Where to Get a Passport Photo Taken

You need a passport photo when applying for most passport services. There are many places you can get a picture taken, but where you choose to get your passport photo matters. Many passport applications get delayed or denied because of an unacceptable picture.

This article includes the best options for where to get new passport-sized pictures. Not only that, you can be sure they are taken and printed the right way.

Worried about costs? We have included a price comparison table as well. This way you can find the cheapest and best places to get your passport photos.

The Best Places to Get a Passport Photo

The photo step of the passport application process doesn't have to be stressful. There are probably several places near where you live where you can get a passport picture today. Here is a list of the top places where you can get an acceptable photo that meets all the official requirements.

Registered Passport Expediters

If you need a passport in 2 weeks or less, a registered passport expediter can help. Instead of traveling to one of the 26 regional agencies in person, a passport expediting service can submit the application for you.

Some expediters offer customers passport photos as part of their services. Be sure to ask when you apply for expediting.

For those that don't (or if you use an expediting service that is not located near you), any of the options listed below would work. You just need to include your new passport photos when sending your application materials to the expediter.

Shipping Centers

Both FedEx Office and UPS offer passport photo services. There are thousands of FedEx and UPS locations across the country.

However, know that only some FedEx and UPS locations have passport photo availibility. Be sure to call and ask about this service before visiting your nearest location.

Pharmacies & Retail Stores

Pharmacy and retail chains are a great option for getting passport photos. Popular pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens offer affordable options. Many Target and Walmart locations also offer this service in store or online.

You should have no problem finding one of these stores near you. Like with shipping centers, it is a good idea to call ahead to be sure they are able to help with your pictures.

Professional Photography Studios

Very few applicants have passport photos taken at a professional photography studio. Studio sessions can be expensive. Also, many studios are reluctant to book time with clients who only want a single picture. For this reason, few studios offer this service. Those that do usually charge more than you would pay at the locations listed above.

Sure, it is important to send a good-quality photo with your passport application. But this level of professional camerawork is unnecessary; especially with other, more cost-effective options available.

U.S. Passport Offices

Many passport application acceptance facilities also offer passport photo service. Local post offices are usually a good bet. This is very 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. If you need a passport in a hurry, this is a great option.

Be sure to call and ask about this service at the passport office where you want to apply. Having passport photos taken usually needs to be part of the appointment process.

You can learn how to schedule an online appointment here.

How Much Does a Passport Photo Cost?

The price of a passport photo ranges in price from about $0.38 to $15.00, depending on where you have it taken and how many photos you have printed.

You will typically pay the most at passport offices that offer this service. However, it may be worth the additional cost for the convenience of getting your passport picture taken at the same location that you are applying for a new passport.

Location	Price*
FedEx Office	$14.95
UPS Store	$12
CVS Photo	$16.99
Walgreens	$15.99
Target	$12.99
Walmart	$7.44

*Prices are subject to change without notice

Passport Photo Services Near You

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

Take & Print Your Photo at Home

You can take and print a passport photo at home, but you must follow the 5 basic rules set by the U.S. Department of State:

1. Photos must be in color, taken in the last 6 months
2. The image of your face must be clear (no filters, no editing)
3. No selfies! You must either have someone else take your picture or be able to set up your camera to take the photo for you.
4. No eyeglasses
5. The background of your photo must be white or off-white

Once you have followed these guidelines and have a photo ready, you need to be sure it is the correct size. You can use our Photo Tool, which allows you to upload your photo, crop it to the correct size. It also provides approved examples for you to compare to your own. Using this tool may give you a better chance of having your DIY passport photo accepted.

Know that passport photos must be printed on photo-quality paper. They must also be in their original state. This means you can't touch up your photo or put it through any drastic scaling before printing it.

This is important if you are going the DIY route for your picture. Both the camera you use to take the photo and the device you use to print it must be capable of producing high-quality images. For more, read our guide on taking passport photos with a digital camera.

If you can't take and print a high-resolution image, do not take the chance. Visit one of the locations we have mentioned and be sure your photo is perfect.

Remember, a photo that does not meet the necessary requirements means you won't get a passport. An improper passport photo is one of the top causes of delays and denials in the passport application process.

Where NOT to Get a Passport Photo

There are some places that you should avoid if you want your passport photo and application to be accepted without delay. There are specific requirements for the size and composition of an acceptable picture. It takes an attention to detail that not all photography options can guarantee.

One place to stay away from is a photo booth. Even though photo booths are hard to come by these days, you need to know that this type of photo is never acceptable.

You should also stay away from old pictures stored on your computer or cell phone. As a rule, passport photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months). There is also a good chance that pictures you have on your computer would need to be edited. Again, this is not allowed.

Selfies are not allowed, either. Even though you may think that you have taken a photo at a good enough angle, you didn't. No selfie stick or phone stand will do. These simple mistakes can result in your photo - and, in turn, your entire application - getting denied.

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 results that will always be rejected.

For more of your passport photo questions, check out our Passport Photo FAQ for everything you need to know including:

• 9 Things That Can Get Your Passport Photo Rejected
• What to Wear (and what not to wear) in Your Passport Photo
• Tips for Taking Your Own Passport Photos at Home

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

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