How to Get Cheap Passport Photos
“Where can I get Cheap Passport Photos “Near Me?” I asked that exact question in 2013 before my first trip out of the country. I had never gotten a passport before, and when I went to apply for my passport, I was quickly surprised by one thing: I had to send my own passport photo in with my passport packet.
Knowing the time was ticking (any governmental process takes weeks), I was in a pinch and needed to find a place to get my passport photo ASAP! I ended up at the United States Post Office where – get this – they didn't have any photo film! Finally, I made my way to a local pharmacy, got my photo, and sent my passport packet out.
All this to say, today I want to help you never experience this. I am going to help you figure out where and how to get cheap passport photos near you!
Best Places to Get Cheap Passport Photos
If you visit the Travel.gov website and look at how much a U.S Passport or a passport renewal fee is, you will be somewhat shocked when you realize it is $110 for the passport book and $30 for the passport card.
Keep in mind a passport for international travel is only good for 10 years after you pass the age of 16. My point in sharing is that in addition to using the archaic mail system called the USPS to do everything related to your passport, you will need a photo.
And while a passport photo shouldn't cost more than a quarter, most places will charge between $10 and $15 for a passport photo. So your first option for finding a cheap passport photo lies within your home office.
Passport Photo Requirements:
- The photo must be in COLOR.
- The photo must be from the last 6 months.
- The passport photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches.
- Head size must consume 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Passport photos must be clear with no smudges or discoloration.
- Take in front of a white background, like a wall.
- Neutral facial expression with eyes open.
- Wear regular, casual clothes.
- Lastly, no glasses (see here for specifics on glasses)
As long as you can meet the passport photo requirements, there is no reason why you cannot take your own passport photo with modern cameras and technology. Be sure to meet all the requirements and don't wear white. You can print your photo yourself or go to a store and print it there.
Best Passport Photo Option – Print At Home
Printing your passport photo at home is your cheapest and best option, so long as you own a printer. Make sure you meet the following State Department requirements when submitting your photo with your application!
Next Best Option – Print at Stores
If you insist on taking your own passport photo to keep costs down but you don't have a printer at home, don't worry – you can print them at the store. My wife and I took photos from our cloud and Facebook and printed them at our local Walmart.
Other Places to Print Passport Photos
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Costco
- Sam's Club
- Local grocery stores & pharmacies
Another option to find cheap passport photos near you is to type in these exact search terms in your Maps app on your phone: Passport photos by me. This should net you plenty of results if you're in an area with multiple pharmacies and stores. From there, select whatever option you feel best with!
Final Thoughts on Where to Get Cheap Passport Photos
If I did it again, I would do the photo on my own and print it at a CVS and just ask the employees if it looks good to them. That being said, it boils down to time.
If you have time to take your own photo and print it, go for it so long as if, for some odd reason, you don't meet the requirements, you still have time to resubmit your passport application!
If time is of the essence, I recommend going to the store and paying the fee to have someone who has taken hundreds of passport photos do it for you.
There are ways to make money online to compensate you for the fee you paid to get your passport photo. You can even earn a few dollars for your trip when you knock out a few surveys, play games on your phone, or even “trim” out your bills. Sometimes the hassle of saving money is best solved by just making more!
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.