USPS passport photo key facts: In-store $15, appointment often required. Alternative: PixID $4.99 digital + print at Walmart/CVS/Walgreens for $0.35. 100% compliant. Biometric validation, background removal. Instant download for online renewal.

US Passport Guide · 2026

Does USPS Do Passport Photos? $15 Cost & What to Know (2026)

Appointment usually required $15 official prints Locator linked below

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the most official destination for passport services. Many Post Offices are designated Passport Acceptance Facilities and can take your photo and witness your application.

Written by the pixid.studio compliance team · 2026. See State Department photo requirements.

Written by PixID.studio compliance team·Expert verified against State Dept. requirements·Last verified: March 2026

Compare USPS with all alternatives

See USPS vs CVS, Walgreens, UPS, FedEx, Staples, and Walmart in one table.

Open passport photo cost comparison →
Service Type Price (2026)
Official USPS Service $15.00
PixID.studio + Local Print $0.35
Printable 2x2 inch passport photo template for USPS — 4×6 sheet with two photos
Sample 4×6 inch sheet with two 2×2 passport photos — print at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens for about $0.35 instead of $15 at the Post Office.

USPS Passport Photo — Quick Facts

Price$15.00 (2 prints)
AppointmentUsually required (RCAS)
Size2×2 inches
Digital fileNot provided
Application fee$130 (separate)

How much does a USPS passport photo cost?

The official fee for a set of two (2) 2×2 inch passport photos at any USPS location is $15.00.

Note: This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of service. It is separate from the $130 application fee for a Passport Book.

Do you need an appointment for photos?

Yes, in most cases. Many USPS locations require an appointment via the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (RCAS).

  • When booking online, ensure you select the “Add photo services” option.
  • Walk-ins are rarely accepted in major cities (New York, LA, Chicago) but may be available at smaller rural branches.

How to find a USPS location with photo services

Not every post office has a camera. To find one that offers passport and post office passport photo services:

  1. 1
    Visit the USPS Post Office Locator
    Go to tools.usps.com/find-location.htm.
  2. 2
    Filter by “Passports”
    Narrow results to locations that handle passport applications.
  3. 3
    Check for photo service
    Look for the “Photo Service” icon in the branch details.

Hours: Passport counters and photo service often close earlier than retail lobby hours. Verify on the locator or by phone — do not assume the last pickup time is when photos end.

The benefit of using USPS

The primary advantage of the Post Office is compliance. Because USPS employees are trained by the Department of State, the risk of your photo being rejected for technical reasons (shadows, head size, or background color) is very low.

Need a 2×2 photo near me without an appointment? For a faster alternative with a digital file for online renewal, see FedEx passport photo. For walk-in options, check UPS Store passport photo.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a passport photo at USPS?
The official fee for two 2×2 inch passport photos at any USPS location is $15.00. This fee is non-refundable and separate from the $130 passport application fee.
Do I need an appointment for a passport photo at the Post Office?
Yes, in most cases. Use the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (RCAS) and select “Add photo services” when booking. Walk-ins are rarely accepted in major cities.
What are USPS passport photo hours?
They follow the branch schedule, but passport/photo windows often close earlier than the retail lobby. Check USPS locator and call ahead — evening and weekend slots are limited.
Can I walk in for a passport photo only?
Some rural offices allow it; most urban locations require an appointment for passport services. Ask your branch — a “photo only” visit may still need a slot if staff is shared with acceptance agents.
Can I print a passport photo for $0.35 instead of going to USPS?
Yes. You can take a compliant photo at home and use a 4×6 inch template with two 2×2 photos, then print it as a standard photo at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens for about $0.35 instead of paying $15 at the Post Office. Cut the photos to size yourself.
How to use Pixid template at USPS?
PixID gives you a digital file and a 4×6 printable sheet. For mail-in applications you can print that sheet at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens for about $0.35, then cut the two 2×2 photos. No need to go to USPS for the photo — only for the application if required.
Is it legal for passports?
Yes. The US State Department accepts photos that meet 2×2 inch, head size, and background rules. PixID outputs compliant files; printing the template at any lab or store is allowed.

Note: Passport photo print prices at Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens are consistent across California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Use our 4×6 template to ensure the $0.35 price nationwide.