Getting a passport is already expensive. Paying nearly $20 for two small photos can feel like one more unnecessary charge, especially when several people in your family need passports at the same time.
The good news is that you have options. You can have a passport photo taken at a nearby pharmacy, post office, shipping store, or AAA branch. You can also take the picture yourself and pay only to print it.
I compared the most common choices and checked their current prices and policies for 2026. Prices can still vary by location, but this will give you a realistic idea of what you should expect to pay.
Walmart is one of the least expensive nationwide options if you already have a compliant image, charging $7.64 for two 2-by-2-inch prints. If you want an employee to take the picture, FedEx Office is $15.95, Walgreens is $16.99, and CVS is $17.99. USPS commonly charges $15 at participating passport locations.
Table of Contents
Cheapest Passport Photo Options at a Glance
| Place | Typical 2026 Price | Will They Take the Photo? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY 4×6 print | About $0.16 and up | No | Lowest possible cost |
| Walmart | $7.64 for two | Usually upload and print | Cheap ready-cut prints |
| AAA | Free to $20 | At participating branches | Existing AAA members |
| USPS | Usually $15 | At participating locations | First-time passport applicants |
| FedEx Office | $15.95 | Yes | Walk-in service |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | Yes | Printed photos plus a digital copy |
| CVS | $17.99 | Yes | Convenient same-day service |
| The UPS Store | Varies by location | At participating stores | Professional help nearby |
There is a difference between having a store take your passport photo and sending a store an image to print. The cheapest options usually require you to take the picture yourself first.
Cheapest Overall
Take your own picture and print multiple 2-by-2 photos on one inexpensive 4-by-6 print.
Easiest Option
Use Walgreens, CVS, or FedEx and let an employee handle the photo and sizing.
Best for Applications
Use a participating USPS location when you also need help submitting a first-time application.
Where to Get Cheap Passport Photos Near You
1. Take and Print Your Own Passport Photo
The cheapest option is to take the photo yourself and arrange two or more 2-by-2-inch pictures on a single 4-by-6 print. Standard 4-by-6 prints can cost only a few cents at major photo retailers.
This approach works best when you are comfortable following the State Department’s photo rules. You will need a recent color photo, a plain white or off-white background, even lighting, and enough space around your head and shoulders.
Do not use beauty filters, background-removal tools, or software that changes your face. A passport photo is not the time to smooth skin, erase shadows digitally, or create an artificial white background.
If four people need passport photos, taking the pictures yourself can save roughly $60 or more compared with paying a pharmacy to photograph everyone.
2. Walmart Passport Photos
Walmart Photo currently offers two 2-by-2 passport photo prints for $7.64. You upload your image and choose home delivery or same-day pickup where available.
Walmart is a good middle ground when you do not want to manually create a 4-by-6 sheet but also do not want to pay $15 to $18 for an employee to take the picture.
Make sure the uploaded image already follows passport requirements. Walmart can format and print the image, but that does not make a poorly lit or digitally altered photo acceptable.
3. AAA Passport Photos
AAA can be one of the cheapest staffed options, but its passport-photo benefits are not the same throughout the country.
For example, some regional clubs provide free photos to certain members, while others charge a reduced member price. Non-member prices also vary. Before driving over, check your regional AAA website or call the branch to confirm that it takes passport photos and ask what your membership includes.
AAA branches generally take the picture and provide a compliant printed set. Some locations also offer a digital copy.
4. Post Office Passport Photos
Many passport acceptance post offices offer photo service for $15. This can be convenient when you are applying for your first passport and want to have the picture, documents, and application reviewed in one place.
Not every post office takes passport photos, and many passport services require an appointment. Use the USPS passport appointment tool to find a nearby participating location and see which services it provides.
The photo fee is separate from the passport application fee and the $35 acceptance fee that normally applies to first-time applicants and many children’s applications.
5. FedEx Office Passport Photos
FedEx Office charges $15.95 for either two printed 2-by-2 passport photos or a digital copy provided on a USB drive. An employee takes the picture and uses photo software designed to check the government requirements.
No appointment is normally required, although it is still smart to check your local store’s hours and services before making a special trip.
This is a useful option when you want someone else to handle the lighting, background, cropping, and printing without paying quite as much as CVS.
6. Walgreens Passport Photos
Walgreens charges $16.99 for two government-compliant printed passport photos. It also advertises a free digital copy sent by email, which can be helpful if you need the file for another ID or an eligible online passport renewal.
You generally do not need an appointment. Visit the photo counter and ask an employee for passport-photo service.
Walgreens is not the least expensive option, but its large number of locations and included digital copy make it one of the most convenient choices.
7. CVS Passport Photos
CVS currently charges $17.99 for two passport photos at participating stores. Additional printed photos or a digital copy are available for an added charge.
You do not usually need an appointment, and the pictures are commonly ready during the same visit. Availability can vary, so search for a CVS location that specifically lists passport-photo service.
CVS is one of the more expensive nationwide choices, but it can still make sense when the nearest store is only a few minutes away.
