USPS Passport Photo: $15 Price, Appointments & Faster Alternatives
USPS passport photos cost $15 for 2 prints in 2026. Learn about appointment requirements, what to expect, and how to get compliant photos for $1.35 without scheduling.
Quick Answer
USPS charges $15.00 for 2 passport photos. Appointment required at most locations, no digital copy included. Want to skip the scheduling? Create your photo on your phone in 2 minutes for $1, print at any store for $0.35 — $1.35 total for 6 photos, no appointment needed.
What USPS Passport Photo Gets You
| Price | $15.00 for 2 photos |
| Cost per photo | $7.50 |
| Time at store | 10-15 min (photo only) |
| Total time | 30-60 min (including travel + wait) |
| Locations | Select branches (of 31,000+ total) |
| Appointment | Required at most locations |
| Retakes | Must schedule new appointment |
A USPS employee takes your photo at a participating Post Office, prints two 2x2 inch photos, and hands them to you. USPS staff process passport applications regularly, so they’re generally familiar with the requirements.
What you’re not getting: a digital copy, walk-in availability at most locations, or the ability to retake from home. If your photo gets rejected, you’ll need to schedule another appointment.
How USPS Compares
| Service | Price | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| Online + store print | $1.35 (6 photos) | 2 min + pickup |
| Walmart | $7.44 (2 photos) | 30-45 min |
| Walgreens | $14.99 (2 photos) | 30-60 min |
| USPS | $15.00 (2 photos) | 30-60 min |
| CVS | $16.99 (2 photos) | 30-60 min |
What to Expect at USPS
USPS is a practical option if you’re already submitting your passport application at the Post Office. You can get photos and submit everything in one trip — that’s the real convenience.
The experience depends on your location. Worth knowing before you go:
- Appointment required at most locations — unlike CVS or Walgreens where you can walk in anytime, USPS requires scheduling through their online appointment system. Availability can fill up quickly during peak travel seasons
- Not all Post Offices offer photos — out of 31,000+ locations, only select branches have photo equipment. Use the USPS locator and filter for “Passport Photos”
- No digital copy — USPS provides printed photos only. If you need a digital photo for online passport renewal through MyTravelGov, you’ll need a different service
- Staff are familiar with requirements — USPS employees handle passport applications daily, so they generally know what’s needed
The real cost isn’t just $15.00 — it’s the scheduling and travel time. Between booking an appointment, driving to a participating location, waiting, and driving home, most people spend 30-60 minutes beyond the appointment itself.
Get the Same Photo for $1.35 with 1 Dollar Passport Photo
You don’t need an appointment to get passport photos. Use 1 Dollar Passport Photo for the photo, any nearby store for the printing.
Take a photo with your phone (30 seconds)
Any background — a wall, door, even outdoors. Natural light near a window works best. The background gets removed automatically.
Upload and download — $1 (60 seconds)
Automatic background removal, 2×2 inch cropping, and compliance checking against State Department requirements. Download a 4×6 sheet with 6 photos.
Print at any store — $0.35 (pick up on your schedule)
Upload to CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart Photo online. Select 4×6 glossy. Pick up same day — no appointment required.
Total: $1.35 and 2 minutes for 6 photos — vs $15.00 and 30-60 minutes for 2 at the Post Office (plus scheduling time). For a family of four, that’s $54 and 2+ hours saved.
When USPS Is the Better Choice
USPS makes sense when:
- You’re submitting your passport application at the Post Office — get photos and application done in one trip
- No drugstores or photo printers nearby — Post Offices exist in areas without CVS or Walgreens
- You trust government staff — USPS employees process passport applications regularly
- You’re not comfortable taking your own photo — want someone to handle it
For everyone else — especially anyone who needs a digital copy or doesn’t want to schedule an appointment — the savings in time and money are significant.
The Bottom Line
USPS passport photos cost $15.00 for two prints. The real value is the one-stop-shop: get your photo taken and submit your application at the same location. But the appointment requirement, limited availability, and lack of a digital copy add friction. With a phone and 2 minutes, you can create the same compliant photos at home for $1, print them at any nearby store for $0.35, and bring them to the Post Office when you’re ready. 91% cheaper, no appointment needed, and you get a digital copy too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does USPS charge for passport photos?
USPS charges $15.00 for a set of two passport photos. This price is consistent across all Post Office locations that offer the service. The photos are printed on-site and ready in 10-15 minutes.
Do I need an appointment for USPS passport photos?
Yes, most USPS locations require an appointment for passport photo services. You can schedule online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler. Some locations have self-service photo kiosks in the lobby that may not require an appointment.
Does USPS provide digital passport photos?
No, USPS only provides printed passport photos. No digital file is included. If you need a digital passport photo for online applications like MyTravelGov, you'll need to use a different service or online tool.
How long does it take to get passport photos at USPS?
Once your appointment starts, the photo process takes about 10-15 minutes. Photos are printed on-site and ready immediately. However, you should factor in travel time and potential wait times even with an appointment.
Can USPS print passport photos I took at home?
No, USPS will not print passport photos from digital files. Their service only includes taking your photo on-site and printing it. If you have a digital photo you want to print, you'll need to use CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or an online printing service.
Which Post Office locations take passport photos?
Not all USPS locations offer passport photo services. Out of 31,000+ locations, only select branches have photo equipment. Use the USPS Post Office locator and filter for "Passport Photos" to find participating locations near you.
Skip the Appointment, Skip the Wait
Get 6 compliant passport photos for $1.35 total. Automatic compliance checking, digital + print versions, and no scheduling required.
Create Your Photo for $1Same photos, 91% less money, zero appointments