Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Roger Brown
If your passport has expired or is nearing expiry, then you’re probably asking, “Where can I get cheap passport photos near me?” As you may know, all travel out of the country, be it by plane or vehicle, requires you to have a passport with photo ID. And this must be presented to border officials upon request.
Passport renewal fees are a necessary expense when traveling abroad. As rates have risen over time, you’ll need to factor in these new fees when planning your travels. Today, the cost of renewing a passport is $130. For a brand-new passport, it’s $165. And for kids aged 16 and under, it’s $135.
The processing time for a passport application is about 7-10 weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you can expedite the service for an extra $60. The expedited processing time is 4-6 weeks. For urgent travel (within 14 days), an appointment is required. Details are on the official government site.
Where to get cheap passport photos near me
Over the past couple of years, several big-box retail stores including Costco and Sam’s Club have closed their photo centers and are no longer offering on-site photo and passport services. With the rise of digital technology, many stores have opted to move their photo-printing services directly online.
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Walmart: Online Passport Photo System
Walmart’s online passport photos service has made things more convenient for customers who would prefer to get their passport pictures taken without leaving the house. Walmart uses a biometric software tool on its site, allowing you to simply upload your photo into the template.
There are basic guidelines to be followed to ensure that your passport photo is done correctly. When clicking your photo, you should look straight forward into the camera with a neutral expression and take off any headwear and glasses. The backdrop should be white or a very light neutral color.
Once you’ve sent your passport photo through for printing, it should be ready for same-day pickup at a local Walmart store. The price is $7.44 for one copy and $14.88 for two copies. You can also choose to have your photos delivered to you for an additional fee.
Walgreens: In-Store/Online Passport Photos
If you have a Walgreens store nearby, you can head to the Walgreens passport photos area and be done within an hour. The store uses a biometric tool to ensure that all photos meet government standards. The cost is $16.99 for two 2×2 inch passport photos. No appointment is required to get photos taken.
Once your photos are ready, you can download a passport application, fill out the form, and submit it with your pictures at your nearest passport acceptance facility. Passport application forms can also be picked up at Walgreens or your local post office.
If you prefer to take your passport photos right from home, you can do so through the Passport Photo Creator app. The app is exclusive to Walgreens and all prints must be picked up at the store. One of the perks of the app is that you can click your photos as much as you like until you’re satisfied with the result.
CVS: In-Store/Online Passport Photo Service
With thousands of CVS locations, you’re bound to have a store nearby. All CVS passport pictures are taken using the KODAK Biometric ID Photo System. You’ll receive 2 passport photos for $16.99. In addition, you can purchase 2 extra pictures for $2.99. All photos taken meet government regulations.
CVS doesn’t process passport applications. They strictly take passport photos. If you want to take your own pictures instead, you can use a passport photo online tool. Once done, you can pick up your photos at your local CVS or have them delivered to you.
Target: Online Passport Photo Tool & App
Target doesn’t offer an in-store passport photoshoot for customers but there is an official Target passport photo app where you can upload your picture. By simply following the guidelines, you’ll be able to send your finished passport photo to Target’s printers within minutes and have it delivered to your home.
You’ll receive four 2×2 inch passport photos on a 5×7 inch glossy sheet which you’ll need to crop out by following the crop marks. The price is $12.99 which makes it a good deal since you’re receiving 4 identical pictures. Not to mention that it can all be done online, saving you the trouble of going to the store.
FedEx: In-Store Passport Photos & Delivery
If you’re pressed for time and need to get your passport application submitted faster, you can drop in at your local FedEx Office store and have a staff member assist you. FedEx passport service works with RushMyPassport to expedite the passport application process so that you don’t need to go to a passport office.
The price for 2 government-compliant passport photos is $14.95. You can use a computer workstation at the FedEx store to get your application completed and printed. A staff member will then get your shipping label ready and send off your application along with your passport photos.
Staples: In-Store Passport Photo Center
There are many Staples locations throughout the U.S. offering cheap passport photos. If you’re near a Staples store, you can go to the Staples passport photos section and get 2 passport pictures done within minutes for just $14.99. Some locations may charge more so you might want to call ahead to confirm.
The UPS Store: In-Store Passport & Delivery
There are over 3,900 UPS locations across the nation. Whenever convenient, you can go to the UPS passport area at your local UPS Store and have your pictures taken and processed within an hour or less. The only drawback is that you’ll need to schedule an appointment beforehand.
Depending on your location, you could pay anywhere from $16.95 to $19.95 for your passport photos. Certain stores may be cheaper so it’s reasonable to call ahead to confirm the price at your local store. UPS also offers expedited delivery if you’re in a hurry to get your passport application taken care of asap.
USPS: In-Store Passport & Delivery Service
You can book an appointment at almost any USPS location to have your passport pictures taken. The price is $15.00. First-time passport applicants are also welcome. If you’re in a hurry, expedited service is available for passport renewals for a $60.00 fee. You can receive your passport in under 10 weeks.
AAA: In-Store Passport Photos
If you’re familiar with AAA or have ever used their services, you’d know that they offer discounts on just about everything including passport photos. As an AAA Premier member, you can get 2 passport pictures for free. AAA Plus members pay $8.00. Classic members pay $10.00. And non-members pay $15.00.
Print Your Passport Photos From Home
The cheapest method for getting passport photos is to print them from your home printer or office printer. Provided that you take the pictures correctly according to government regulations, you can save a few dollars. Keep the following requirements in mind when taking your passport photo:
- 2″ x 2″ (51 x 51 mm) full-color photo, taken in the last 6 months
- photo must be printed on glossy or matte paper
- no folds or creases or wrinkles on the paper
- clear natural image of your face, no filters allowed
- background must be plain white or off-white
- distance from the chin to the top of the head should be 1″ to 1 ⅜” (photo examples)
- no hats or glasses allowed, neutral expression with no smile
- photo must be in .JPEG format, 600 x 600 pixels, 54 kilobytes in size
Once you’ve clicked a photo, you can use the photo tool on the official government site to crop it to the right specifications. Once the tool accepts your photo, a Department of State employee will then give your photo a final lookover and decide if it clears all passport requirements.
Summary
You may find other small or independent stores locally that offer cheap passport photos which aren’t listed on here. If you come across a place in your area, feel free to mention it in the comments below. Also keep in mind that not every location offers an in-store passport photoshoot.
It’s always best to call the store first to inquire about passport photos and fees. Over the past few years, passport pictures along with passport renewals and applications have seen a considerable increase in prices. Again, if you find the price too steep, consider clicking your own photos.
If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding where to get discounted or cheap passport photos before your upcoming travels, you can contact me directly or post your comment in the box below. Also, if you found this article helpful, do subscribe to my newsletter as I’m often posting up new content to help my readers.
