Getting ready for an international trip involves several crucial steps, and securing a compliant passport photo is definitely one of them. If you’re wondering Where Can You Get Your Passport Photo Taken, you’re in the right place. Americans have a variety of options, from traditional brick-and-mortar locations to convenient online services. This guide will explore the top places to get your passport photos, weighing the pros and cons of each to help you decide the best option for your needs.
Whether you prioritize speed, cost, convenience, or professional quality, understanding your choices is key. We’ll break down ten popular spots for passport photos in the U.S., considering factors like price, availability, compliance guarantees, and overall ease of use. Let’s dive in and find the perfect place for you to capture that essential passport picture.
Navigating Your Passport Photo Options: A Detailed Look
Choosing the right place for your passport photo involves balancing several factors. Are you looking for the best place to get passport photos based on price? Or is convenience your main concern? Perhaps you need a location with expertise in handling baby passport photos? Let’s explore the critical aspects to consider when making your choice:
- Price: Costs can vary significantly, from budget-friendly options at retail stores to more premium services at professional studios.
- Availability: Consider locations that are easily accessible and fit into your schedule. Some places offer walk-in services, while others may require appointments.
- Compliance: Ensuring your photo meets strict government regulations is non-negotiable. Look for services that guarantee compliance and offer retakes or refunds if photos are rejected.
- Convenience: Do you prefer to get your photos taken quickly while running errands, or would you rather handle it from the comfort of your home?
To simplify your decision, we’ve compiled reviews of ten popular options for obtaining a U.S. passport photo. This breakdown will help you pinpoint the best places to get passport photos tailored to your specific requirements.
| Place | Availability | Comfort | Cost of passport photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apps & Online Tools | 5 | 5 | $16.95 |
| Passport Offices | 5 | 4 | $15 and more |
| Professional Photo Studios | 4 | 3 | $25 and more |
| 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 |
Note: 1-5 rating scale, where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest. Scores reflect average customer reviews, independent rankings, and information from official websites.
1. Apps & Online Passport Photo Services: Convenience at Your Fingertips
In today’s digital age, where can you get your passport photo taken without even leaving your home? The answer lies in online and mobile passport photo apps. These services offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to take your passport photo using your smartphone in minutes.
For optimal results, choose apps and online tools that guarantee 100% compliance with U.S. passport photo standards. Two leading options in this category are PhotoAiD® and Passport Photo Online.
PhotoAiD® App: AI-Powered Passport Photos in Seconds
PhotoAiD® is a highly-rated mobile app available for both Android and iOS. This app is designed to streamline the passport photo process with its comprehensive editing capabilities. Users simply need to capture a photo in good lighting, and PhotoAiD’s AI technology takes care of the rest.
With an extensive database encompassing hundreds of document types and a sophisticated AI system, PhotoAiD® ensures your photo adheres to all requirements set by the U.S. Department of State.
PhotoAiD® automatically handles:
- Cropping and Sizing: Ensuring correct proportions and the standard 2×2 passport photo size.
- Background Removal: Automatically removes and replaces backgrounds with the necessary plain white background.
The app’s advanced background removal is particularly useful for baby passport photos, simplifying a process that can be challenging elsewhere. Furthermore, PhotoAiD® offers expert human review to provide added assurance.
Users can opt for digital copies or order printed photos delivered to their doorstep. PhotoAiD® guarantees 100% compliance or a 200% refund, highlighting their confidence in their service.
Pros:
✔️ Take photos from anywhere, anytime
✔️ Automatic adjustments for compliance
✔️ Expert review of every photo
✔️ 100% compliance guarantee
Cons:
❌ Print delivery takes 1-3 business days
Passport Photo Online: Quick and Efficient Online Tool
Passport Photo Online is a professional online tool designed to quickly transform existing photos into compliant U.S. passport photos. Simply upload your image to their website, and within seconds, it’s processed.
The platform provides a “detailed photo criteria” feature to help users assess if their photo is suitable before submission. Expert-verified digital images are then delivered to your email. For added convenience, printed copies can be ordered for home delivery for a minimal fee.
