USPS Passport Photos — $15 at the Post Office
The post office is the only place where you can get your passport photo and submit your passport application in a single visit.
Yes — USPS does passport photos for $15.
Most post offices offer passport photos as part of their passport services. Price is standardized at $15 nationwide — no franchise pricing variation. Always call ahead or check usps.com — not every location offers the photo service.
Warning
Why USPS Is Uniquely Useful for Passport Applicants
Every other passport photo provider (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, AAA) only offers the photo. USPS is different:
USPS is an authorized passport acceptance facility. You can get your photo taken and immediately submit your DS-11 or DS-82 application at the same counter. No second trip to a courthouse or government office.
The USPS passport acceptance agent reviews your photo as part of the application process. If there's a problem with your photo, they'll tell you before your application is submitted — unlike mailing in and waiting weeks to learn your photo was rejected.
Unlike UPS Store (franchise pricing varies) or pharmacy chains (up to $16.99), USPS charges a flat $15 nationwide. What you see on usps.com is what you pay at any post office.
There are over 4,800 USPS locations that accept passport applications — more than any other type of acceptance facility. Finding one near you is easier than finding a courthouse or library that accepts applications.
How to Find a USPS Location That Does Passport Photos
Use the USPS Post Office Locator at usps.com/passports to find locations near you that offer passport services. Filter by 'Passport Photo' to narrow results to offices that specifically offer photo services — not all acceptance facilities take photos.
Even if the website lists a location as offering passport photos, call to confirm availability on your planned visit date. Some post offices have limited passport service days or have temporarily suspended the photo service.
If you also plan to submit your passport application at the same visit, schedule an appointment at usps.com/passports. Walk-in acceptance for applications is not available at all locations — many require appointments, especially since 2020.
Passport services operate on shorter hours than the general post office — typically Monday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM. Arriving during regular post office hours (e.g., 8 AM or 5 PM) for a passport photo will likely result in being turned away.
When to Use USPS vs. Other Options
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Submitting a first-time passport (DS-11) | USPS — photo + application in one visit |
| Just need the photo, lowest cost | Online tool + kiosk print ($0.35) |
| Need photo fast, any time of day | Walgreens or CVS (open late, no appointment) |
| AAA member needing free photo | AAA branch (free with membership) |
| Renewing by mail (DS-82) — photo only | Walmart ($7.44) or online tool ($0.35) |
| Submitting DS-82 in person + photo | USPS — acceptance + photo in one visit |
USPS vs. Other Passport Photo Providers
| Location | Price |
|---|---|
| Online tool + kiosk print | $0.35 |
| Walmart | $7.44 |
| AAA (members) | Free |
| USPS | $15 |
| UPS Store | $11.99–$14.99 |
| Walgreens | $15.99 |
| CVS | $16.99 |
Tip
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USPS Passport Photo FAQ
Does USPS do passport photos?
Yes — most USPS post office locations offer passport photo services for $15. USPS is unique among passport photo providers because it is also an authorized passport acceptance facility, meaning you can get your photo taken and submit your passport application in the same visit. Not every post office offers photos, so call ahead or check usps.com to confirm your local office provides this service.
How much does a passport photo cost at USPS?
USPS passport photos cost $15 nationwide — the price is standardized, unlike franchise stores like UPS Store where pricing varies by location. The photo fee is separate from the passport application fees ($130 for a book, $35 acceptance fee). You can pay for the photo separately even if you are not submitting a passport application at the same visit.
Do I need an appointment for a passport photo at USPS?
Passport photo services at USPS are typically walk-in, but passport application services often require an appointment. If you plan to get your photo AND submit your application in one visit, schedule a passport appointment at usps.com/passports first. Arrival for a photo-only visit is generally walk-in during passport service hours, which are limited and differ from regular post office hours.
What are USPS passport photo hours?
USPS passport photo hours are typically shorter than regular post office hours. Most locations offer passport services Monday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM or similar windows — not the full 9 AM–5 PM or evening hours. Hours vary significantly by location. Check your specific post office at usps.com or call ahead. Some locations require appointments for all passport services, including photos.
Can I submit my passport application at USPS?
Yes — thousands of USPS locations are authorized passport acceptance facilities where you can submit a DS-11 (first-time application or lost passport replacement) or DS-82 (renewal by mail, though you can also hand it in). USPS is the most common passport acceptance facility in the US. Schedule an appointment at usps.com/passports and bring your completed application, documents, and payment.
Are USPS passport photos accepted by the State Department?
Yes. USPS passport photos meet all US State Department requirements: 2×2 inches, white background, 300 DPI, neutral expression, no glasses. The photos are accepted for US passport applications, passport renewals, visa applications, and other federal identity documents. USPS processes millions of passport applications per year, so their photo standards are well-established.
Is USPS cheaper than CVS or Walgreens for passport photos?
Yes — USPS charges $15 for a passport photo, compared to Walgreens at $15.99 and CVS at $16.99. The difference is small, but USPS's real advantage is the one-stop shop: you can get your photo and submit your application at the same location. If you're only getting a photo (not submitting an application), Walmart at $7.44 is significantly cheaper, and the online tool plus pharmacy kiosk print costs just $0.35.
How long do USPS passport photos take?
USPS passport photos are ready within minutes — the postal worker takes your photo and prints it on the spot. The photo-only process typically takes 5–10 minutes. If you are also submitting a passport application at the same visit, budget 30–45 minutes total for the application review, signing, and payment.