Passport Photo Cost — Stores vs Free Online
Drugstores and shipping centers charge for passport photos because you are paying for their time and equipment—not because the government requires a professional photographer.
Typical store prices (2026)
Prices vary by location. Call ahead or check the store website. These are common ranges for two printed 2×2 photos:
- Walgreens: about $16.99 for two prints
- CVS: about $16.99 for two prints
- Walmart Photo Center: about $7–8 for two prints
- UPS Store / FedEx Office: about $15–20
- USPS: select post offices about $15; not every location offers photos
- Staples: about $16.99 for two prints at participating stores
- Costco Photo Center: about $7.99 for two prints where available
- AAA: members often pay about $8–10 at select branches with a membership discount
The free alternative
The State Department allows photos you take yourself. Use our free cropper to size a home or phone photo to 2×2 inches. Your only cost may be printing—often under a dollar for a 4×6 sheet at the same drugstore.
- Take the photo at home: $0
- Crop online with our tool: $0
- Print a 4×6 sheet at a kiosk: about $0.35–0.50
When a store makes sense
If you need photos today, no printer, and no time to retake, a store is convenient. If you have a smartphone and ten minutes, doing it yourself saves most of the fee.
Ready to crop your photo?
Free online tool—pick your country template (US 2×2 or UK 35×45), align your head, and download. No account needed.