All you need to know about Costco passport photo in Canada in 2025

1. Does Costco take Canadian passport photos?

2. How to get a passport photo printed at Costco?

3. What is the cost of a printed Canadian passport photo at Costco?

4. What is an alternative to taking your photo at Costco?

5. On-site Alternatives:

6. ONLINE ALTERNATIVES (APPS)

7. Costco vs. Alternatives: Comparing Passport Photo Services

8. How to take your Canadian Passport photo successfully (using your phone)?

9. The benefits of using the Smartphone ID app

10. In summary

The government wants to ensure that all of its citizens own a passport. The passport is an essential ID to travel and/or enter other countries.

Generally, you update the passport’s image every couple of years to reflect any changes in your appearance.and many people choose the Costco passport photo service.

In this article,we will discuss whether you can get your passport photo in Canada from the popular superstore chain Costco.

Last update:3/27/2025

Does Costco take Canadian passport photos?

The on-site photography center in Costco closed in 2021, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The reason for its closure is that despite more photos being taken in recent years, the accessibility and use of mobile devices have made printed images less desirable.

Nonetheless, a passport photo can still be printed from Costco’s online photography website for an affordable price.

How to get a passport photo printed at Costco?

As has been noted, a passport photo cannot be taken at a Canadian Costco store,but they do offer printing services.

The photo will need to be takenby another store’s photographer or by using an online app and then printed and collected at a nearby Costco.

Here is what you can do to have your passport photo collected from a Costco in Canada:

Have or take your passport photo.
Use the online Costco photography website to place an order.
Collect the printed photo from a nearby Costco.
Send the photo to the passport office for verification.

The Smartphone iD appis the easiest and cheapest way to take a passport photo without having to leave your home. Use our online passport photo toolSmartphone iDfrom the Apple or Google Play Store, or conveniently use our online web app by clicking the ‘Take a Photo’ button

In addition,Smartphone iD will print the passport photo and conveniently ship it to your address.

What is the cost of a printed Canadian passport photo at Costco?

The cost of a Canadian passport photo to be printed at Costco is approximately $0.17!

Although, Costco is a membership-based super wholesale corporation and to access its products and services you will need to be a registered member.

A Costco membership costs anywhere from $60 to $120 depending on the selected membership tier.

As a result, a passport photo printed from Costco will cost $0.17 for the print and $60-$120 for the membership fees.

What is an alternative to taking your photo at Costco?

As a matter of fact, you cannot directly take a passport photo at a Canadian Costco.Here are some alternatives stores and ways that a Canadian passport photo can be taken.

On-site Alternatives:

1. Walmart, Canada.

Walmart offers a range of photography services at all their Canadian locations, including passport photos. Additionally, the cost of a passport photo at Walmart is approximately $13.00 CAD.

2. London Drugs, Canada

The photo center at London Drugs will take passport photos and print them within 15 – 20 minutes. Additionally, the cost of the photo is approximately $9.95 CAD.

3. Staples, Canada

The Staples photo center takes passport photos with no appointment needed. It will take roughly 20 minutes to have your photo. Additionally, the photo will cost approximately $21.99 CAD.

ONLINE ALTERNATIVES (APPS)

1. Smartphone iD App (IOS/Android)

Smartphone iD is an advanced mobile app that takes passport and other licensing photos. The app is extremely easy to use, only $4.99 EU, and enables you to take a passport photo from the comfort of your home. The app is compatible with both Android and IOS.

2.Passport Photo iD (Android)

Passport Photo iD is another app that takes passport photos from your own home. The app is only compatible with Android devices.

Costco vs. Alternatives: Comparing Passport Photo Services

Costco discontinued its in-store passport photo services in 2021. However, members can utilize Costco’s partnership with Shutterfly to print passport photos. Below is a comparison of passport photo services among Costco (via Shutterfly), Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Smartphone iD.

How to take your Canadian Passport photo successfully (using your phone)?

Smartphone iD is a faster and more affordableway to have your passport photo taken at home.

