If traveling is what you and your family enjoy doing together, then you would know how expensive international travel expenses can get. If you have a large and growing family, then it is a good idea to stay on budget when it comes to planning for the family vacation. Saving small amounts of money here and there can add up, and taking passport photos for the entire family can get pricey if you don’t research ahead of time.
If you’re planning on going on an international trip, then please know that you are required to have a passport to book your airplane tickets. If your passport is about to expire, please renew your passport before heading abroad. Keep in mind that passport photos are required for both first time applicants and renewal applicants.
Understanding what services you’re getting for the price you pay is very important.
Cheap places to take your passport photos
Walmart
- Walmart’s photo center offers fast printed photo service, with photos ready in 1 hour and can be shipped to you by mail.
- You have the option to upload your passport photos at the Walmart photo center, or you can upload the photos online by yourself.
- Walmart is one of the cheaper options, and you’re able to get everything done for under $10.
Walgreens
- Walgreen’s fast photo service offers photo pick-up in an hour at the store.
- The perk of getting photos done at Walgreens is that the passport photos are printed on quality gloss paper.
- Walgreens is one of the pricier options for passport photos, total at $16.99.
CVS
- CVS also offers passport photo service at locations that have a photo center.
- The benefit of taking your passport photos at CVS is that they use the KODAK Biometric ID Photo System, which automatically verifies the passport photos for all U.S passports, and guarantees that your passport photo will be approved for submission.
- At CVS’s photo center, you’re able to get two passport photos for $16.99. CVS frequently puts out coupons, so be on the lookout for them to save some extra bucks.
Target
- At Target’s photo center, you’re able to get your digital passport photos taken and printed, then shipped to you.
- At Target, passport photos come with two photos on one sheet. So you’re responsible for cutting out the photo and sending it in with your passport application.
- Target is on the pricier side, costing $12.99 per photo. So look for coupons before heading over to Target for your passport photos.
USPS (United States Postal Service, Post Office)
- You can get your passport photos printed at your local post office, and you can also get help with your application if it is your first time applying for a passport.
- If you need your passport quickly, some post offices can expedite your application process.
- Get everything done at USPS for $15. Be sure to make an appointment before heading over to your post office.
UPS
- To take a picture at UPS, you will need to make an appointment first. On the upside, many UPS locations offer passport photo services.
- Unlike other passport photo services, UPS offers on-time delivery for your photos.
- At UPS you can get everything done for $11.99.
FedEx
- At FedEx, you can print your passport photos, or you can get your picture taken on the spot.
- The printing fee at FedEx is only $1, and the passport photo service is $14.95 for two passport photos. Be sure to check out the FedEx website for coupons!
AAA
- If you have a membership with the AAA, then this is definitely where you want to get your passport photos because AAA offers an amazing deal for their members.
- Classic Members: The passport photo service is $8 for two pictures
- Plus Members: The passport photo service is free for you and your kids
- Prime Members: All pictures are free
- You can still get your passport photos taken at the AAA if you’re not a member. The fee is $12 for two passport photos.
Get your passport photos done at home
If you have a photo printer at home, then getting your passport photos done at home can save you a lot of money, especially if you have a large family. The overall process of getting your passport photos is very simple as long as you follow the required guidelines. Keep in mind that your photos may have to be edited in terms of size and resolution (when using software such as Photoshop to edit your passport photos, please refer to our other post on Photoshop editing for more information).
Requirements that MUST follow:
- The photo’s height and width should be 2 inches.
- The resolution of the photo should be 301 dpi.
- The photo must include your upper body and shoulder. Face the camera directly, so your photo is centered correctly.
- The background color should be plain white, without any strong shadow.
- Clothing must contrast with the backdrop, preferably dark-colored clothing. No uniform or camouflage clothing.
- Nothing should be covering your face, including no glasses, no hair covering the face, and no large earrings.
- Facial expression must be neutral.
- You cannot edit with facial altercation, removal of red eye, or removal of any blemishes.
Once you have your photo ready, then you can print your passport photo, and submit your photo with your application. Please keep in mind that you must follow the standards given by the U.S. government, if in the case you do not, then chances are that your passport photo wouldn’t get approved.
Reliable solution for at-home passport photos
There are many more perks to taking your passport photo at home than getting it done in-store. For instance, it would be a lot easier for large families with kids because you wouldn’t need to deal with your kids on the car ride to the store and the trouble of taking their photos. You’re able to save time and still get that perfect passport photo because you can take your picture as many times as you want. However, taking and editing your passport photos doesn’t guarantee a 100% approval rate.
A reliable solution for at-home passport photos is to use an online passport photo service. We recommend using AiPassportPhotos because:
- It ensures 100% passport photo compliance with the U.S. passport requirement.
- Passport photos for both adults and babies.
- Save time and is a lot cheaper than getting your photos done in-store. You’re able to get your passport photos for less than $3 per person.
- The website is very user-friendly. Just follow these steps: Simply upload your or your family members’ picture one at a time, and AiPassportPhotos will automatically crop and set your photo to the required resolution. All you have to do is download and print the template of your passport photos, and you’re all done!
Getting your passport photos done at home is easier than ever.
Conclusion
There are many places for you and your family to get passport photos, but if you have a large family with kids then we highly recommend that you give online passport photo services a try. It’s a lot simpler, budget-friendly, and more efficient than the old-fashioned way.
FAQ
Do I have to get passport photos?
Yes. To apply for a U.S. passport, it is required to have a passport photo. Your passport acts as an international ID when you’re abroad, and the passport photo is used to verify your identity on the passport.
Do I need to sign my passport photos?
No. U.S. passport photo standards do not require any writing on the photo itself.
I have kept my old passport photos, can I use those?
No. Your passport photos should be the most updated picture of you.
Can I use a passport photo that is not 2×2 inches?
No. You are required to have a 2×3-inch passport photo, or else your photo may not pass the quality standards test.
What would happen if I edited my passport photo?
You’re photo will likely not get approved because the U.S. passport guideline states that no facial features can be altered including red-eye and blemishes.