USPS Passport Photo: Is $15 at the Post Office Worth It?

What Does USPS Charge for Passport Photos?

USPS charges $15.00 for their passport photo service at all participating locations. This price includes two 2×2 inch prints, the standard size for US passports.

That works out to $7.50 per photo. Since passport applications only require one photo, you're paying for a backup you may not need.

For a family of four, expect to pay $60.00 just for photos, plus the time to schedule and attend four separate appointments.

The Appointment Requirement

Unlike CVS or Walgreens where you can walk in anytime, USPS requires an appointment for passport photos at most locations. This is a significant difference that affects convenience.

Appointment availability varies by location and can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Some customers report having to wait days or even weeks for an available slot.

Exception: Some Post Office locations have self-service photo kiosks in the lobby that may not require an appointment. However, these kiosks aren't available at all locations, and results can be inconsistent.

What to Expect at Your USPS Photo Appointment

When you arrive for your appointment, here's what the process looks like:

• ✓ Check in at the counter and show your appointment confirmation
• ✓ Photo taken by postal worker using USPS photo equipment with white backdrop
• ✓ Photos printed on-site: two 2×2 inch prints on a single sheet
• ✓ Ready in 10-15 minutes, assuming no equipment issues

Not All Post Offices Take Passport Photos

While USPS operates over 31,000 locations nationwide, only a subset offer passport photo services. Many Post Office branches, particularly smaller ones, don't have the necessary photo equipment.

Thousands of Post Offices accept passport applications, but the number that also take photos is significantly smaller. Before planning a trip, always verify that your local Post Office offers photo services.

A Faster $1.35 Alternative (No Appointment)

The biggest drawback of USPS passport photos is the appointment requirement. If you need photos quickly or can't find an available appointment, there's a better option.

Our tool costs $1.00 and creates a print-ready 4×6 sheet with 6 passport photos. Print it at any local store for $0.35. No appointment needed, ready in minutes.

USPS vs 1 Dollar Passport Photo

When USPS Passport Photos Make Sense

Despite the limitations, there are situations where USPS might be your best option:

• • You're already submitting your passport application at USPS, so it's convenient to get photos and application done in one trip
• • No drugstores or photo printers nearby, since Post Offices exist in areas without CVS/Walgreens
• • You trust government services over retail staff, and USPS staff process passport applications regularly
• • You don't have a smartphone or camera and need someone to take your photo

For most people, however, the appointment requirement and lack of digital copy make USPS less practical than online alternatives, especially if you need photos quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

USPS passport photos cost $15.00 for two prints. That's reasonable pricing, but the appointment requirement adds friction that other services don't have. And without a digital copy, you'll need to use a different service if you're renewing your passport online.

The better approach for most people: use our $1 tool to create compliant photos at home, get both print and digital versions, and pick up same-day prints at any local store. No appointment needed.

Total savings: $13.65 per person, plus the time saved not scheduling and waiting for appointments.

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