Nowadays, in the United States, there are a variety of choices to take passport photos, such as photo booths, photo stores in large retail chains, pharmacies and even DIY at home. Have you ever thought of taking a picture in a post office where you send out your applications? In this passage, we are going to introduce post office passport photos, including their locations, price, and processing time, and help you find the most suitable option according to your real needs.
Passport Service at the Post Office
Can you take a passport photo at the post office? Yes, but not all of them provide this service. Through the online appointment system or self-service kiosk at a post office, you can find out the branch that can take passport pictures. Moreover, it also provides services such as first-time passport applications for adults or minors, and passport renewal. The employees will guide you through submitting application forms and supporting documents, scheduling an appointment, and paying acceptance fees.
Post Office Passport Photo Cost
It takes $15.00 for 2 post office passport photos. It is not the most affordable choice, but the benefit is that you can fulfill the whole application process in the same place, which saves you time and energy.
U.S. Post Office Locations
The U.S. Postal Service launched a Location Tool for applicants to find a post office by following these steps.
- Visit the post office locator.
- Enter the zip code of your location.
- Choose the post office for “location types”.
- Choose the distance around you for “within”. You can search within 1-100 miles. The larger the area you choose, the more premises you will find.
- Click the “Show Filters” and tick the box beside “Passport Photo”.
- Click the “Search” button and you will see the results with addresses and working hours. Thousands of post offices provide photo services. Just pick the nearest one and make an appointment.
Processing Time of Post Office Passport Photos
It takes 10-15 minutes to take a picture as long as you are fully prepared, such as dressing properly and posing according to the staff. You can receive the photo on the same day. It is recommended to take all supporting documents to the post office, so you can file the application there after the photo is made.
How to Take a Passport Photo at the Post Office
Citizens are required to make an appointment at the post office no matter for what purposes. The appointment applies to the whole application process. If you haven’t got ready, post offices might not be the best choice. Therefore, we suggest you gather all required documents before seeking post office passport photos according to the instructions below.
Schedule an Appointment
First-time passport applicants and passport photo service at the post office require an appointment. It can be done online.
- Visit the USPS.com.
- Choose New Passport with Photo Services or Photo Services Only for “Service Type”, and number of adult and minor applicants.
- Search for appointments by location or date. If by location, enter City and State or ZIP Code and choose radius. Click the “Search” button. If by date, select Preferred Date and Time.
- Select a location.
- Provide contact information, including full name, phone number and email address.
- Check the box to agree on related terms and conditions.
- Click the “Review” button and check the information you have provided. If checked, click the “Confirm Details” and receive a confirmation number.
Prepare for Official Passport Photo Guidelines
Passport photos are featured with stricter rules and regulations. Although the employees at the post office will take a qualified photo for you, you are still recommended to take care of the following things before attending the appointment.
- Dress
According to the US Department of State, you should wear daily worn clothes. Uniforms, uniform-like clothing or camouflage attire are prohibited. Don’t wear white or other light-colored clothes in case of blending into the white background.
A hat or head covering is only acceptable for religious or medical reasons, but never let it cover your face. If you do have to wear it for religious purposes, please submit a written signed statement to explain that you have to wear it daily based on your religious belief.
If you do have to wear it for medical purposes, please obtain a signed statement from your doctor to verify that it must be daily worn for medical reasons.
Last but not least, as the photo will show your head and upper shoulder, it is advised not to wear a vest or off-shoulder top when taking a passport photo at the post office.
- Glasses
Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in passport photos since 2016, as are sunglasses and tinted glasses. You should take it off even if you wear it every day. If you do have to wear it for medical reasons, please include a signed statement from your doctor in your application. Please note that your glasses must not obscure your eyes, reflect light or cast shadows on your face.
- Makeup
The authority does not forbid makeup, so you can put on light makeup to make you look better, but don’t overdo it. Heavy makeup that covers your original color skin or alters your facial features is definitely prohibited. Learn more about makeup requirements in passport photos.
Attend the Appointment
After making an appointment, it’s time to visit the post office at the scheduled time with all supporting documents, including proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, and payment fees. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Follow the employees’ instructions and take a shot. They will crop the photo to meet official requirements and print it out.
Fulfill Payment
If you choose photo services only, you should pay $15 for each person.
If you choose the new passport with photo services, you should pay $35 for the passport acceptance fee and $15 for the photo services fee for each person.
Comparison Between Passport Offices in Different Places
Besides post offices, passport photo services are also available in physical stores and online photo editors. Let’s see if there are any similarities and differences.
| Places to take passport photos | Physical stores | Online passport photo editors | |||
| Post office | Walgreens | CVS | Walmart | AiPassportPhotos | |
| Price | $15 | $16.99 | $16.99 | $7.44 | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 am-10:00 pm | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm | 7:00 am-10:00pm | 24/7 |
| Processing time | 10-15 min. | ＜1 hour | 10-15 min. | 10-15 min. | A few seconds |
| Compliance guarantee? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online or on-site | on-site | on-site | on-site | on-site | online |
| Appointment required? | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Who takes the photo? | The employee | The employee | The employee | The employee | Yourself/friend/family |
| Printed photo service? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Summary
After reading this passage, you must have been clear about post office passport photos. Taking a picture at the post office is not the cheapest, but the most convenient because you can fill out the application and submit documents there. If there is no post office in the neighborhood, you can find other alternatives, including CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and online passport photo converter. We hope your passport application goes smoothly and enjoy a happy trip.