Important: Sam's Club Photo Centers Closed
Sam's Club closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020. You cannot get passport photos taken at Sam's Club stores. This page explains your current options if you were planning to visit Sam's Club for passport photos.
Sam's Club Passport Photo: Why You Can't Get Photos There Anymore
If you've searched for "Sam's Club passport photo" hoping to get affordable passport photos at your local warehouse, unfortunately that service no longer exists. Sam's Club closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020. Here's what happened and where to get passport photos now.
Quick Answer
Sam's Club no longer offers in-store passport photos. Their online service can print photos you upload for $0.19, but delivery takes 6-10 days and requires membership. For same-day photos, try Walmart ($7.44 - same parent company), or use our tool + local print for $1.35.
What Happened to Sam's Club Passport Photos?
In 2020, Sam's Club made the decision to permanently close all in-store Photo Centers across its warehouse locations. This included passport photo services that members had relied on for years.
The closure was part of a broader industry trend as digital photography and smartphone cameras made traditional photo centers less relevant. Sam's Club shifted to an online-only model for photo printing.
Before the closure, Sam's Club had been one of the most affordable options for passport photos at approximately $4.96 for two photos. That was significantly cheaper than competitors like CVS ($16.99) and Walgreens ($14.99).
Sam's Club Current Photo Option (Online Only)
While you can't get photos taken at Sam's Club, they still offer online photo printing. Here's what that means for passport photos:
Sam's Club Online Photo Printing
- 4×6 print (holds 6 passport photos)$0.19
- Ground shipping (6-10 days)Free for Plus members
- Membership requiredYes ($50-$110/year)
- Per-print cost$0.19
Note: Photo services may redirect to Walmart.com/photos
Major Limitations
- ✗ Cannot take your photo: You must provide a compliant digital photo
- ✗ No in-store pickup: All orders ship to your home (no 1-hour option)
- ✗ Membership required: Must have active Sam's Club membership ($50-$110/year)
- ✗ Slow delivery: 6-10 business days even with Plus membership
- ✗ No compliance verification: They print exactly what you upload
Bottom line: Sam's Club online service is just for printing. If you need someone to take your photo, verify compliance, or get photos today, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Try Walmart Instead (Same Parent Company)
Since Sam's Club and Walmart are both owned by Walmart Inc., Walmart is the natural alternative. Unlike Sam's Club, Walmart still offers full in-store passport photo service:
Walmart Passport Photo Service
- 2 passport photos$7.44
- Service typeIn-store, same-day
- Membership requiredNo
- Locations4,700+ stores
Walmart is the most affordable in-store option available and doesn't require a membership. Staff takes your photo and prints it on-site while you wait.
All Alternatives to Sam's Club for Passport Photos
Here are your best options ranked by price and convenience:
Online Tool + Local Print
- Photo creation$1.00
- 4×6 print at CVS/Walgreens/Walmart$0.35
- Total for 6 photos$1.35
AI-powered compliance checking, background removal, and instant retakes. Ready in 3 minutes, then print same-day at any photo printer. No membership required.
Create Your Photo for $1 →Walmart Photo Center
- 2 passport photos$7.44
- ServiceIn-store, same-day
- MembershipNot required
Same parent company as Sam's Club. Most affordable in-store option with no membership needed.
Walgreens
- 2 passport photos$14.99
- Free digital copyIncluded
- Locations8,700+ stores
Convenient locations with extended hours. Free digital copy included.
CVS Pharmacy
- 2 passport photos$16.99
- Digital copy+$3.99
- Locations9,000+ stores
Most locations nationwide, but also the most expensive.
Sam's Club Alternatives Compared
| Service | Price | Photos | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo | $1.35 | 6 | Same day |
| Sam's Club (was) | ~$4.96 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Walmart | $7.44 | 2 | Same day |
| Walgreens | $14.99 | 2 | Same day |
| CVS | $16.99 | 2 | Same day |
| Sam's Club Online | $0.19 | 6 (print only) | 6-10 days |
How to Get Passport Photos Without Sam's Club
If you were planning to get passport photos at Sam's Club, here's the fastest and most affordable way to get them now:
- 1
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works. Our AI removes and replaces it with compliant white. Natural light from a window works best.
- 2
We verify compliance automatically
AI checks head size, eye position, and lighting against official State Department requirements.
- 3
Pay $1 and download your print sheet
Get a 4×6 sheet with 6 passport photos, plus a digital file for online applications.
- 4
Print at any local photo printer
Upload to CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart Photo and pick up same-day for $0.35. Total: $1.35 for 6 photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sam's Club take passport photos?
No, Sam's Club permanently closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020 and no longer takes passport photos. You cannot walk into a Sam's Club and get passport photos taken. Their online photo service can print photos you upload, but cannot take your photo.
Can I print passport photos at Sam's Club?
Sam's Club offers online photo printing at $0.19 for a 4x6 print (matte only). However, there is no in-store pickup - all orders ship to your home. Standard delivery takes 6-10 business days. You need an active Sam's Club membership to order.
When did Sam's Club stop taking passport photos?
Sam's Club closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020. Before that, they offered passport photos at their warehouse locations. The closure was part of a broader shift away from in-store photo services as digital photography became dominant.
How much did Sam's Club charge for passport photos?
Before discontinuing the service in 2020, Sam's Club charged approximately $4.96 for two passport photos - one of the cheapest options available at the time. Members received additional discounts.
What are the best alternatives to Sam's Club for passport photos?
For same-day passport photos, your best options are: Walmart ($7.44 for 2 photos), CVS ($16.99), Walgreens ($14.99), or online tools like 1 Dollar Passport Photo ($1 + $0.35 print = $1.35 for 6 photos). Walmart is the closest equivalent to Sam's Club in terms of value.
Can I use my Sam's Club membership for passport photos anywhere?
Your Sam's Club membership cannot be used for passport photos since they no longer offer the service. However, you can use it for online photo printing through samsclub.com/photo. For in-store passport photos, try Walmart (same parent company) at $7.44 for 2 photos - no membership required.
The Bottom Line
Sam's Club no longer offers in-store passport photo services. The company closed all Photo Centers in 2020. While their online service can print photos for $0.19, it requires membership and takes 6-10 days for delivery.
If you're a Sam's Club member looking for a similar experience, Walmart (same parent company) offers the best in-store value at $7.44 for 2 photos with no membership required.
For the absolute best value, our tool costs just $1.35 total for 6 photos - even cheaper than Sam's Club was when they offered the service.
Related Pages
Walmart Passport Photo
Same parent company, $7.44 in-store
Costco Passport Photo
Also discontinued. See alternatives
CVS Passport Photo
9,000+ locations, $16.99 for 2 photos
Walgreens Passport Photo
8,700+ locations, $14.99 for 2 photos
Target Passport Photo
Also discontinued. See alternatives
Passport Photo Cost Guide
Compare all retail and online prices
Better Than Sam's Club Ever Was
Get 6 compliant passport photos for $1.35 total. AI-powered compliance checking, digital + print versions, and same-day availability. No membership required.
Get Started
Select country and document type
Only $1 - Free preview before payment
$1.35 for 6 photos vs ~$4.96 for 2 at Sam's Club (when available)