Navigating the world of passport photos can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re on a deadline for your travel plans. Costco, known for its wide range of services and member-friendly approach, might spring to mind as a convenient option. But can you actually get your passport photos taken at Costco anymore?
Let’s clear up any confusion and explore the current situation with Costco and passport photos. We’ll also dive into excellent alternatives, ensuring you get your compliant passport photos quickly and easily.
Costco and Passport Photos: The Current Status
As of 2024, the answer is unfortunately no, you cannot take passport photos at Costco. Costco Photo Centers, which previously offered this service, were permanently closed in February 2021. This closure included all in-store photo services, passport photos among them.
While this might be disappointing if you were relying on Costco’s convenience, it’s essential to know that this service is no longer available in their physical locations.
Why Did Costco Discontinue Their Photo Centers?
The decision to close Costco Photo Centers was driven by evolving customer habits and advancements in technology. More and more people are turning to their smartphones and online services for photo-related needs. The demand for in-store photo services, including passport photos, experienced a significant decline.
This trend was further accelerated by the 2019 pandemic, which emphasized contactless services. Costco adapted to these changes by focusing on their online Photo Center, partnering with Shutterfly to offer a wide array of online photo printing services. This strategic shift led to the closure of physical Photo Centers to streamline operations and cater to changing consumer preferences.
Printing Digital Passport Photos via Costco (Shutterfly)
While you can’t have your passport photo taken directly at Costco, there’s a workaround if you are a Costco member and prefer printing through their affiliated services. Costco has partnered with Shutterfly, a reputable online photo platform, to provide photo printing services.
This means you can utilize Shutterfly via the Costco Photo Center website to print passport photos you’ve taken yourself or obtained digitally. Here’s how you can leverage this method:
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Obtain a Digital Passport Photo: You’ll need a compliant digital passport photo. You can take this yourself at home using a smartphone app (more on this later!) or utilize an online passport photo service.
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Prepare a 4×6 Template: To maximize cost-effectiveness, create a 4×6 inch template containing two 2×2 inch passport photos. Apps like Smartphone iD can generate these templates for you.
Print Passport photo at Costco -
Visit Costco Photo Center Online: Go to the Costco Photo Center website and find the link to Shutterfly’s printing services.
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Upload and Order Prints: Upload your prepared 4×6 template to Shutterfly through the Costco Photo Center portal. Select 4×6 prints, choose your desired paper finish (glossy or matte), and specify the number of prints you need.
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Checkout and Delivery: Complete your order on Shutterfly. Your passport photos will be printed and shipped to you according to Shutterfly’s processing and delivery timelines.
Cost Savings of Printing Passport Photos at Costco (via Shutterfly)
The primary advantage of this method is the potential cost savings on prints. Printing a 4×6 photo at Costco (through Shutterfly) is very inexpensive, often around $0.11 per print. This means you can get two passport photos for a minimal print cost.
However, remember this method requires you to have a digital passport photo beforehand. You’ll need to factor in the time and potentially the cost of obtaining a compliant digital photo if you’re not taking it yourself.
Costco Passport Photo Printing vs. Smartphone iD App: A Comparison
Let’s compare the Costco (Shutterfly printing) method with a dedicated passport photo app like Smartphone iD to help you decide the best approach for your needs.
| Feature | Costco (via Shutterfly Printing) | Smartphone iD App |
|---|---|---|
| Service Offered | Photo Printing Only (digital photo needed) | Take photo, edit, and get digital/print options |
| Price | Low print cost ( ~$0.11 per 4×6 print) | App usage fee (affordable) |
| Convenience | Requires pre-existing digital photo, upload | Take photo at home using your phone |
| Turnaround Time | Shutterfly printing & shipping time | Digital photo in minutes, print options available |
| Compliance Guarantee | No guarantee for photo compliance | 100% government compliance guarantee |
| Photo Quantity | Two passport photos per 4×6 print | Digital template with 4 photos |
| Delivery | Prints shipped to your address | Digital download or prints by mail |
As you can see, while Costco (via Shutterfly) offers cheap printing, Smartphone iD provides a more comprehensive and convenient solution, especially if you need the entire passport photo process handled from start to finish.
Where to Get Passport Photos Besides Costco: Top Alternatives
Since Costco no longer offers in-store passport photo services, you have many other reliable options to consider. Here are some popular alternatives, ranging from convenience stores to dedicated photo services:
Retail and Pharmacy Stores:
- Walmart Photo Center: Offers in-store passport photos for around $7.44 USD. You can often upload a digital photo and pick up prints.
- Walgreens Photo: Provides passport photo services in-store. Prices are around $16.99 USD and typically include two photos.
- CVS Photo: Similar to Walgreens, CVS offers in-store passport photo services at select locations, also around $16.99 USD for two photos.
Shipping and Office Supply Stores:
- UPS Store: Takes passport photos in-store for approximately $11.99 USD, including two photos. Appointments may be recommended.
- Staples: Participating Staples stores offer passport photo services for around $14.99 USD, providing two prints.
- FedEx Office: Some FedEx Office locations provide passport photo services. Check with your local store for availability and pricing.
Other Options:
- AAA (American Automobile Association): Many AAA locations offer passport photo services to members, sometimes at a discounted rate.
- Professional Photo Studios: Local photography studios often provide passport photo services, ensuring high quality and compliance.
- Smartphone iD App (Your Home): As discussed, using a passport photo app like Smartphone iD is a highly convenient and cost-effective way to take your passport photo at home.
