UPS passport photo
“Where can I take a USA passport photo near me?” UPS is a common answer to this question.
The UPS Store offers passport photos at participating locations, but there is no single nationwide price. Before visiting, confirm the total price, whether the package includes prints or a digital file, which document formats the store handles, and whether you need an appointment.
Table of contents
- How to apply for a USA passport via UPS?
- UPS passport photo price VS competitor’s rates
- Online USA passport photo tool
- Comparison between UPS and Visafoto.com services
Let's check the pros and cons of taking passport photos at The UPS Store and using an online alternative.
How to apply for a USA passport via UPS?
The UPS Store is not a passport acceptance facility and cannot review or approve passport applications, but it offers mailing services for eligible passport renewals.
- First, check if you are eligible to apply by mail, as some cases may require an appointment at a designated facility.
- Get the paperwork ready. Fill in passport renewal forms available at the State Department website and prepare supporting documents if needed.
- Get your US passport photo in advance. Check the passport photo service at your nearest participating The UPS Store location to find out whether an appointment is needed, or prepare a photo online (see the guideline below).
- Check and mail your application. Ask your local The UPS Store about USPS mailing options, tracking, and mailing costs. For renewals mailed within the United States, use USPS to the address specified by the State Department, not a UPS or FedEx courier service. USPS Priority Mail Express is an option for faster delivery, but postage is separate from the government's expedited-processing fee.
UPS passport photo price VS competitor’s rates
The UPS Store's customer-service guidance explains that its locations are independently operated and that prices and services vary. Compare the same package when checking prices: two printed US passport photos, a digital file, or both. Ask whether sales tax and extra copies are included.
For example, the Charlotte Convention Center store currently lists these standard prices before discounts, plus tax:
- Two printed US passport photos: $19.99.
- A digital copy: $19.99.
- A digital copy and printed passport photos: $34.99.
- Printed international-format passport photos: $32.99, with sizes and quantities depending on the document.
These are prices for that location, not a nationwide UPS price list. The same store accepts walk-ins for US passport photos but requires an appointment for Canadian passport photos. Other stores may have different policies. Confirm retake and refund terms before paying, including what happens if the passport authority rejects the photo.
For comparisons with other providers, see our existing guides:
Costco no longer operates its in-store photo centers. Our Costco passport photo guide explains the alternatives.
Passport photo services are not available at every The UPS Store location, and appointments depend on the store and document type. But what about online alternatives? Let's check it out!
Online USA passport photo tool
A modern camera phone and Internet are enough to prepare a passport photo without leaving home.
Why do users prefer taking passport photos online?
- It's time-saving.
- You can take shots of yourself until you are satisfied with the result.
- You receive a digital file and can choose the format for the visa or ID application you are preparing.
- Online services are available 24/7.
Visafoto prepares a passport-size photo from a suitable full-face portrait. You receive a digital image and a printable template, rather than physical prints delivered to your home.
All you need to do is upload your full-face portrait taken against any background (follow our photographer's guide for the best result). Select the country and document you need so the result matches that application's photo format.
Visafoto will automatically convert your picture to a USA passport photo when you select the US passport format.
After paying a fee of $9 you will get 2 versions of a USA passport picture:
- A digital USA passport photo file. Whether a prepared file can be submitted depends on the application route.
- A template for printing on 4×6-inch paper with 4 individual 2×2-inch photos on it. Follow this article to print the template at its intended size. The printing charge is separate and depends on the provider.
For U.S. online passport renewal, follow the separate digital-upload requirements and use the cropping tool within the application. Our guide explains that workflow and its file requirements; a printable 2×2-inch template is not the upload file for this route.
Visafoto provides customers with 24/7 support. If a photo purchased from Visafoto is rejected by the authority, you can request a free correction or a 100% refund. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Comparison between UPS and Visafoto.com services
| Visafoto.com | The UPS Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a need to go out? | No, for preparing the photo | Yes, for photo capture |
| Appointment needed? | No | Depends on the location and document; some stores accept walk-ins |
| Who takes the photo? | You or someone at home, using a smartphone or camera | Staff at The UPS Store |
| Do you get a digital photo? | Yes; check the application's upload rules | Available at some locations; confirm the package and any additional fee |
| Do you get a printout? | You get a printable image to print at Walgreens, elsewhere, or using your color printer; printing costs extra | Printed photos are available; confirm the number of copies included |
| Cost | $9, plus any separate printing cost | Varies by location, package, and tax |
| Can you get passport photos or visa photos for another country? | Yes. Just choose the ID you need in our list. | Some locations offer international formats; confirm the country and document |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% refund if the authority rejects a photo purchased from Visafoto | Confirm the store's photo retake and refund policy |
| 24/7 support | Yes | Contact the chosen store during its published hours |
Last updated: 5 October 2026.