Costco Passport Photo—Prices, Print & Comparison
Costco Passport Photo Services — Quick Answers
Costco Passport Photo — Service Details & Alternative Options
Costco no longer takes passport or visa photos in the US—not at the warehouse and not as a package on its website. But you can still get a compliant photo another way.
Does Costco still do passport photos?
No, Costco does not offer a passport photo service in the US. You cannot walk into a warehouse and have a passport or visa picture taken. If you searched “Costco passport photo” because you remember a cheap same-day option there, that capture service is gone.
On Costco’s Photo page, members are pointed to Shutterfly for prints, photo books, cards, calendars, and similar products—not a passport-photo counter or package. Any photo taken at a Costco membership desk is for your membership card, not for a U.S. passport application.
Need the passport photo today without driving to another store? PhotoBooth Online turns a clear photo into a U.S. passport photo for $2.95—digital file plus a 4×6 print-ready template with six 2×2 photos, checked against State Department rules.
Need printed passport photos? For $9.95 you get the same digital set plus six printed photos by mail.
What does Costco Photo offer now?
For members, Costco Photo works through Shutterfly: you can order regular prints and personalized items like photo books, cards, calendars, and wall art. Passport photos are not part of that service.
How much does a Costco passport photo cost?
There is no Costco price for passport photos right now, because the service is not offered. In the past, members paid about $4.99 for two prints—so that is often the number people still have in mind.
If you need passport photos today, here is what other places typically charge for two passport photos: Walmart about $7.64; The UPS Store about $11.99; USPS about $15; Walgreens $16.99; CVS $17.99. PhotoBooth Online is $2.95 for a digital file plus a print-ready template, or $9.95 for the digital set plus six printed passport photos by mail.
Where can I get passport photos now that Costco doesn’t offer them?
You have three practical paths: a walk-in retailer, an online passport photo tool, or a compliant file + cheap 4×6 print at a photo lab.
Walk-in: Walmart is usually the lowest-priced national chain for two prints ($7.64, no appointment at participating Photo Centers). Walgreens ($16.99, free emailed digital with the set) and CVS ($17.99, digital often extra) are common pharmacy options. The UPS Store, USPS (often by appointment), and FedEx Office are useful if you are already there for shipping or a passport submission.
Online / DIY print: Create a compliant 2×2 photo at home, download a 4×6 template, and order it as a standard 4×6 print (not the “passport photo” service — a regular 4×6 print) at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or—if you are a Costco member—through Costco’s Shutterfly print path. This is how most people replace the old Costco price point without paying pharmacy full-service rates.
Does Costco offer digital passport photos?
No, Costco does not provide a digital passport photo for online renewal, DS-160, or email delivery. Its current Photo offering is Shutterfly-based printing and personalized products, not a biometric passport file.
If you need a file for online passport renewal or a visa form, plan on an online tool or a retailer that sells a digital copy with the in-store set (for example, Walgreens often includes a free emailed digital with prints; CVS often charges extra). Confirm format and file-size rules on Travel.State.Gov before you upload.
PhotoBooth Online delivers a compliant digital passport photo for $2.95, ready by email—useful when you only need the file, or when you want the file plus a 4×6 template for later printing.
Can I still print passport photos through Costco / Shutterfly?
Costco and Shutterfly do not list a dedicated “passport photo” product. You also cannot get the passport photo taken at a Costco warehouse. What some members still do is print a ready-made 4×6 sheet (with several 2×2 photos already laid out) as a regular photo print through the Costco–Shutterfly member flow.
That only works if the file is already cropped and compliant. Link your Costco membership on the Costco Photo / Shutterfly side to unlock the member discount, upload the 4×6 as a standard print, and choose home delivery (in-store passport pickup is not the model here).
Practical path for Costco members
1Get a compliant 4×6 template (PhotoBooth Online Digital plan includes one for $2.95).
2Open Costco Photo and link your membership to Shutterfly if prompted.
3Upload the file as a standard 4×6 print and order delivery.
For same-day physical prints, many people instead print that same template at Walmart ($0.16–$0.18), Walgreens ($0.39), or CVS ($0.42) as a regular 4×6.
What size is a U.S. passport photo (Costco or anywhere else)?
The U.S. standard is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), in color, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Head height is typically about 1–1⅜ inches; eyes sit roughly in the upper half of the frame. No glasses (with limited medical exceptions), no hats except religious head covering worn daily, and a neutral expression.
Those rules come from the Department of State. Wherever you get the passport photo now, the acceptance decision is based on those requirements.
Can I get a Costco-style passport photo online?
Yes—online is often the closest replacement for the old Costco mix of low price and no appointment. With PhotoBooth Online you upload a clear front-facing photo (or take one on your phone). The system crops to 2×2, sets a compliant background, and checks framing; a human expert also reviews the result.
Your photo is prepared to meet official U.S. passport requirements. Choose Digital — $2.95 for the file plus a 4×6 template with six photos, or Digital + Printout — $9.95 for the same digital set plus six printed photos shipped in about 2–3 business days. Every order includes a free retake or refund guarantee.
How to get passport photos for $2.95
1Upload or take a photo
Upload a photo via Upload Photo or capture one on the spot via Take Photo. A clear front-facing selfie from your phone works — no professional setup required.
