Where to Get a Valid Passport Photo in the US?
Where to Get a Valid Passport Photo in the US
Getting a valid passport photo is an important first step in any U.S. passport application. If it doesn’t meet official guidelines, your entire submission could be delayed or rejected. That’s why it’s helpful to know the most reliable and affordable ways to take one—whether at a local store or from the comfort of your home. This article walks you through your best options.
Key points summary
- Major pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer quick in-store passport photos nationwide
- Retailers like Walmart still offer affordable services, while Target has moved online
- Professional studios are best for babies or people with special requirements
- Smartphone iD allows you to take a compliant passport photo from home and have it delivered to your door.
Where to get a valid passport photo near me in the US
Here’s a breakdown of where to get passport photos across the U.S:
1. Pharmacies
Walgreens
- Offers passport photos at most of its 9,000+ locations
- Price: $16.99 for two printed photos
- Includes a free digital copy
- Available same day, no appointment needed
CVS
- Available at over 9,500 stores nationwide
- Price: $16.99 for two printed photos
- No digital copy included
- Fast service and convenient hours
Rite Aid
- Passport photo services available at select locations
- Call ahead to confirm availability
- Price: around $8.99–$14.99 depending on the store
Duane Reade
- Owned by Walgreens and available in New York metro area
- Same pricing and service standards as Walgreens
Sam’s Club
- No longer offers in-store passport photos
- You may use online printing services with your own photo
Looking for an in-depth review? Check out our detailed guides on these pharmacies
Get CVS Passport Photo with a pro tip!
Walgreens Passport Photo: Full Guide
Rite Aid Passport Photo Service
Does Sam’s Club have passport photo service
Tips and Tricks to Get Approved Duane Reade Passport Photo
2. Retailers
Walmart
- Available in many stores through in-store photo centers
- Price: $7.44 for two photos
- No digital copy included
- One of the most affordable options
Target
- Operates 1,900 stores, but no longer provides in-store passport photo services
- Use Target Photo powered by Ezprints to print passport photos online
- Price varies by order; digital upload and home delivery options available
Staples
- Available in selected locations
- Typically priced at $14.99
- Services may vary by region
Looking for an in-depth review? Check out our detailed guides on these Retailers
All that you need to know about the US Staples Passport Photo
Walmart Passport Photo Full Guide
3. Shipping and print centers
FedEx Office
- Available at over 2,000 locations
- Price: $11.99 for two printed photos
- Appointments are recommended
- Quick processing and helpful staff
The UPS Store
- Passport photo services available in most 5,000+ locations
- Price: around $11.99
- Appointment may be required
Looking for an in-depth review? Check out our detailed guides on these Shipping and print centers
How to Get Passport Photos at UPS or Fedex stations
The Ins and Outs of USPS Passport Photo Service
4. Automotive and travel organization
AAA
- Available at select AAA branches
- Free or discounted for members, usually around $8–15 for non-members
- Quality photos, ideal if you’re already a member
AAA Passport Photo: Everything You Need to Know
5. Post offices
U.S. Postal Service
- Offers passport photo services at thousands of post offices
- Price: $15
- Available during passport appointment times only
- Check availability at your local USPS location via their locator tool
How to Get Passport Photos at the Post Office?
6. Office supply stores
Office Depot / OfficeMax
- Services available at many locations
- Price: usually around $14.99
- Confirm availability in advance, as not all stores offer this service
7. Photography studios
Professional studios are ideal for more complicated cases like newborns, toddlers, or those with special requirements. These studios offer precise lighting, measurements, and high-resolution results.
Here are six reputable studios specializing in passport photos:
1. JCPenney Portraits – Eden Prairie, MN
- Address: 8201 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
- Phone: (952) 944-1159
- Services: Offers professional passport photo sessions by appointment.
- Website: https://jcpportraits.com/
2. Karen Vaisman Photography – Agoura Hills, CA
- Address: 5624 Silver Valley Ave, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- Phone: (818) 991-7787
- Email: [email protected]
- Services: Specializes in U.S. and international passport photos, including for infants and children.
- Website: https://www.karenvaismanphotography.com/
3. Pro Image Photo – New York, NY
- Address: 289 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
- Phone: (212) 579-3244
- Email: [email protected]
- Services: Provides passport and visa photos for various countries, with quick turnaround times.
- Website: proimagephoto.com
4. 24 Hour Passport & Visas – Los Angeles, CA
- Address: 8170 Beverly Blvd, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Phone: (310) 913-7804
- Email: [email protected]
- Services: Offers expedited passport and visa photo services, catering to urgent travel needs.
- Website: 24hourpassportandvisas.com
5. Zoom Studio – Pearland, TX
- Address: 2743 Smith Ranch Rd, Unit 1303, Pearland, TX 77584
- Phone: (832) 617-8141
- Email: [email protected]
- Services: Offers passport and visa photo services, including for infants and children.
- Website: thezoomstudio.com
6. The Picture People – Aurora, IL
- Address: 1140 Fox Valley Center, Aurora, IL 60504
- Phone: (630) 851-8881
- Services: Provides professional passport photo services by appointment.
- Website: picturepeople.com
Online services
Smartphone iD is the best choice for taking a compliant passport photo from home. It’s:
- Affordable – one of the most cost-effective options on the market
- Convenient – no appointment needed, take your photo anytime
- Compliant – automatic checks for lighting, size, and background
- Flexible – receive a digital copy or printed photos by mail
You can take your photo with your phone, and we’ll format and validate it to meet all official U.S. passport standards.
Comparison of passport photo options
To help you choose the right service, we’ve compared key features of popular U.S. passport photo providers in the following table:
Provider
Price Range
Number of Photos
Digital Copy Available
Customer Rating
Notes
Walgreens
$16.99
2
Yes
★★★★☆
Fast service, free digital copy
CVS
$16.99
2
No
★★★★☆
Quick turnaround
Walmart
$7.44
2
No
★★★☆☆
Cheapest option
Target (online)
Varies
N/A
Yes
★★★☆☆
Online upload & print only
FedEx Office
$11.99
2
No
★★★★☆
Appointment recommended
The UPS Store
$11.99
2
No
★★★★☆
Appointment required
Office Depot
Varies
2
No
★★★☆☆
Available at select stores
Photography Studio
Varies
Varies
Varies
★★★★★
Professional quality
Smartphone iD
Low price
4
Yes
★★★★★
Convenient, home delivery option
US Passport Photo Services in Major Cities
Explore detailed reviews and location guides for passport photo services in key U.S. cities:
- Bloomington, IN
- New York, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- Oakland, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Austin, TX
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Seattle, WA
- Brooklyn, NY
- Rochester, NY
- Houston, TX
- Portland, OR
Pro tip: Save money and get passport photos delivered to your door
You can save time and money by using the Smartphone iD 10x15 passport photo template. This format allows you to print four valid passport photos on a single sheet.
Here's how:
- Use our app to take and format your passport photo
- Select the 10x15 cm (4x6 inch) template
- Upload it to the photo printing section of Walmart, Costco, Walgreens,target or CVS
- Choose in-store pickup or home delivery
This method costs as little as $1 per print, making it the most affordable way to get U.S. passport photos today.
Sources
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html