US Passport Photo Requirements: Key Rules to Know
Whether you choose to print passport photos via Costco/Shutterfly or use another service, understanding the US passport photo requirements is crucial. Non-compliant photos can lead to delays or rejection of your passport application.
Here are the essential rules for US passport photos:
Photo Dimensions and Size
- Size: 2×2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head Size: Your head must be centered and measure between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Photo Quality and Appearance
- Sharpness: The photo must be sharp and clear, with no blurriness or graininess.
- Lighting: Even lighting with no harsh shadows or glare on your face.
- Background: Plain white or off-white background.
- Appearance:
- Facial Expression: Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed.
- Attire: Normal everyday attire. No uniforms or clothing that resembles a uniform.
- Eyeglasses: Generally, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in passport photos. If you must wear them for medical reasons, you need a signed statement from a medical professional.
- Head Coverings: Hats and head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons. A signed statement may be required.
- Jewelry and Piercings: Small, everyday jewelry is usually acceptable, as long as it doesn’t obscure your face.
Posture and Visibility
- Facing the Camera: You must directly face the camera, with your entire face visible.
- Centered in Frame: Position yourself in the center of the photo frame.
- Eyes Visible: Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, not obscured by hair or shadows.
These requirements may seem detailed, but they are in place to ensure your passport photo is easily recognizable and meets international standards. Using a reliable passport photo service or app can help you navigate these rules and guarantee compliance.
Taking Passport Photos at Home with Your Phone: The Smartphone iD Solution
USA passport photo online with smartphone id
For ultimate convenience and control, taking your passport photo at home with your smartphone is an excellent option. The Smartphone iD app simplifies this process and ensures your photos meet all US government requirements.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Smartphone iD:
- Download the App: Get the Smartphone iD app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Select Document Type: Open the app and choose “United States” as the country and “Passport Photo” as the document type.
- Take Your Photo: Follow the in-app guidelines to take your photo. The app provides real-time feedback on positioning, lighting, and compliance.
- Expert Review: Your photo is reviewed by Smartphone iD experts to ensure 100% compliance with official regulations.
- Receive Digital Photos: Once approved, you’ll receive your compliant digital passport photo via email.
- Printing Options: You can choose to print the digital photo yourself (e.g., using the Costco/Shutterfly method for cost-effective prints) or order prints directly through the app.
Why Choose Smartphone iD? Key Benefits
- Convenience: Take photos anytime, anywhere, from the comfort of your home.
- Guidance: The app provides step-by-step instructions and real-time feedback, making it easy to take a compliant photo.
- Expert Validation: Photos are checked by human experts trained by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring compliance.
- Guaranteed Compliance: Smartphone iD guarantees your photos will be accepted by government authorities, or you’ll receive a full refund.
- Comprehensive Adjustments: The app automatically adjusts your photo for size, orientation, background removal, and other crucial factors.
- Optional Printing Service: Order high-quality prints directly through the app if needed.
In Summary: Passport Photos Post-Costco Photo Center Closure
While Costco’s in-store Photo Centers are no longer an option for passport photos, you have numerous alternatives. You can still leverage Costco’s online photo services via Shutterfly for inexpensive printing of digital passport photos.
However, for the most convenient, reliable, and guaranteed compliant passport photo solution, consider using the Smartphone iD app. It simplifies the entire process, ensures compliance, and offers flexibility in obtaining your photos, whether you choose digital download or prints.
For a cost-effective print option after using Smartphone iD, you can indeed utilize the Costco/Shutterfly printing method to get your passport photos printed cheaply.
Helpful Links:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Costco still take passport photos?
No, Costco closed all of its in-store Photo Centers in February 2021, and passport photo services are no longer offered at their physical locations.
Can I print passport photos at Costco using Shutterfly?
Yes, you can use Costco’s online photo center, powered by Shutterfly, to print passport photos. You will need to provide a compliant digital passport photo, which you can obtain using an app like Smartphone iD.
How long does it take to get passport photos printed via Shutterfly/Costco?
Turnaround time depends on Shutterfly’s processing and shipping times. Typically, orders are processed within 1-2 business days, with shipping times varying based on the selected method.
What print sizes are available at Costco’s online photo center (Shutterfly)?
Shutterfly via Costco offers various print sizes, including 4×6 inches, which is ideal for printing two passport photos on a single print.
Is Costco Photo now Shutterfly?
Costco has partnered with Shutterfly for online photo printing services. Costco members can access Shutterfly’s services through the Costco Photo Center website.
Can Shutterfly print passport photos taken at home?
Yes, Shutterfly can print passport photos you take at home, provided they are compliant. It’s recommended to use a tool like Smartphone iD to ensure compliance before uploading to Shutterfly.
Where else can I get passport photos taken?
Alternatives include pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS), retail stores (Walmart), shipping stores (UPS, FedEx), office supply stores (Staples), AAA (for members), professional photo studios, and passport photo apps like Smartphone iD.
What are the main requirements for a US passport photo?
Key requirements include a 2×2 inch size, specific head dimensions, plain white background, neutral expression, and compliance with rules regarding eyeglasses and head coverings. Refer to the U.S. Department of State website for complete guidelines.
Is printing passport photos at Costco (via Shutterfly) the cheapest option?
Printing at Costco/Shutterfly is very inexpensive. However, the overall cost-effectiveness depends on how you obtain the digital passport photo. Apps like Smartphone iD offer a balance of convenience and affordability.
How do I take a US passport photo with my iPhone?
Download the Smartphone iD app for iOS or Android. The app guides you through the process, ensuring compliance and expert review. Simply follow the in-app instructions to take your photo and receive a compliant digital passport photo.
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