2We’ll prepare your passport photo
In a few seconds, the system removes the background, crops the photo to 2×2″, and checks it against U.S. State Department requirements. Choose a white background. If it doesn’t look right — tap Retake Photo.
3Preview your passport photo
Review the preview: the service has already checked head size, background, and cropping. If you’re happy with your passport photo — click Continue; if not — Retake Photo and upload another one.
4Choose the Digital plan for $2.95
Included: a digital 600×600 px file and a 4×6″ template with 6 photos. Your photo will be reviewed by an expert before delivery.
5Download your files from email
Download the digital 600×600 file from your email — ready for submission on travel.state.gov or other uses. Save the 4×6″ template if you need prints later.
Process of getting passport photos for $ 2.95 with PhotoBooth Online. How do I get a baby or child passport photo if Costco doesn’t offer them?
Costco does not offer passport photos for infants or adults. For babies, many families prefer home capture: lay the child on a plain light surface, keep eyes open if possible, avoid pacifiers and another person’s hands in the frame, and use even lighting. An online tool can then crop and check the image against U.S. rules.
Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and similar retailers also photograph children in store—call ahead if you need a quiet time or want to confirm the associate is available. PhotoBooth Online accepts child passport photos under the same Digital ($2.95) and Digital + Printout ($9.95) plans.
Is there a Costco passport photo location near me—and do I need an appointment?
There is no Costco warehouse passport-photo location to book. Hours and appointment questions for Costco passport photos do not apply, because the service is not offered. Use a Costco store locator only if you need the warehouse for shopping—not for passport pictures.
For a nearby alternative, use the retailer store finders (Walmart Photo, Walgreens Passport Photos filter, CVS Photo, UPS Store locator, or USPS passport services). Most pharmacy and big-box passport photos are walk-in; USPS often needs an appointment. Online options need no appointment and work from any U.S. address with email and mail delivery of the passport photo.
This page explains that Costco does not currently offer U.S. passport photos, what Costco Photo / Shutterfly still covers for members, how pricing compares to active retailers, and how to get a compliant digital file or prints online.
Written by: PhotoBooth Online Editorial Team
Verified against: Travel.State.Gov
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
https://www.costco.com/photo.html
https://customerservice.costco.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1007283
https://www.costco.com/f/-/terms-and-conditions-of-use/Updated: 10/28/2026
6 Steps to Capture a Compliant Passport Photo
- Place your smartphone 1.5-2 feet away at eye level
- Disable all filters (filters aren't allowed)
- Use any background. We'll replace it to meets the rules
- Stand up straight, open eyes, no smile, no glasses
- Include an area like the example in the frame
- Take or upload a photo here. We'll guide you
How to Get Your Passport Photos on a 4x6 Sheet for Costco
1. Take a photo at home
Stand against a wall with even lighting. Your shoulders and upper torso should be visible in the frame. Keep a neutral expression. (Don't worry about the background, our system will ensure it's white and shadow-free.)2. Upload the image
The system automatically checks and adjusts background, head size, proportions, resolution, and framing to meet U.S. Department of State passport requirements. After this automatic processing, your photo is double-checked by a human expert to guarantee full compliance.
3. Download the 4×6 print sheet
It includes six 2×2 passport photos on a 4×6 sheet. This is formatted specifically for Costco / Walgreens / CVS / Walmart photo labs.4. Order your passport photos
Select a 4×6 print, upload the 4×6 sheet, and place an order. Get it shipped to your home. You now have several compliant 2×2 passport photos.
Your Passport Photo is Safe: Privacy & Guarantee
Reliable Data Protection
Passport Photos Are Deleted
Instant Feedback
Guaranteed Acceptance or Money Back
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco do digital passport photos?
Since closing its in-store photo centers in 2021, Costco does not offer digital passport photo services. Instead, members must use third-party apps to create their own passport-compliant photos.
Does Costco offer in-store printing for pre-prepared passport photos?
Costco does not offer in-store photo printing at any of its warehouse locations.
How do I link my Costco membership to Shutterfly?
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Go to the Costco Photo Homepage.
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Enter your Costco Membership Number and click “Add My Membership.”
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Sign in to your Shutterfly account (or create a new one). Note: One membership can be linked to up to 3 Shutterfly accounts.
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What are the exclusive benefits for Costco members on Shutterfly?
By linking your Costco membership to your Shutterfly account, you unlock:
- 51% OFF all regular-priced orders.
- FREE Economy Shipping on orders over $49.
- Best price guarantee: Shutterfly automatically applies the highest available discount to your cart.
Is there a way to get prints for free?
Yes, if you use the Shutterfly Mobile App, you can get unlimited free 4×6 prints (up to 250 per order).
Pro Tip: While the prints are free via the app, you will still need to pay for shipping. Compare the “Free App Prints + Shipping” cost vs. the “51% Member Discount + Shipping” to see which is cheaper for your specific order.
What size are U.S. passport photos?
The size of U.S. passport photo is 2×2 inches, with the head height measuring 1–1.4 inches.
Why did Costco stop taking passport photos?
The main reason for the closure was a sharp decline in demand for printed services due to the proliferation of smartphones and social media, which made the in-store photo centers unprofitable for Costco’s business model.
