The Ins and Outs of USPS Passport Photo Service

Need a passport photo? Avoid the hassle and long wait times. USPS offers a fast and affordable way to get passport photos that meet official requirements. This guide explains how USPS simplifies this process and what you need to know before getting your photo taken.

Last update:3/27/2025

Table of Contents hide

1 USPS passport photo service details

2 Where to get a passport photo at USPS: Finding a location

3 USPS Store Locator

4 Other ways to find a location

5 What role does the United States Postal Service play in passport issuance?

6 How to get a passport photo at USPS

7 USPS passport photo cost

8 Can you get a digital passport photo at USPS?

9 Printing passport photos: USPS rules and alternatives

10 Recap: Why choose USPS for passport photos?

11 FAQs

12 Continued Reading

USPS passport photo service details

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers passport photo services at select locations, ensuring that all photos comply with the U.S. Department of State’s official requirements. This helps applicants avoid rejections due to incorrect specifications.

What is a USPS passport photo service?

USPS offers in-person passport photo services at designated Post Office locations. For a fee of $15, customers can have their passport photos taken in accordance with official passport regulations, ensuring proper size, background, lighting, and head positioning. This service is available as part of the passport application process or as a standalone option for those who need a compliant photo.

USPS Passport Photo Working Hours

The majority of USPS passport photo offices are open between 9.30 am and 18.30 pm, but it’s always a good idea to check these hours before making the journey in store. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, most and maybe all USPS offices have moved over to a reservation system, so you may need to book an appointment online.

Although some USPS locations are open on Saturdays nearly none will book appointments on a Sunday. If there isn’t a USPS passport office close to you, or if you’re too busy to visit one, you can also use Smartphone iD to prepare your photographs and have them delivered to your door by post.

Who typically uses USPS for passport photos?

USPS passport photo services are commonly used by:

First-time passport applicants who need both a photo and application submission.
Passport renewals that require an updated photo.
Minors under 16, as their passport applications must be submitted in person.
Travelers in need of an expedited passport, since USPS offers application processing along with photo services.

USPS locations that take passport photos

Not all USPS locations offer passport photo services, so it’s important to check before visiting. To find a Post Office that provides passport photos, follow these steps bellow

Where to get a passport photo at USPS: Finding a location

To get a passport photo from USPS, you’ll need to visit a Post Office that offers this service. Since not all locations provide passport photos, it’s important to check in advance to ensure availability before making the trip.

USPS Store Locator

The USPS store locator is the easiest way to find a Post Office that offers passport photo services.

How to use the USPS store locator online:

Go to the USPS website and navigate to the Post Office locator tool.
Enter your ZIP Code, city, or state to find locations near you.
Filter for “Passport Photo” services to ensure the location provides this service.
Select a Post Office and check for appointment requirements or walk-in availability.
Visit the Post Office at your scheduled time and have your passport photo taken.

Other ways to find a location

If you prefer alternative ways to find a USPS passport photo location, consider these options:

Google search suggestions
- Try searching “USPS passport photo near me” or “Post Office passport photo service [your city]” for nearby options.
- Google Maps will display locations, business hours, and customer reviews.
Call your local USPS branch
- If you’re unsure, contact a nearby Post Office directly and ask if they offer passport photo services.
Check passport acceptance facility lists
- Some USPS locations accept passport applications but may not provide photo services—double-check before visiting.

Good to know

Appointments may be required at some USPS locations, so it’s best to check availability in advance.
Not all Post Offices offer passport photos, so always filter your search for “passport photo” services.
Processing times vary, so plan ahead if you need your passport photo for an upcoming trip.

What role does the United States Postal Service play in passport issuance?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plays a key role in the passport application process by providing services for first-time applicants. At designated locations, USPS:

Accepts first-time passport applications and forwards them to the U.S. Department of State for processing.
Takes official passport photos that meet government requirements.
Reviews submitted applications to ensure they are complete before sending them for processing.

However, USPS does not issue or create passports. Once approved, passports are mailed directly to customers by the U.S. Department of State, not available for pickup at a Post Office.

For those needing to renew, replace, or update a passport, USPS provides application acceptance services, but applicants must follow U.S. Department of State procedures for these changes.

How to get a passport photo at USPS

USPS offers passport photo services at select locations. Since not all Post Offices provide this service, it’s important to find a participating location, check appointment requirements, and come prepared. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

1. Find a location

To get a passport photo at USPS, you first need to find a Post Office that offers this service. Not all USPS locations provide passport photos, so it’s essential to check before heading out.

