USPS Passport Photo
Do you need to take a passport photo in the U.S.? One of the most common options is a USPS office, as many locations accept first-time passport applications. In addition, post offices often handle passport renewals as well.
Some USPS locations also offer passport photo services. Check whether your local post office provides this service in this list and whether an appointment is necessary.
Table of contents
- How to apply for a first-time passport with USPS?
- USPS passport photo price
- USPS passport photo: online alternative
- How to print out a digital passport photo for $0.35 only?
- Comparison between USPS and Visafoto.com photo services
Let’s check the pros and cons of taking passport photos at USPS and its alternatives.
How to apply for a first-time passport with USPS?
The main advantage of using USPS passport services is that you can have your passport photo taken at the same time you submit your application—but only at select locations. Of the more than 4,800 post offices that offer passport services, approximately 1,700 also provide passport photo services. Be sure to check with your local post office before scheduling an appointment.
To apply for a first-time U.S. passport, bring the following documents:
- Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport). You may complete the form online and print it, but do not sign it beforehand, as your signature must be witnessed by a USPS acceptance agent;
- Original proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate with the registrar's signature, a naturalization certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad), along with a photocopy of the front and back;
- Original proof of identity (such as a valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID, or military ID), along with a photocopy of the front and back;
- For children under age 16: both parents or legal guardians must appear in person to authorize passport issuance. If one parent cannot attend, Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and supporting documentation must be provided;
- One passport photo (2 × 2 inches, in color, taken recently against a white or off-white background)—or have your photo taken at the post office if photo services are available at your location.
Be sure to schedule an appointment in advance, as passport acceptance services are available only during designated hours. Appointments typically take about 15 minutes per applicant, and USPS recommends arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled time. You can book an appointment through the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or at a self-service kiosk in a participating Post Office lobby.
USPS acceptance fee: $35 (paid to the USPS acceptance facility). This fee is separate from the U.S. Department of State passport application fee.
Total cost of a first-time adult passport application (2026):
- State Department application fee: $130 (payable to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order);
- USPS acceptance fee: $35 (credit cards, debit cards, and cash are generally accepted);
- Passport photo fee (if taken at USPS): $15 for two printed photos;
- Total: $180 (or $165 if you provide your own compliant passport photo).
Expedited service costs an additional $60 if you need your passport processed more quickly.
USPS passport photo price
The standard fee for a set of two printed U.S. passport photos at USPS is $15. The digital version of a picture is not included.
However, saving more than 50% of the cost of USPS passport photos and getting a digital photo you can print multiple times is possible. Online services can help you with this.
USPS passport photo: online alternative
Thanks to modern smartphones and online photo tools, getting a U.S. passport photo is now faster, easier, and often much cheaper than visiting a photo studio or post office.
You can create a fully compliant passport photo in seconds and print it at a nearby pharmacy or photo center if you need a paper copy.
Simply take a full-face photo at home (see our photo guidelines for best results) and upload it to Visafoto. The service automatically adjusts your image to meet all U.S. passport photo requirements, including the correct size, background, head position, and overall quality standards.
Just upload your photo here:
Source
Result
One of the biggest advantages of taking your own passport photo is flexibility. Instead of settling for a photo taken in a few minutes at a service counter, you can take as many shots as you like and choose the one you are happiest with.
Every Visafoto order also includes automatic AI-powered photo enhancement. Within seconds, the system can improve lighting, increase image quality and resolution, correct uneven backgrounds, and create a more professional studio-like appearance. Even scanned photos can often be enhanced and adapted for passport use.
If necessary, the enhancement system can also improve framing and extend visible clothing areas so that the final image better meets official photo requirements.
Visafoto has extensive experience with passport and visa photos from around the world, with more than 500,000 photos successfully accepted by government authorities. The service offers a 99.7% acceptance rate and a full money-back guarantee if your photo is rejected by a government agency.
Need assistance? Visafoto provides 24/7 customer support at support@visafoto.com.
The Visafoto fee is only $9. In addition to your passport application, you can often reuse the same compliant photo for other identification documents, visa applications, and online government services that accept the same photo specifications.
How to print out a digital passport photo for $0.35 only?
Visafoto provides customers with a file ready to print with 4 individual photos on it. Use a 4x6” photo paper or order printing online at one of the following chains:
- Walgreens. $0.39 for one 4x6 print;
- CVS. $0.39 for one 4x6 print;
- Costco. $0.17 for one 4x6 print (Coscto membership is required);
- Snapfish. About $0.33 for one 4x6 print, depending on the delivery. You can pick up the order in the nearest Walgreens or CVS store or order delivery by mail.
- Shutterfly. $0.15 for one 4x6 print + delivery fee ($0.33 - $1.79)
The above services provide the option to make and pay for your order online, and then simply pick up the printout at the nearest location.
How to print out your passport photo as an example with Walgreens, which offers one of the most popular printing services in the U.S.?
- Open Walgreens online photo service and choose the 4x6 prints;
- Upload the printable file that you purchased at Visafoto.com (there should be 4 individual photos on it);
- Pay $0.38, choose the nearest store and pick up your prints the same day (typically within 1 hour).
Comparison between USPS and Visafoto.com photo services
| Visafoto | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a need to go out? | No | Yes |
| An appointment needed? | No | Yes |
| Do you get a digital photo? | Yes | No |
| How many photos do you get? | A digital photo + printable template you can use as many times as you need | 2 printed photos |
| Do you get prints? |
No You will get a printable template, so if you need prints you could use online printing services ($0.39 - $0.50 for a 4x6" print with 4 passport photos on it) |
Yes |
| Cost | $9 if you need only digital photos. Add about $0.35 if you need printouts. | $15 |
| Can you get passport photos or visa photos for another country? | Yes, Visafoto does passport photos for all countries. | No, USPS specializes only in standard USA passport photos. |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes | No |
| 24/7 support | Yes | No |
Last update: June 2026