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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 unacceptable pictures is one of the principal reasons that applications are delayed. This article will provide you with several options for getting a passport picture taken.

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. With the proliferation of digital cameras over the past several years, these booths have become pretty rare. Even so, be aware that this type of photo is not acceptable. Another place to stay away from is old pictures you have stored on your computer. 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 get your passport photos taken by a cheap disposable camera. The quality will not be high enough. These cameras usually produce graining images and 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 (November 11, 2015), there are 474 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 WalgreensWalgreens. You can get your passport pictures taken at any of the three retail pharmacy chains. With a combined total of more than 15,000 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 have a passport photo service. 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.

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.

Location	Price*
FedEx	14.95
UPS	11.99
Walmart	7.44
Costco	5.34
CVS	12.99
Rite Aid	8.99
Walgreens	12.99
Photography Studio	15.00+
Passport Offices	Call for price
*Prices are subject to change without notice.