Getting a USPS Passport Photo [All You Need to Know]

How does it work?

Get the perfect biometric photo in 3 minutes or less.

Check out just how simple it is!

Snap or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Snap or upload a photo - we'll take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or print photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-4 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We guarantee the authorities will accept your photo(s) or we will refund double your purchase cost!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow these simple instruction to take the perfect ID photo.

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Passport Photos at USPS—specifications

Getting a USPS Passport Photo [All You Need to Know]

Size

Width: 2 in

Height: 2 in

Resolution

301 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Yes

Image definition parameters

Head height: 1.29 in

Bottom of the Photo to the Eye Line: 1.18 in

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USPS (US Postal Service) Passport Photo - All You Need to Know

Post offices are one of the most popular places Americans choose to get photos for their passports.

Below, we compiled all the essential information about the USPS passport photos.

Passport photos at USPS—service information

How to take passport photos at a USPS post office?

First things first—

USPS post offices don’t offer walk-in passport photo services, so you need to make an appointment.

Go to the USPS passport photo appointment website, and schedule a visit at a specific location.

Make sure to select the correct type of service—passport photo service for the first-time application or renewal.

Once you arrive, a USPS employee will take your passport picture in-store and print out 2 photocopies you can then use for the passport application.

How long does it take to get a passport photo at USPS?

The appointment itself will take around 15 minutes.

However, you should arrive at the USPS office 10 minutes ahead of time.

All in all, the entire service is in the ballpark of 25–30 minutes. This doesn’t include the time you need to get there and back.

USPS digital passport photos

If you need a digital passport photo for online submission, you’ll need to look for a different service. USPS offices don’t provide digital photocopies, only printouts.

Passport Photo Online offers instant digital passport photos you can use for online passport applications or print on your own.

USPS passport picture printing services

USPS policy on printing passport photos states that you can only print the photos taken at the facility.

You aren’t allowed to bring your own photos and use USPS as a printing service only.

Your digital passport photo taken with Passport Photo Online can be printed on a 4x6’’ template for pennies at one of the following stores/pharmacies:

Walgreens: $0.35 for Walgreens passport photos.
Walmart: $0.25 per print.
CVS: $0.39 per print.

If you prefer to take your passport photo and have the prints delivered to your mailbox, You can do it all with Passport Photo Online for $19.95.

How much does it cost to take a passport photo at USPS?

The cost of a passport photo at USPS will round up to $15—this fee includes photo-taking and 2 printed passport photos.

Where to get passport photos at USPS?

Currently, USPS has over 31,000 post office locations throughout the US, so finding one nearby shouldn’t be a problem.

Find USPS post offices that offer passport services with their store locator—make sure to tick “Passport Photo” in the filters as not all USPS locations offer the service.

Alternatively, you can simply Google “USPS passport photo near me.”

USPS vs CVS & Passport Photo Online

Check out this comparison table to see which option best caters to your needs.

	USPS	CVS	Passport Photo Online
Appointment required	Yes	No	No
Working hours	avg. 8:00 am-5:00 pm	avg. 9:00 am-9:00 pm	24/7
Availability by today	Yes	Yes	Digital only
Digital passport photo availability	No	No	Yes
Home delivery	No	No	Yes
Acceptance guarantee	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	$15	$16.99	$16.95 (digital) $19.95 (printed photos + delivery)

Last update: 10/2/23

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What photo sizes can USPS print?

The official USPS website doesn’t provide information on photo sizes you can print in-store. It’s best to contact your local post office for details.

Can I print passport photos at USPS?

Yes, but only those taken at USPS. If you want to print your own passport picture, it’s best to print it on a 4x6 template at a store. You can easily get a compliant passport photo template with Passport Photo Online.

How long does it take to get a passport photo at USPS?

USPS doesn’t serve walk-in customers, so you’ll have to schedule an appointment at a local post office of your choice using the USPS website. You can also select a specific date to find the nearest post office with available appointments that day. Taking a passport photo will take around 15 minutes.

Do all USPS stores do passport photos?

No, but the vast majority of the USPS post offices do take passport photos compliant with all State Department requirements. For a new photo taken at USPS, you’ll have to pay $15. The price includes 2 printed passport pictures.

How to take baby passport photos at USPS?

USPS has no additional information on how to take your child’s passport photos, although many places often charge extra for those. Contact your local post office for details.