8. The UPS Store Passport Photos
Participating UPS Store locations can take and print passport and ID photos that meet U.S. requirements. However, UPS Stores are independently owned franchises, so prices, hours, and appointment policies vary.
That means an old nationwide price is not very useful. Search for a nearby location, confirm that it offers passport photos, and call for the current price before visiting.
The UPS Store can be convenient if you also need copies, notarization, or shipping, but it may not be the cheapest choice in your area.
How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
A home photo can save money, but it needs to look like a passport photo rather than a casual phone picture. Follow these steps:
- Use a plain white or off-white background. Stand several feet in front of the wall when possible so you do not cast a strong shadow.
- Use soft, even lighting. Face a window or use lights from both sides. Avoid harsh overhead light and dark shadows across the face.
- Have someone else take the picture. Do not submit a selfie. Keep the camera level with your face and several feet away to reduce distortion.
- Face the camera directly. Keep your head centered, eyes open, and expression neutral or use a natural smile.
- Wear normal clothing. Do not wear a uniform or camouflage. Hats and head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Do not wear glasses. The State Department generally requires applicants to remove them unless there is a rare medical exception.
- Do not digitally alter the image. Avoid filters, retouching, AI background replacement, or changes to your facial appearance.
- Print it at the correct size. A printed U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
Do not crop the picture so tightly that your head fills the entire square. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
Printed Photo vs. Digital Passport Photo
You may need a printed photo, a digital image, or both.
- Applying in person or by mail: You will normally submit one printed 2-by-2-inch photo.
- Renewing online: Eligible applicants upload a recent digital JPEG image instead of photographing or scanning a printed picture.
- Using the picture for another document: A digital copy can make it easier to order more prints later.
For online renewal, the State Department says not to upload a photo of a printed photograph. Use the original digital file and follow its online image requirements.
How Much Does a Passport Cost in 2026?
The photo is only one part of the total cost. Current standard federal fees include:
| Applicant or Service | Passport Book | Passport Card | Book and Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult first-time applicant | $130 + $35 acceptance fee | $30 + $35 acceptance fee | $160 + $35 acceptance fee |
| Adult renewal | $130 | $30 | $160 |
| Child under 16 | $100 + $35 acceptance fee | $15 + $35 acceptance fee | $115 + $35 acceptance fee |
Expedited processing costs an additional $60. Optional faster return delivery may also be available for an extra charge.
Fees and processing times can change, so use the State Department’s official passport fee calculator before submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to get passport photos?
The cheapest approach is usually to take a compliant picture yourself and print several 2-by-2 images on one 4-by-6 print. If you want ready-cut passport prints, Walmart currently lists two for $7.64.
Can I take my own passport photo?
Yes. The State Department allows you to take your own photo as long as it meets all current requirements. It should not be a selfie, and you cannot digitally alter your appearance or replace the background.
Does Walgreens take passport photos?
Yes. Walgreens currently charges $16.99 for two printed passport photos and advertises a free digital copy. No appointment is normally required.
Does CVS take passport photos?
Yes, at participating CVS locations. The current advertised price is $17.99 for two printed photos. A digital copy and extra prints cost more.
Does Walmart take the passport picture for you?
Walmart’s nationally advertised passport-photo product is primarily an upload-and-print service. Store services can vary, so do not assume an employee will take the photo. Contact your local photo center before visiting.
Can I smile in a passport photo?
You can use a natural smile, but your full face must remain visible and your eyes must be open. A neutral expression is the safest and simplest choice.
Can I use my phone to take a passport photo?
Yes, but have another person take the picture with the rear camera when possible. Stand away from the camera, use even lighting, and do not apply filters or digital alterations.
Do I need two passport photos?
Most U.S. passport applications require you to submit one photo. Retailers often sell two because they print the images as a pair and the extra can be useful if the first is damaged.
Bottom Line
You do not need to spend nearly $20 on passport photos. Taking your own picture and printing it can cost less than $1, while Walmart offers an inexpensive ready-cut option at $7.64.
If you prefer to let someone else handle everything, USPS, FedEx, Walgreens, and CVS are convenient choices. AAA may be even cheaper for members, but benefits vary by regional club.
Whichever option you use, check the current State Department photo requirements before submitting the application. Saving a few dollars is helpful, but not if an avoidable photo problem delays your passport.
Prices and services were checked in July 2026 using official retailer, USPS, AAA, FedEx, and U.S. State Department information. Local participation and pricing can vary, particularly at AAA branches and independently owned UPS Store locations.
Kim Suazo has been a freelance writer and business owner for over four years. When she's not writing for Frugal Rules, you can find her on other publications like Chime, Discovery, and Due. She also owns her own websites The Entrepremomer and Part-Time Profit, where she teaches overworked moms how to streamline their new businesses so they can scale without a team.
Hello,
Great information. I did want to alert you of a change.
The passport fees have increased for both new and renewals. 🙁
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms-fees/Passport%20Fees%20Chart_TSG_JAN%202022.pdf