You can use the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler to search for locations near you. Enter your ZIP code, city, or state, and filter results to show Post Offices that offer passport photo services.

2. Schedule an appointment

Many USPS locations require an appointment for passport photo services, especially at busy locations. To book an appointment:

Visit the USPS appointment scheduler online.
Select a location and choose an available time slot.
If you also need to apply for a passport, select the combined service option to complete both in one visit.

3. Prepare for your appointment

To avoid delays, arrive at least 10 minutes early for your appointment. Bring everything you need, including:

A valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or government-issued ID).
Completed passport application forms (if you are applying for a passport as well).
Any additional documents required for your passport application, such as proof of citizenship.

4. Photo session

A USPS employee will take your passport photo following official guidelines. The photo will be:

Printed in two identical copies (2×2 inches).
Taken against a plain white or off-white background.
Properly sized and formatted to meet U.S. passport photo requirements.

5. Apply for your passport (optional)

If your selected USPS location is a passport acceptance facility, you can complete the entire passport application process during the same visit. After your photo is taken, submit your completed application, required documents, and fees to a USPS employee, who will forward your application to the U.S. Department of State for processing.

USPS passport photo cost

USPS charges $15 for passport photo services. This fee covers the cost of two printed passport photos. The price is separate from passport application fees and is paid directly to USPS at the time of service.

Can you get a digital passport photo at USPS?

USPS does not provide digital passport photos—only printed copies are available. If you need a digital version, consider these alternatives:

Use the Smartphone iD app to take a compliant digital passport photo instantly.
Print at home using high-quality photo paper and a printer that meets official standards.
Print at local stores such as Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, which offer same-day passport photo printing.

Printing passport photos: USPS rules and alternatives

USPS only prints passport photos taken at their locations; they do not print pre-taken digital passport photos. If you have a digital photo that meets official requirements, consider these alternatives:

Retail stores like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart allow you to upload and print passport photos.
Smartphone iD provides digital files that can be printed at home or at a local store.
Self-printing is an option if you use high-quality photo paper and set the correct dimensions (2×2 inches).

Alternative printing locations – Pro Tip

If you have a digital passport photo from Smartphone iD, you can print it affordably using a 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) template at various locations:

Walgreens: $0.35
Walmart: $0.25
CVS: $0.39
Costco (via Shutterfly)

Recap: Why choose USPS for passport photos?

Convenience: USPS locations are widely available, and many offer walk-in passport photo services.
Compliance guarantee: Photos taken at USPS meet U.S. Department of State requirements, reducing the chance of rejection.
One-stop shop: Many USPS offices allow you to take your photo and submit your passport application in the same visit.
Trusted service: As a government-run facility, USPS has years of experience handling passport applications and photo services.

Our advice

While USPS is a reliable choice, it may not always be the most affordable or fastest option. If you need a digital passport photo or want to save on printing costs, consider using Smartphone iD. With Smartphone iD, you can:

✔ Take a passport-compliant photo from home.
✔ Receive an instant digital copy, ready for printing.
✔ Print at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or any local photo center for a fraction of the cost.

FAQs

Do USPS locations take passport photos?

Yes, many USPS locations offer passport photo services, but not all. It’s recommended to check the USPS store locator and filter for passport photo services before visiting.

What are the dimensions of a USPS passport photo?

USPS provides passport photos in the standard U.S. passport size of 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).

Can you apply for a passport at USPS too?

Yes, many USPS locations are passport acceptance facilities, allowing you to apply for a new passport and get your passport photo taken in one visit. However, passport renewals by mail do not require a USPS visit.

What should I wear for my passport photo?

Wear casual, everyday clothing that contrasts with a white or off-white background. Avoid:

Uniforms or camouflage (unless required for religious or medical reasons).
White shirts, which can blend into the background.
Hats, head coverings, or glasses, unless permitted for religious or medical reasons.

Can I get a digital passport photo at USPS?

No, USPS does not provide digital passport photos.

How much does USPS charge for passport photos?

USPS charges $15 for a set of two printed passport photos. This fee is separate from passport application costs and must be paid at the time of service.

Do I need an appointment for a passport photo at USPS?

Some USPS locations allow walk-ins, but many require an appointment for passport photo services, especially in busy areas.

Sources

https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html

Continued Reading

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.