Sam's Club Passport Photo: Service Discontinued + Best Alternatives
Sam's Club discontinued in-store passport photo services in 2020. Learn about online printing options and faster, cheaper alternatives for getting passport photos.
Quick Answer
Sam’s Club permanently closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020. You can no longer get passport photos taken there. The best alternative: create your photo at home with 1 Dollar Passport Photo for $1, print at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens for $0.35 — $1.35 total for 6 photos, no membership required.
What Happened to Sam’s Club Passport Photos?
| In-store passport photos | Discontinued (2020) |
| Previous price | ~$4.96 for 2 photos |
| Online printing (samsclub.com/photo) | $0.19/print (matte) + shipping |
| In-store pickup | Not available |
| Membership required | Yes (for online printing) |
Sam’s Club closed all in-store Photo Centers in 2020 as part of a broader shift away from in-store photo services. Before that, Sam’s Club was one of the cheapest options at approximately $4.96 for two passport photos.
Sam’s Club still offers online photo printing at $0.19 per 4x6 print, but with significant limitations: matte finish only, no in-store pickup (all orders ship to your home), delivery takes 6-10 business days, and an active Sam’s Club membership is required. For passport photos you need soon, this is not a practical option.
Better Alternatives
| Service | Price | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo + local print | $1.35 (6 photos) | 2 min + pickup |
| Walmart | $7.44 (2 photos) | 30-45 min |
| Walgreens | $14.99 (2 photos) | 30-60 min |
| CVS | $16.99 (2 photos) | 30-60 min |
Walmart — owned by the same parent company as Sam’s Club — is the closest equivalent for in-store passport photos at $7.44. No membership required.
Get the Same Photo for $1.35 with 1 Dollar Passport Photo
Sam’s Club’s $4.96 was a great deal in its time. 1 Dollar Passport Photo is even better — and it is available today.
Take a photo with your phone (30 seconds)
Any background works — a wall, door, even outdoors. Natural light near a window is best. The background gets removed automatically.
Upload and download — $1 (60 seconds)
Automatic background removal, 2x2 inch cropping, and compliance checking against State Department requirements. Download a 4x6 sheet with 6 photos.
Print at any local store — $0.35 (pick up on your schedule)
Upload to Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens photo center. Select 4x6 glossy. Pick up same day — no membership needed.
Total: $1.35 and 2 minutes for 6 photos. For a family of four, that is $5.40 — about what one person used to pay at Sam’s Club.
When a Walk-In Store Is the Better Choice
Sometimes you just need someone else to handle everything:
- You need photos in the next 30 minutes — walk into Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens
- You are not comfortable taking your own photo — want an employee to handle it
- You are already at Walmart — since Sam’s Club and Walmart share the same parent company, Walmart is the most natural alternative
For everyone else, the savings are clear.
The Bottom Line
Sam’s Club no longer offers passport photos, and no current walk-in option matches their old $4.96 price. The closest is Walmart at $7.44. For the best value, use 1 Dollar Passport Photo to create your photos at home for $1, then print at any local store for $0.35. $1.35 total for 6 photos, ready the same day — no membership required.
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.
Get Passport Photos Without Sam's Club
Create 6 compliant passport photos for $1.35 total. Automatic compliance checking, instant retakes, and same-day printing at any local store.
Create Your Photo for $1No membership required, same-day service