Firstly,on-site stores that offer passport services are sometimes closedduring the hours that many people are at work.

It’s not always possible to find the time to go and take your photo during the store’s operating hours. The Smartphone iD mobile app solves this problem.

Use our online passport photo tool Smartphone iD from the Apple or Google Play Store, or conveniently use our online web app by clicking the ‘Take a Photo’ button
Choose Canada as the desired country for the passport photo.
Follow the in-app instructions to properly take a photo at home.
Request the photo be emailed or printed and posted to your chosen address.

The benefits of using the Smartphone ID app

The app is compatible with smartphone devices!
The app will edit, size, and remove the image background to meet passport office requirements.
The International Civil Aviation Organization examines and verifies the photo to ensure it passes biometric specifications.
It’s cheap and easy!

In summary

Costco, Canada does not offeron-site photography services but can print photos for as little as $0.17 CAD.

Smartphone iD is an easy-to-use appthat allows its users to take passport and other licensing photos from the comfort of their homes.

Don’t spend unnecessary money and use Smartphone iD to take your passport photo today and start traveling the world!

FAQ

Does Costco still do passport photos in Canada?

No, Costco discontinued its in-store passport photo services in Canada in 2021. However, members can use Costco’s partnership with Shutterfly to print passport photos.

Can I get a digital copy of my passport photo through Costco or Shutterfly?

Costco and Shutterfly primarily offer printing services and do not provide digital copies of passport photos. For digital passport photos, consider using Smartphone iD.

What are the costs associated with printing passport photos through Shutterfly?

Printing a 4×6″ photo through Shutterfly costs $0.20 CAD. Additional shipping fees apply, varying based on the selected delivery speed.

Does Costco’s partnership with Shutterfly ensure that passport photos printed through them meet Canadian passport requirements?

While Shutterfly offers high-quality prints, it’s essential to ensure that the photo you upload meets Canadian passport specifications. Shutterfly does not specifically guarantee compliance with Canadian passport photo requirements.

What type of print finish is used by Shutterfly to print Canadian passport photos (matte or glossy)?

Shutterfly offers various print finishes, including matte and glossy. You can select your preferred finish when placing an order.

Can I create a digital passport photo template using Costco’s online services?

Costco’s online photo services, in partnership with Shutterfly, focus on printing and do not offer tools to create digital passport photo templates.

What alternative options are available for Canadians who previously relied on Costco for passport photos?

Canadians can consider services such as Smartphone iD, which allows users to take compliant passport photos at home and print them at local photo centers. Other alternatives include in-store services at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, and London Drugs.

How much is a Canadian passport photo?

A Canadian passport photo costs approximately $10.00 to $15.00 CAD when taken and printed on-site. The cost is significantly less with the use of a mobile app such as Smartphone ID.

Can I take a passport photo at home in Canada?

Yes, a passport photo or other licensing photos can be taken at home using the Smartphone ID app, which is compatible with IOS and Android devices. This is the most affordable and quickest way to take your passport photo.

Where can I get a passport photo taken in Canada?

Generally, you can take a passport photo at Canadian stores with photo centers. This includes Staples, London Drugs, Walmart, UPS, Local photography studios or using an app like smartphone iD and selecting Canada as the desired country.

What is the requirement of a Canadian Passport Photo?

A Canadian passport photo is required to be taken and shipped to one of their offices for evaluation. The evaluation will verify if it meets the requirements for processing.

The photo must be a proper size, and angle, among other requirements.Smartphone iDwill ensure that any passport photos taken follow these specifications.

Sources

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/pub/pass-photo-spec-eng.pdf

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Ali Sassanian

Ali is a skilled content writer specializing in SEO-optimized articles in both Dutch and English.
With a background in Political Science and Data Analytics, he creates professional content across various topics.
After completing training with the Smartphone iD marketing team, he is well-versed in passport photo regulations.
For nearly two years, he’s been writing compelling articles for international brands, including Smartphone ID.

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