Having a passport means having the freedom to travel the world. To get a passport or to renew one, you will need a passport photo. I prefer to get my passport photos taken and printed at a store. This ensures that the photos follow the rules of the State Department.
Costco, which used to be the go-to place for cheap photos, has shut down all of its photo centers. The cheapest place to get 1 passport photo taken is the UPS store ($11.99). If you need 2 passport photos, CVS is the cheapest option (regular price – $16.99, $2 OFF coupons are often available at the CVS website). Walmart is a good print-only option for $7.99 (for 2 photos) if you take that route.
Best Places To Get Passport Photos
In-Store options to get passport photos
UPS
UPS store charges $11.99 for one passport photo (Details here)
CVS
You can get two photos for $16.99. You will often find $2 off coupons online. Remember to check for the coupon before you head to the store. (Details here)
Walgreens
Most Americans live within a few miles of Walgreens. Walgreens gives you two photos for $16.99 (Details here). Walgreens often has coupons available (sometimes as low as $5.99 with coupons)0.
AAA
Plus-level members get 2 photos free per year. Premier-level members get 4 free photos per household per year. If you are a basic member, you will pay $10 for two photos. Non-members pay $15 for two photos. (Details here)
FedEx
FedEx is not just a place to mail your packages. FedEx charges $14.95 for two photos (Details here)
Post Office
Most Post offices that offer accept passport applications also offer passport photo services for $15. An appointment is necessary to get a passport photo at the post office (Details here)
Online options
epassportphoto.com
You can use epassportphoto.com to upload a photo, have it verified that it meets all the requirements and pick it up it a drug store near you for $1 to $2.
Printing Only
Walmart
Walmart will print your photos for $7.44 for two photos. You can upload your photos and get them printed in an hour at the store or have the pictures sent to your house in 3-5 business days (Details here)
Target
Like Walmart, Target will print 4 passport photos for $12.99. You need to upload your photos to the Target website. (Details here)
Take Your Own Photos
This is not my preferred option but it works for a lot of people. If you take your own photos, follow the State Department guidelines.
- Submit a color photo
- Photo must be taken in the last 6 months
- Photo must clearly show your face
- Do not use filters
- No selfies
- Remove your eyeglasses for your photo
- Use a plain white or off-white background
- Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open
State Department has a photo tool where you can check if your photo meets the requirements. After you confirm that your photo meets all the requirements, you can upload it to Target or Walmart’s website and get them printed. Printed passport photos should be 2 x 2 inches in size but the printing store will take care of that.
Bottom Line
You can get your passport photos printed at many stores near you. UPS and CVS stores are great places to get cheap passport photos. Plan and get additional photos if you need them for visas.