USPS passport photos: $15 at the post office, or bring your own
The post office charges $15 to take your passport photo during a passport appointment, and does not provide a digital copy. Since USPS acceptance agents accept any compliant photo you bring, most people are better off making one free here and printing it for about 39 cents on the way.
(two printed 2x2 photos)
(six photos)
How to print your passport photo at USPS
- Make your photo here and download the free 4x6 print sheet.
- Print the sheet as a normal 4x6 photo at a drugstore or Walmart — post offices do not print customer photo files.
- Order 4x6, quantity 1, and decline any crop, zoom or fill option so it prints at actual size.
- Cut along the light grey lines and bring one photo to your passport appointment, attached to your DS-11 form.
- Arrive with the photo already cut to 2x2 inches — acceptance agents will measure it.
What to watch out for at USPS
- USPS does not give you a digital copy. If you are renewing online rather than applying in person, the post office photo is no use to you — make the digital file here.
- Not every post office offers passport services or photos, and many require an appointment. Check your location on the USPS site before travelling.
- The post office is an acceptance facility: the agent checks your photo meets the rules. A correctly sized self-printed photo is accepted, but a wrongly cut one will be turned away on the spot.
Turnaround
Taken during your passport appointment at participating post offices. Many locations require an appointment booked in advance.
Common questions
How much is a passport photo at the post office?
$15 flat for two printed photos, taken during your passport appointment at participating post offices. There is no digital copy, and not every branch offers the service.
Can I bring my own photo to a USPS passport appointment?
Yes. USPS acceptance agents accept any photo that meets the State Department's rules. Bring it already cut to exactly 2x2 inches — the agent will check the size and framing, and a photo that is out of spec will be rejected there and then.
Do I need an appointment for a passport photo at USPS?
Usually yes. Most post offices that offer passport services require an appointment booked in advance, and the photo is taken as part of that appointment rather than as a walk-in service.
Does USPS give a digital passport photo?
No. The post office provides printed photos only. Online passport renewal needs a digital file, so if you are renewing online you will need to make one — this tool does it free.
Is it risky to bring my own photo instead of paying the $15?
Not if the photo is correct. The risk is being sent away and having to rebook. Our tool checks head size, eye height, background and lighting before you print, which is exactly what the acceptance agent looks at.
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Checked August 2026 Specifications and prices on this page come from the sources below. Rules and prices change — if you spot something out of date, please tell us.