Getting a passport is already costly. Paying practically $20 for 2 small pictures can really feel like yet another pointless cost, particularly when a number of folks in your loved ones want passports on the similar time.
The excellent news is that you’ve choices. You possibly can have a passport picture taken at a close-by pharmacy, publish workplace, transport retailer, or AAA department. It’s also possible to take the image your self and pay solely to print it.
I in contrast the commonest decisions and checked their present costs and insurance policies for 2026. Costs can nonetheless differ by location, however this provides you with a practical concept of what you need to count on to pay.
Walmart is likely one of the least costly nationwide choices if you have already got a compliant picture, charging $7.64 for 2 2-by-2-inch prints. If you need an worker to take the image, FedEx Workplace is $15.95, Walgreens is $16.99, and CVS is $17.99. USPS generally prices $15 at taking part passport places.
Least expensive Passport Photograph Choices at a Look
| Place | Typical 2026 Worth | Will They Take the Photograph? | Greatest For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY 4×6 print | About $0.16 and up | No | Lowest doable value |
| Walmart | $7.64 for 2 | Normally add and print | Low-cost ready-cut prints |
| AAA | Free to $20 | At taking part branches | Present AAA members |
| USPS | Normally $15 | At taking part places | First-time passport candidates |
| FedEx Workplace | $15.95 | Sure | Stroll-in service |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | Sure | Printed pictures plus a digital copy |
| CVS | $17.99 | Sure | Handy same-day service |
| The UPS Retailer | Varies by location | At taking part shops | Skilled assist close by |
There’s a distinction between having a retailer take your passport picture and sending a retailer a picture to print. The most affordable choices normally require you to take the image your self first.
Least expensive General
Take your individual image and print a number of 2-by-2 pictures on one cheap 4-by-6 print.
Best Possibility
Use Walgreens, CVS, or FedEx and let an worker deal with the picture and sizing.
Greatest for Purposes
Use a taking part USPS location if you additionally need assistance submitting a first-time software.
The place to Get Low-cost Passport Pictures Close to You
1. Take and Print Your Personal Passport Photograph
Price: Typically lower than $1
Appointment: No
Greatest for: Most financial savings
The most affordable choice is to take the picture your self and organize two or extra 2-by-2-inch photos on a single 4-by-6 print. Normal 4-by-6 prints can value only some cents at main picture retailers.
This method works greatest when you’re snug following the State Division’s picture guidelines. You will have a latest colour picture, a plain white or off-white background, even lighting, and sufficient house round your head and shoulders.
Don’t use magnificence filters, background-removal instruments, or software program that modifications your face. A passport picture shouldn’t be the time to clean pores and skin, erase shadows digitally, or create a synthetic white background.
If 4 folks want passport pictures, taking the photographs your self can save roughly $60 or extra in contrast with paying a pharmacy to {photograph} everybody.
2. Walmart Passport Pictures
Price: $7.64 for 2 prints
Appointment: No
Greatest for: A reasonable printed set
Walmart Photograph at the moment gives two 2-by-2 passport picture prints for $7.64. You add your picture and select house supply or same-day pickup the place obtainable.
Walmart is an effective center floor when you don’t want to manually create a 4-by-6 sheet but in addition don’t need to pay $15 to $18 for an worker to take the image.
Make certain the uploaded picture already follows passport necessities. Walmart can format and print the picture, however that doesn’t make a poorly lit or digitally altered picture acceptable.
3. AAA Passport Pictures
Price: Free to about $20
Appointment: Is dependent upon department
Greatest for: AAA members
AAA may be one of many least expensive staffed choices, however its passport-photo advantages aren’t the identical all through the nation.
For instance, some regional golf equipment present free pictures to sure members, whereas others cost a decreased member value. Non-member costs additionally differ. Earlier than driving over, verify your regional AAA web site or name the department to verify that it takes passport pictures and ask what your membership consists of.
AAA branches typically take the image and supply a compliant printed set. Some places additionally supply a digital copy.
4. Submit Workplace Passport Pictures
Price: Generally $15
Appointment: Typically required
Greatest for: Finishing all the things in a single go to
Many passport acceptance publish workplaces supply picture service for $15. This may be handy when you’re making use of to your first passport and need to have the image, paperwork, and software reviewed in a single place.
Not each publish workplace takes passport pictures, and plenty of passport providers require an appointment. Use the USPS passport appointment instrument to discover a close by taking part location and see which providers it offers.
The picture payment is separate from the passport software payment and the $35 acceptance payment that usually applies to first-time candidates and plenty of kids’s functions.
5. FedEx Workplace Passport Pictures
Price: $15.95
Appointment: No
Greatest for: Quick walk-in assist
FedEx Workplace prices $15.95 for both two printed 2-by-2 passport pictures or a digital copy offered on a USB drive. An worker takes the image and makes use of picture software program designed to verify the federal government necessities.
No appointment is often required, though it’s nonetheless sensible to verify your native retailer’s hours and providers earlier than making a particular journey.
It is a helpful choice if you need another person to deal with the lighting, background, cropping, and printing with out paying fairly as a lot as CVS.
6. Walgreens Passport Pictures
Price: $16.99 for 2 prints
Appointment: No
Greatest for: Printed and digital copies
Walgreens prices $16.99 for 2 government-compliant printed passport pictures. It additionally advertises a free digital copy despatched by electronic mail, which may be useful for those who want the file for one more ID or an eligible on-line passport renewal.
You typically don’t want an appointment. Go to the picture counter and ask an worker for passport-photo service.
Walgreens shouldn’t be the least costly choice, however its giant variety of places and included digital copy make it some of the handy decisions.