Passport Photo Online also offers printable templates, allowing users to print their passport photos at local pharmacies or retail stores, potentially saving significantly on printing costs.
Pros:
✔️ Transforms existing photos into passport photos
✔️ Digital and print options available
✔️ Instant photo preview
✔️ 100% compliance guarantee
Cons:
❌ Print delivery takes 1-3 business days
2. Passport Acceptance Facilities: One-Stop Service
For those applying for a passport in person, many passport acceptance facilities, including post offices, libraries, and local government offices, offer on-site passport photo services. This can be a convenient option to handle both your application and photo in one visit. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm photo services and appointment requirements.
Pros:
✔️ Convenient during passport application
✔️ Often offers appointment scheduling
✔️ Staff familiar with passport photo requirements
Cons:
❌ Prices can vary, often starting at $15
❌ May have limited availability on certain days
❌ Digital copies may not be included or may cost extra
3. Professional Photography Studios: Expertise and Quality
Professional photo studios, known for portrait and event photography, also provide passport photo services. A quick search on Google Maps will reveal numerous studios in most areas. In major cities, like New York, options are abundant.
While studios offer professional equipment and expertise, they tend to be pricier, with “passport packages” starting around $25 and sometimes reaching $50. Digital copies often incur additional charges. Studios may also lack specialized setups for infants, making baby passport photos challenging.
Pros:
✔️ Professional lighting and equipment
✔️ High-quality printed photos
✔️ Walk-in services at many studios
Cons:
❌ Higher cost compared to other options
❌ Extra charges for digital copies
❌ May not be ideal for baby passport photos
4. Pharmacies: Convenient and Widely Available
Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are popular choices for passport photos due to their widespread locations and convenience.
CVS Pharmacy: Quick and Accessible
With over 7,500 locations nationwide, CVS offers readily accessible passport photo services. CVS passport photos are priced around $16.99, with potential discounts available on their website. Appointments are generally not needed, but calling ahead is recommended.
CVS provides two printed passport photos, with processing typically taking about 10 minutes. Refunds or retakes are usually offered for rejected photos with proof of purchase.
Pros:
✔️ Numerous locations across the U.S.
✔️ Potential coupons and discounts
✔️ Fast processing time
Cons:
❌ Can be more expensive than some alternatives
❌ No digital copies provided
Walgreens: Same-Day Pickup
Walgreens, with approximately 7,750 locations, mirrors CVS in price and service offerings for passport photos.
While CVS aims for a 10-minute turnaround, Walgreens estimates a processing time of “1 hour or less.” Same-day pickup is available, allowing customers to collect their Walgreens passport photos later in the day.
Pros:
✔️ Wide availability of locations
✔️ Same-day pickup service
Cons:
❌ Can be pricey
❌ No discounts typically offered
❌ No digital copies
❌ Processing can take up to an hour
5. Retail Stores: Budget-Friendly Options
Retail giants like Walmart and Target offer passport photo services, with Walmart providing photo-taking and printing, and Target focusing solely on printing.
Walmart: Affordable and Fast
Walmart stands out for its budget-friendly Walmart passport photos at just $7.44. With over 5,000 locations, Walmart is easily accessible for many. Photo processing usually takes only 5-10 minutes, and walk-ins are welcome.
While prints are affordable, home delivery adds an extra charge, and digital copies are not available. Walmart also charges differently for baby passport photos. Refunds or retakes are possible within 90 days with a receipt.
Pros:
✔️ Very affordable pricing
✔️ Many locations
✔️ Quick service
✔️ Walk-ins welcome
✔️ Refund or retake policy
Cons:
❌ No digital copies
❌ Extra cost for home delivery
❌ Higher price for baby passport photos
Target: Online Printing Service
Target no longer offers in-store passport photo taking. Instead, Target passport photos are available as an online printing service. Users upload a compliant photo to their website, and Target prints four 2×2 photos on a template for $12.99, including shipping.
