Since the cost of applying for a passport photo is not small in the United States, we are interested in saving some money. How Much Are Passport Photos in 2025? How can we save money for making passport photos? Let’s dive in.
Factors Influencing Passport Photo Costs
The cost of passport photos can vary significantly depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you make the best choice for your needs. Below are the main factors that influence passport photo pricing:
Regional Differences
The price of passport photos can be different based on your region. Larger cities tend to have higher costs than smaller towns, and there are differences between countries.
- Big City vs. Small Town: In major cities, the price for passport photos is typically higher due to the cost of living, rent, and labor. Smaller towns and rural areas often offer more affordable rates due to lower operating costs.
- International Differences: Each country has its pricing structure for passport photos. For example, certain countries may have government-regulated pricing, while others may vary based on local market conditions and competition.

Type of Service
The method you choose to have your passport photo taken can also influence the price. The cost can differ depending on whether you visit a professional photo studio, use an automated photo booth, go to a pharmacy, or use a postal service.
- Photo Studios: Professional photo studios typically charge more for passport photos as they offer higher quality service. These studios provide photos that meet all government regulations, ensuring they are properly formatted and ready for submission.
- Photo Booths: Automatic photo booths provide a quicker and more affordable option. However, the quality may change, and you may not get personalized attention, but they remain a convenient and budget-friendly choice.
- Pharmacies and Post Offices: Many pharmacies and post offices offer passport photo services. These locations provide convenient services for those on the go, but the quality may not be as good as a dedicated photo studio.
How Much Are Passport Photos?
Do you want to know how much a passport photo will cost? Here are some channels for the cost ranging from $8 to $30 in the United States.
1. Photobooths
- Introduction: Photobooths are a popular, quick, and affordable option for passport photos, often found in malls, airports, and other high-traffic areas. The advantage of using a photo booth is the convenience and speed, though it may not always provide the best photo quality.
- Pricing: Typically, photobooth passport photos cost from $8 to $15, depending on location and the specific service.
2. Photo Studios
- Introduction: Photo studios offer a more controlled environment for passport photos, providing professional quality and guidance for meeting official requirements. They tend to be slightly more expensive due to the time and expertise involved.
- Pricing: Photo studios usually charge $15 to $30 for passport photos, with some studios offering packages that include digital copies or multiple prints.
3. CVS

- Introduction: CVS is a well-known pharmacy chain that provides passport photo services at its in-store photo center. Their process is typically quick and ensures compliance with passport photo standards. Taking passport photos at CVS is simple—customers just need to visit a participating location where the staff will take and print the pictures. However, in this case, only physical copies of the passport photo are available.
- Pricing: CVS charges $16.99 for two 2×2” ID prints.
4. Walmart
- Introduction: Walmart offers passport photo services at its photo center, providing affordable and quick options for those needing passport photos on a budget. It’s an ideal place for budget-conscious travelers. Not all Walmart locations offer photo services, but every supercenter is equipped with the necessary facilities. You can either visit a Walmart Photo Center to have your passport photo taken in-store or upload a photo through their official website and pick up the prints at the nearest location.
- Pricing: Walmart’s passport photo price is generally $7.64, making it one of the cheapest options.
5. Walgreens
- Introduction: Walgreens is another pharmacy chain that offers passport photo services at their in-store photo centers. Similar to CVS, their prices are mid-range, and they ensure your photos meet official specifications. Customers can visit any participating location, have their photo taken, and receive two printed copies almost immediately. However, the pharmacy currently does not offer digital passport photo services.
- Pricing: Walgreens charges around $16.99 for passport photos, which is comparable to CVS but higher than Walmart.
How to Take Your Passport Photos at Home
From the last part, we are familiar with some channels for taking passport photos in physical stores or picking up printed photos. However, if we do not have time to go to a physical store to take pictures but we need to print passport photos, how can we make passport photo online? In this section, Picsman.ai can help you. This online passport photo maker offers you a 3-day trial to make your passport photo or other official ones for free.
- Upload your photo
- Choose the target country and document’s size
- Let AI remove its background
- Adjust the color
- Download Passport Photo

How to Save Money on Passport Photos in 2025
There are several ways to save on passport photo costs in 2025. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Use Online Passport Photo Makers
Using a free passport photo maker like Picsman.ai, you can create passport photos for free or at a low cost. Skip the high fees of photo studios and take your photos at home, adjusting them to meet the official standards, saving you time and money. You can also make ID photo.
Take Advantage of Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks offered by retailers like CVS and Walmart are a budget-friendly option for passport photos. Simply visit a designated location, use the kiosk to take your photo, and you can get your prints at a lower price than traditional photo studios, with the added benefit of fast service.
Look for Promotions or Discounts
Check for promotions or discounts at photo studios or online platforms, especially around holidays or special occasions. Many service providers offer discounted rates during these times, which can significantly lower the cost of getting your passport photo taken.
Sources:
- https://www.cvs.com/photo/passport-photos
- https://photos3.walmart.com/category/83-passport-photos?product=203-passport-photos&theme=fuji.themepack%3A51x51mm_x4_icao9303.passport&design_code=standard.fullphoto&variant_name=variant_1
- https://photo.walgreens.com/store/passport-photos?tab=photo_Prints_PassportPhotos