Believe it or not, U.S. passports didn't always require photos of the holders. It wasn't until 1915 that photo identification became a standard part of this important travel document. Fast forward to today, and passport photography has been around for over 100 years!
When it comes to applying for or renewing your passport, having the right photos is crucial. Luckily, there are plenty of places across the country where you can get your passport photos taken. In this guide, we'll explore some top spots for passport photo services in the U.S., including the pros, cons, and helpful information about each location. Find out where to get your passport photos done in your area and make the process a breeze.
Where to Take Your Passport Photo: A Comprehensive Guide for U.S. Citizens
There are numerous choices for U.S. citizens when it comes to having their passport photo captured. While traditional professional photo studios are still a popular choice, there are also alternative locations such as post offices, shipping centers, retail stores, and pharmacies that offer passport photo services.
In fact, you may not even need to leave the comfort of your own home to get your passport photo taken. With the rise of apps and online tools like Aipassportphoto, getting a compliant passport photo has never been easier.
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled reviews of different places and methods for getting your U.S. passport photo. Consider factors such as availability, comfort, and cost when choosing the option that best suits your needs.
Here is a summary of the top places to get your passport photo taken, along with their average customer ratings and costs:
Place:Availability/Comfort/Cost of passport photos
- Passport offices: 5/4, $15 and up
- Professional photography studios: 4/3, $25 and up
- Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens): 5/3, $16.99
- Retail stores (Walmart, Target): 5/4, $7.44 - $12.99
- Shipping centers (FedEx, UPS): 5/4, $14.95 - $11.99
Use this guide to find the best option for getting your U.S. passport photo and ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Passport offices
When applying for a passport, U.S. citizens have the convenience of getting their passport photos taken at various acceptance facilities like post offices, libraries, or local government offices. Before visiting, it's recommended to call ahead to confirm that the facility offers passport photo services and if appointments are necessary.
Pros:
✔️ Get your passport photo taken during the application process
✔️ Easily schedule appointments online
✔️ Staff who are knowledgeable about passport requirements
Cons:
❌ Prices may vary, typically starting at $15
❌ Service may not be available on certain days, such as university holidays
❌ No digital copies provided, additional fee for extra copies
Photography Studios
Renowned for their stunning wedding and family portraits, professional photography studios also offer passport photo services for American citizens. With a quick search on Google Maps, you can easily locate a studio near you, with New York alone boasting numerous options for passport photo sessions.
While prices can vary depending on the studio, passport packages typically start at $25 and can go up to $50. Some studios may also charge extra for digital copies of the photos. Keep in mind that not all studios are equipped to handle baby passport photos, as they may lack necessary props like high chairs or toys.
Pros:
✔️ State-of-the-art cameras and lighting equipment
✔️ High-resolution, professional-grade photos
✔️ Walk-in appointments available at most studios
Cons:
❌ Higher prices compared to other options
❌ Additional fee for digital copies of photos
❌ Limited equipment for baby passport photos
Retail Store Passport Photos
In addition to pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, retail stores like Walmart and Target also offer passport photo services. These retail giants have convenient locations across the country, making it easy for customers to get their passport photos taken.
Walmart
Walmart has over 4,700 stores in the U.S., providing customers with a convenient option for passport photos. The price for passport pictures at Walmart is competitive, and customers can expect to receive two hard copies of their photos. While Walmart does not offer digital copies, the process of taking and printing the photos is quick and efficient.
Pros:
✔️ Convenient locations nationwide
✔️ Competitive pricing
✔️ Quick and efficient service
Cons:
❌ No digital copies
Target
Target is another popular retail store where customers can get their passport photos taken. While Target only offers printing services for passport photos, customers can still get their photos taken at other locations and bring them to Target for printing. This option is convenient for customers who may already have digital copies of their passport photos.
Pros:
✔️ Convenient locations
✔️ Printing services available
Cons:
❌ No digital copies
❌ Limited services compared to other stores
Overall, retail stores like Walmart and Target provide convenient options for customers who need passport photos. With competitive pricing and quick service, these stores are a great alternative to traditional pharmacies for passport photo needs.
Shipping centers
Shipping centers like FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS) are not only known for their shipping services but also for offering passport photo-taking services. Let's explore the different options available at these centers.
FedEx
With over 2000 locations across the U.S., FedEx offers passport photo services with no appointment necessary. Customers can get 2 hard copies of their passport photos for $14.95, with coupons available on the official website. Additionally, digital copies can be sent to the customer's email for an extra cost. FedEx also provides a free retake in case of photo rejection, making the process convenient and hassle-free.
Pros:
✔️Coupons available for discounts
✔️Digital copies for additional convenience
✔️Free retake policy
✔️Short waiting time for photo processing
Cons:
❌Additional charge for digital copies
United Parcel Service
Customers can find UPS passport photo services in over 4500 locations nationwide, with the cost of 2 passport photos being $11.99. To avoid long lines, appointments can be scheduled online for added convenience. While the photos are ready within the same day, customers may be asked to return later due to high demand.
Pros:
✔️ Lower cost compared to FedEx
✔️Online appointment scheduling for convenience
Cons:
❌No digital copies available
❌Photo processing may take longer than 60 minutes
❌No information on refund policy
Aipassportphoto
Looking for a convenient and stress-free way to get your passport photos? Look no further than Aipassportphoto! With our advanced AI-backed app, you can take your passport photos from the comfort of your own home. No need to worry about appointments or special preparations – just find good lighting and let our app do the rest.
Our app features cropping, resizing, and background removal to ensure your photo meets all official U.S. requirements. Plus, you can take as many attempts as you need to get the perfect shot – pay only for the final result.
Even babies and children are no problem with Aipassportphoto. Our AI system can seamlessly fit them into the required frames, so you can say goodbye to stressful passport photo sessions.
Our expert team reviews every photo to ensure satisfaction, and we offer both digital copies and printed sheet of your picture. Rest assured that your passport images will be accepted – and if not, we'll refund you 100% of the original price.
Say goodbye to the hassle of getting passport photos and try Aipassportphoto today!