Passport Photo Cost in 2025: Cheapest Online & Offline Options

Getting a passport photo might seem like a minor expense, but costs can vary dramatically depending on where you go. Whether you're renewing your passport or applying for the first time, understanding your options can help you save money without sacrificing quality.

Quick Cost Comparison

The price of passport photos in 2025 ranges from free (if you take them yourself) to $20 or more at traditional retail locations. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Online services: $0 - $10
• Retail stores (CVS, Walgreens): $14.99 - $16.99
• Post offices: $15 - $18
• Professional photographers: $20 - $40+

Cheapest Online Options

Online passport photo services have revolutionized the industry by offering professional-quality photos at a fraction of traditional costs. These platforms use AI technology to ensure your photos meet official requirements.

Top Budget-Friendly Online Services

PassportPhotos4 stands out as one of the most affordable and user-friendly options available. You simply upload your photo, and their system automatically formats it to meet official passport requirements. The platform offers several useful features:

• Professional passport photo creation with instant formatting
• Compliance checking to ensure your photo meets government standards
• Digital delivery for online applications
• Print-ready files you can take to any photo center

The service also includes a photo to sketch converter for creative purposes, though this isn't needed for passport applications.

Other affordable online options include:

• Passport Photo Online: Around $5.95 for digital files
• ePassportPhoto: Approximately $7.95 with government compliance guarantee
• 123PassportPhoto: Starting at $4.95 for basic processing

Benefits of Online Services

Choosing an online service offers several advantages beyond just cost savings. You can take your photo at home in comfortable clothing without the pressure of a rushed appointment. If you don't like the first photo, simply take another one. Most services provide instant feedback on whether your photo meets requirements, reducing the risk of rejection. You also have the flexibility to print multiple copies at your local pharmacy or photo center for minimal additional cost.

Cheapest Offline Options

If you prefer the traditional route or need photos immediately, several offline options remain budget-friendly.

Retail Pharmacy Chains

Costco used to offer the cheapest passport photos at around $4.99, but many locations have discontinued this service. However, if your local Costco still offers it, this remains the best offline deal.

Walmart Photo Centers charge approximately $7.44 for two passport photos, making them one of the most affordable options still widely available.

CVS and Walgreens both charge around $14.99-$16.99 for two photos. While more expensive, they're convenient with thousands of locations nationwide and no appointment necessary.

Post Offices

USPS locations often provide passport photo services for $15-$18. The advantage here is convenience if you're already visiting to submit your passport application. However, not all post offices offer this service, so call ahead to confirm.

DIY at Home

The absolute cheapest option is taking passport photos yourself at home. With a smartphone camera, white background, and good lighting, you can create compliant photos for free. Upload your photo to PassportPhotos4.com to ensure it meets all requirements, then print it at any photo center for just $0.25-$0.50 per print.

What You Need to Know About Passport Photo Requirements

Regardless of where you get your photos taken, they must meet specific government requirements. Your photo must be taken within the last six months, measure 2x2 inches, show your full face with a neutral expression, and have a plain white or off-white background. You cannot wear glasses, hats, or headphones, though religious headwear is permitted if it doesn't obscure your face.

Poor quality photos are a leading cause of passport application delays, so it's worth ensuring compliance even if you choose the cheapest option.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

Consider your priorities when selecting a passport photo service. If cost is your primary concern and you're comfortable with technology, online services like PassportPhotos4 offer the best value. You'll get professional results for a fraction of retail prices.

If you need photos urgently, retail pharmacies provide same-day service without appointments. This convenience comes at a premium but eliminates shipping time and guarantees you'll have physical prints immediately.

For those who value personal assistance or lack confidence in technology, post offices or professional photographers offer hands-on guidance, though you'll pay significantly more for this service.

Money-Saving Tips

You can reduce costs further with a few strategic choices. Many online services include multiple digital copies in their base price, so you can print extras as needed for under $1. If you're getting passport photos for your entire family, some services offer bundle discounts that can save $10 or more.

Check if your passport application accepts digital photos for online submission. This eliminates printing costs entirely and speeds up the process. Some credit cards also offer reimbursement for passport application fees, which may include photo costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't try to reuse old passport photos, even if they're from just over six months ago. Applications with outdated photos face automatic rejection. Similarly, avoid cropping regular photos yourself without using a specialized tool, as incorrect dimensions are another common reason for rejection.

Never submit photos with shadows on your face or background, as these will not pass inspection. The few dollars you might save aren't worth delaying your passport by weeks or months.

The Verdict

For most people, online services provide the best combination of cost, convenience, and quality. At under $10 with guaranteed compliance, platforms like PassportPhotos4 make professional passport photos accessible to everyone. The ability to retake photos until you're satisfied and receive both digital and print-ready files adds tremendous value.

However, if you need photos within hours rather than days, Walmart remains the most affordable offline option at $7.44. For those willing to invest a bit more time, the DIY approach combined with online verification tools can reduce costs to nearly zero while still ensuring compliance.

Whatever option you choose, prioritize compliance over minimal savings. A rejected application will cost far more in time and frustration than the difference between the cheapest and mid-range photo services.