table at the end.
Shipping Centers
Both
FedEx and
UPS
offer passport photo services. Fedex Office Print and Ship Services was
formerly called FedEx Kinkos after they purchased the well-known
printing company. While there are thousands of FedEx locations where
you can mail packages, there are much fewer FedEx Office locations that
offer passport photo services. The same is true with UPS.
Memberships
The
1-Hour Photo Lab
at Costco offers passport photo service. At last count, there were 770
Costco stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco has one of
the lowest prices on passport photos.
AAA
also offers this service to its members. According to an AAA employee,
"There is a discounted rate for members and the fee is sometimes
waived, if they book travel through AAA Travel Services."
Of course, this option is only a good deal if you already have a
membership or believe that your investment will bring other benefits.
Pharmacies & Retail Stores
The three largest pharmacy chains in the United States are
CVS, Rite Aid and
Walgreens
.
You can get your passport pictures taken at any of the three retail
pharmacy chains. With a combined total of more than 18,200 locations,
you should have no problem finding a store near you. The price may not
be as low as Costco's but the convenience can make up for the
difference. As if that wasn't enough locations,
Walmart also offers this service and the lowest price among places that do not require a membership fee.
Professional Photography Studios
Having passport photos taken at a
professional photography studio
is something that very few applicants do. For this reason, not many
studios offer this service. Those that do usually charge more than you
would pay at the locations mentioned earlier. While it is important to
send a good-quality photo with your passport application, professional
photos are not really necessary.
U.S. Passport Offices
Many
passport application acceptance facilities
also offer passport photo service. The majority of these are located in local post offices. This is super convenient since it
allows you to do everything in one location. You can get your picture
taken and immediately have the application adjudicated and sent off for
processing. Be sure to call and ask about this service at the passport
office where you want to apply. You can learn how to
schedule an online appointment here.
Registered Passport Expediters
Applicants who need to get a passport in two weeks or less and who are
unable to personally visit a regional agency can employ the assistance
of an experienced
passport expediting service
to submit the applications for them. If you need to use one of these
service providers and live in or near the city where they are located,
you might be able to get your passport photo at the same location. Some
expediters offer this service. Be sure to ask when you apply for
expediting.
How Much Does a Passport Photo Cost?
The price of a passport photo ranges in prices from $4.99 to $15.00, depending on where you have them taken. At the time of publication, the lowest cost could be found at Costco but only for those who have a membership. You will pay the most at passport offices that offer this service. It may be worth the additional cost for the convenience of getting your passport picture at the same location you are applying for a new passort.
You can take and print a passport photo at home. Be aware that photos cannot be edited and must be printed on photo quality paper. Also, images that do not meet requirements is one of the principal causes of delays in the passport application process.
Location | Price* |
FedEx | 14.95 |
UPS | 11.99 |
Walmart | 7.44 |
Costco | 4.99 |
CVS | 12.99 |
Rite Aid | 7.99 |
Walgreens | 12.99 |
Photography Studio | 15.00+ |
Passport Offices | 15.00 |
*Prices are subject to change without notice. |
Passport Photo Services
- Atlanta, GA
- Aurora, CO
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
- El Paso, TX
- Honolulu, HI
- Hot Springs, AR
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
|
- Minneapolis, MN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Norwalk, CT
- Philadelphia, PA
- Portsmouth, NH
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- St. Albans, VT
- Stamford, CT
- Tucson, AZ
- Washington, DC
|
Click for expedited passport courier service in 24 to 48 hours!.
Expedite Your Passport Now!
Comments: Have Your Say
Leave us a comment in the box below. Please do not include phone numbers or e-mail addresses.