7. CVS Passport Pictures
Price: $17.99 for 2 prints
Appointment: No
Greatest for: Similar-day comfort
CVS at the moment prices $17.99 for 2 passport pictures at taking part shops. Extra printed pictures or a digital copy can be found for an added cost.
You don’t normally want an appointment, and the photographs are generally prepared throughout the identical go to. Availability can differ, so seek for a CVS location that particularly lists passport-photo service.
CVS is likely one of the costlier nationwide decisions, however it could nonetheless make sense when the closest retailer is only some minutes away.
8. The UPS Retailer Passport Pictures
Price: Varies
Appointment: Is dependent upon location
Greatest for: Native skilled service
Taking part UPS Retailer places can take and print passport and ID pictures that meet U.S. necessities. Nevertheless, UPS Shops are independently owned franchises, so costs, hours, and appointment insurance policies differ.
Which means an outdated nationwide value shouldn’t be very helpful. Seek for a close-by location, affirm that it gives passport pictures, and name for the present value earlier than visiting.
The UPS Retailer may be handy for those who additionally want copies, notarization, or transport, however it might not be the most affordable alternative in your space.
Learn how to Take a Passport Photograph at Residence
A house picture can get monetary savings, however it must appear to be a passport picture slightly than an informal telephone image. Observe these steps:
- Use a plain white or off-white background. Stand a number of ft in entrance of the wall when doable so you don’t solid a powerful shadow.
- Use gentle, even lighting. Face a window or use lights from either side. Keep away from harsh overhead mild and darkish shadows throughout the face.
- Have another person take the image. Don’t submit a selfie. Hold the digital camera degree along with your face and several other ft away to cut back distortion.
- Face the digital camera straight. Hold your head centered, eyes open, and expression impartial or use a pure smile.
- Put on regular clothes. Don’t put on a uniform or camouflage. Hats and head coverings are typically not allowed except worn for spiritual or medical causes.
- Don’t put on glasses. The State Division typically requires candidates to take away them except there’s a uncommon medical exception.
- Don’t digitally alter the picture. Keep away from filters, retouching, AI background alternative, or modifications to your facial look.
- Print it on the appropriate dimension. A printed U.S. passport picture should be precisely 2 by 2 inches on matte or shiny photo-quality paper.
Don’t crop the image so tightly that your head fills the complete sq.. The top should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the underside of the chin to the highest of the top.
Printed Photograph vs. Digital Passport Photograph
You could want a printed picture, a digital picture, or each.
- Making use of in individual or by mail: You’ll usually submit one printed 2-by-2-inch picture.
- Renewing on-line: Eligible candidates add a latest digital JPEG picture as a substitute of photographing or scanning a printed image.
- Utilizing the image for one more doc: A digital copy could make it simpler to order extra prints later.
For on-line renewal, the State Division says to not add a photograph of a printed {photograph}. Use the unique digital file and comply with its on-line picture necessities.
How A lot Does a Passport Price in 2026?
The picture is just one a part of the full value. Present normal federal charges embody:
| Applicant or Service | Passport Ebook | Passport Card | Ebook and Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grownup first-time applicant | $130 + $35 acceptance payment | $30 + $35 acceptance payment | $160 + $35 acceptance payment |
| Grownup renewal | $130 | $30 | $160 |
| Baby beneath 16 | $100 + $35 acceptance payment | $15 + $35 acceptance payment | $115 + $35 acceptance payment |
Expedited processing prices an extra $60. Elective sooner return supply may be obtainable for an additional cost.
Charges and processing instances can change, so use the State Division’s official passport payment calculator earlier than submitting an software.
Regularly Requested Questions
The place is the most affordable place to get passport pictures?
The most affordable method is normally to take a compliant image your self and print a number of 2-by-2 pictures on one 4-by-6 print. If you need ready-cut passport prints, Walmart at the moment lists two for $7.64.
Can I take my very own passport picture?
Sure. The State Division means that you can take your individual picture so long as it meets all present necessities. It shouldn’t be a selfie, and you can not digitally alter your look or change the background.
Does Walgreens take passport pictures?
Sure. Walgreens at the moment prices $16.99 for 2 printed passport pictures and advertises a free digital copy. No appointment is often required.
Does CVS take passport pictures?
Sure, at taking part CVS places. The present marketed value is $17.99 for 2 printed pictures. A digital copy and additional prints value extra.
Does Walmart take the passport image for you?
Walmart’s nationally marketed passport-photo product is primarily an upload-and-print service. Retailer providers can differ, so don’t assume an worker will take the picture. Contact your native picture middle earlier than visiting.
Can I smile in a passport picture?
You should use a pure smile, however your full face should stay seen and your eyes should be open. A impartial expression is the most secure and easiest alternative.
Can I exploit my telephone to take a passport picture?
Sure, however have one other individual take the image with the rear digital camera when doable. Stand away from the digital camera, use even lighting, and don’t apply filters or digital alterations.
Do I want two passport pictures?
Most U.S. passport functions require you to submit one picture. Retailers typically promote two as a result of they print the pictures as a pair and the additional may be helpful if the primary is broken.
Backside Line
You do not want to spend practically $20 on passport pictures. Taking your individual image and printing it could value lower than $1, whereas Walmart gives an affordable ready-cut choice at $7.64.
In the event you desire to let another person deal with all the things, USPS, FedEx, Walgreens, and CVS are handy decisions. AAA could also be even cheaper for members, however advantages differ by regional membership.
Whichever choice you employ, verify the present State Division picture necessities earlier than submitting the appliance. Saving a number of {dollars} is useful, however not if an avoidable picture drawback delays your passport.
Costs and providers had been checked in July 2026 utilizing official retailer, USPS, AAA, FedEx, and U.S. State Division info. Native participation and pricing can differ, notably at AAA branches and independently owned UPS Retailer places.