Delivery typically takes up to 10 business days, though expedited shipping is available for an added cost. Photos must already meet U.S. passport photo requirements before uploading to Target’s service.
Pros:
✔️ Convenient online printing
✔️ Four passport photos per order
✔️ Home delivery included
Cons:
❌ Printing service only; photo must be ready
❌ Photos must already be compliant
❌ Shipping can take several business days
6. Shipping Centers: Convenience for Shipping Needs
Shipping centers like FedEx and UPS, primarily known for shipping and mailing services, also offer passport photo services.
FedEx: Coupons and Digital Copies
FedEx provides FedEx passport photo services at over 2,000 locations. No appointments are necessary, and photos are printed immediately. The cost is around $14.95 for two prints, with coupons often available online.
FedEx also offers digital passport photos for an additional fee and provides free retakes if photos are rejected, with a valid receipt.
Pros:
✔️ Coupons available
✔️ Digital copies offered
✔️ Free retake policy
✔️ Fast service
Cons:
❌ Extra cost for digital photos
UPS: Appointments and Same-Day Service
UPS offers passport photos at over 4,500 UPS passport photo service locations. Two passport photos cost around $11.99. Online appointments can be scheduled to avoid wait times. Photos are typically ready the same day, though processing times may vary.
UPS does not offer digital copies, and refund policies are not clearly stated.
Pros:
✔️ Lower cost than FedEx
✔️ Online appointment scheduling
Cons:
❌ No digital copies
❌ Processing times can vary
❌ Unclear refund policy
PhotoAiD®: Your Best Place to Get a Passport Photo
Considering all the options, where can you get your passport photo taken that combines convenience, compliance, and affordability? PhotoAiD® stands out as an excellent solution.
The PhotoAiD® app offers a user-friendly, AI-powered tool to create compliant passport photos directly from your smartphone. No need to travel, schedule appointments, or worry about studio setups. Take your photos at home, ensuring a stress-free experience for everyone, including babies.
4 photos illustrating the passport photo creation process using the PhotoAiD app, showing photo upload, automatic background removal, cropping and resizing, and final compliant image
Key Benefits of PhotoAiD®:
- Speed: Get your passport photo in just 3 seconds of capture time.
- Unlimited Attempts: Take as many photos as you need to get it just right, paying only for the final result.
- Baby and Child Friendly: Effortlessly capture passport photos of babies and children, even holding them during the photo.
- Expert Review: Every photo is reviewed by a team of experts to guarantee compliance.
- Digital and Print Options: Choose between digital copies or printed photos delivered to your door.
- 200% Money-Back Guarantee: In the rare event of rejection, receive double your money back.
Available on both Android and iOS, PhotoAiD® is your go-to app for hassle-free passport photos.
Create passport photos at home with PhotoAiD
Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Photos
Where can I get a passport picture taken?
You can get passport photos at pharmacies, retail stores, shipping centers, and passport acceptance facilities like post offices. Online services like PhotoAiD also offer a convenient at-home option.
What stores take passport pictures?
Retail stores like Walmart offer passport photo services. Target provides online printing services for passport photos that you prepare yourself.
Where to get a passport photo taken and printed?
Pharmacies, shipping centers, and post offices typically offer both photo-taking and printing services. Check our list above for more locations that provide these services.
Where’s the best place to take a passport photo?
The best place depends on your needs, but top contenders include pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), shipping/postal centers (USPS, FedEx), retail stores (Walmart), and online providers (PhotoAiD, Passport Photo Online). Consider factors like price, convenience, and compliance guarantees.
Final Thoughts
When considering where can you take passport photos near you, you have a wide array of choices. From traditional locations to the ease of your own home with PhotoAiD®, the options are plentiful.
For guaranteed compliance and maximum convenience, PhotoAiD® offers a swift, reliable, and user-friendly solution. Create your perfect passport photo in seconds and ensure your travel preparations are smooth and stress-free.
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Roxana Grabowska
Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.
