Costco no longer offers in-store passport photo services. Since the closure of all Costco photo centers in 2021, passport photos cannot be taken at Costco warehouses. However, you can still print compliant US passport photos using a workaround involving Costco’s partner, Shutterfly. This article explores how to get passport photos if you were a previous Costco photo center user.
How to Get Passport Photos at Costco (Sort Of)
While Costco doesn’t directly take or print passport photos anymore, a workaround allows you to print them via Shutterfly. Here’s the process:
- Take a compliant photo: Use a passport photo app or service like PhotoAiD® to take a photo that meets all U.S. passport photo requirements. Ensure the photo is properly sized (2×2 inches) and positioned on a 4×6 inch template.
- Download the 4×6 template: Save the 4×6 template with your passport photo on it as a JPEG file.
- Upload to Shutterfly: Create a Shutterfly account and upload the JPEG file.
- Order prints: Order the file as a standard 4×6 inch print and choose home delivery. In-store pickup at Costco is not available for this method.
Costco Passport Photo Costs
Using the Shutterfly method, you’ll incur costs from both PhotoAiD® (or a similar service) for the digital photo and template, and from Shutterfly for printing and shipping.
- Digital Photo & Template: A service like PhotoAiD® charges around $13.95 for a digital passport photo and 4×6 template.
- Shutterfly Printing: A 4×6 print at Shutterfly costs approximately $0.20.
- Shutterfly Shipping: Shipping costs vary depending on the speed:
- Economy: $2.49 (7-9 business days)
- Standard: $4.99
- Expedited: $11.99
- Rush: $19.99
Comparing Costco Alternatives: Walmart & PhotoAiD®
Here’s a comparison of passport photo options:
| Feature | Costco (via Shutterfly) | Walmart | PhotoAiD® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment | No | No | No |
| Availability | Online 24/7 | Store Hours | Online 24/7 |
| Same Day Pickup | No | Yes | No |
| Digital Photo | No | No | Yes |
| Home Delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $2.69 – $20.19+ | $7.44 | $13.95 – $16.95 |
| Guarantee | No | No | Yes |
Does Costco Offer Digital Passport Pictures?
No, Costco does not provide digital passport photos. The previous in-store service that offered digital copies is no longer available. For a digital passport photo, consider online services like PhotoAiD®.
Where to Get Passport Photos if Not Costco
While the Costco workaround exists, other options are available:
- Pharmacies and Retail Stores: Many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer passport photo services.
- Shipping Centers: Locations like UPS and FedEx often provide passport photo services.
- Passport Acceptance Facilities: Post offices and some local government offices can take passport photos.
- Online Services: PhotoAiD® and other similar online services provide a convenient way to get compliant digital passport photos.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
