USPS passport photo price: $15 photo, $35 acceptance fee

What does USPS charge, and how can you pay?

Budget for the photo, acceptance, and application fees separately.

These USPS figures and payment instructions are as stated in the June 2, 2025 release.

The USPS passport photo service costs $15. The USPS acceptance fee for ages 16 and older is $35. Both can be paid by credit card, debit card, cash, or check. For applicants under 16, the release lists a $35 processing fee to USPS. The Department of State application fee is separate from the USPS charges and is paid by cash or check.

USPS accepts passport applications and mails them to the U.S. Department of State. That application-handling service is separate from taking your photo. The passport application fee itself is paid to the Department of State.

For a child's application, the release uses "processing fee" rather than "acceptance fee."

How do Post Office, Walgreens, and DIY photo prices compare?

Decide whether you want someone to take your photo or only print one you prepared.

The Post Office photo service costs $15, per the June 2, 2025 USPS newsroom release. Walgreens in-store service costs $16.99 for two printed 2×2 photos and a digital copy emailed free. DIY with Walgreens Same Day Pickup means printing from a layout you prepare, with prints from $0.29.

Walgreens takes passport photos in store without an appointment. Its package suits you if you want the photo taken for you and want both printed photos and an emailed digital copy.

Walgreens is not a passport acceptance facility.

For DIY, a correctly laid-out 4×6 print holds six 2×2 photos. Walgreens Same Day Pickup prints start at $0.29. You prepare the photo and print layout yourself, rather than buying the in-store passport photo package.

If you want someone to take your photo, compare USPS with the Walgreens in-store service. If you already have a photo you want to use, the DIY route lets you separate preparation from printing.

What should you arrange before a Post Office visit?

Plan the application payment separately from the photo payment.

According to the USPS newsroom release dated June 2, 2025, credit cards and debit cards can be used for photos and the acceptance fee. The release says the Department of State application fee must be paid by cash or check. Follow the payment instructions for the particular fee rather than carrying the card rule across the whole transaction.

Passport services at the release's example event were by appointment via USPS Scheduler; this describes that event only.

Can you bring your own photo to the Post Office?

You can bring a photo you prepared. Check that it meets the State Department's passport photo rules before using it for your application.

pixtidy offers a free browser check of your own photo for head size, eye line, background, and lighting. Your photo never leaves your device. The check does not guarantee acceptance.

The paid option includes a digital photo and a 4×6 print sheet that you print yourself.

pixtidy is our product.

Common questions

Does the USPS photo price include the acceptance fee? No. The USPS newsroom release dated June 2, 2025 lists a $15 photo service and a separate $35 acceptance fee. It lists a $35 processing fee for children under 16. The Department of State application fee is separate as well.

Can Walgreens accept your passport application? No. Walgreens is not an acceptance facility. Its $16.99 passport photo package includes two printed 2×2 photos and a free emailed digital copy, with no appointment required.

Can you pay every passport-related fee by credit card? Not according to the USPS newsroom release dated June 2, 2025. It permits credit cards for photos and the acceptance fee, but says the Department of State application fee must be paid by cash or check. Plan those payments separately.

Does pixtidy's free photo check guarantee acceptance? No. The free browser check reviews head size, eye line, background, and lighting, but it does not guarantee acceptance. Your photo never leaves your device. Use the State Department's photo rules as the reference before using your prepared photo for an application.