Here's everything you'll want to know about Costco passport photos...
Whether renewing a previous passport or opening a new passport book for the first time, you will need an approved photo.
These passport photos must meet specific requirements and used to be a lot easier to get at shopping locations, but with the introduction of mobile devices, many places have stopped offering such services.
As Costco is one of the most popular membership shopping centers in the United States, it only makes sense to ask – can you get Costco passport photos in person?
What are Costco Passport Photos?
A Costco passport photo is a high-quality image for various documents and identification needs. Passport photos are official photos required for passports and other forms of government-issued identification.
Costco used to offer a passport photo service at many of its stores, where customers could have their passport photos taken and printed on the spot. These photos are typically cheaper and more convenient than getting passport photos taken at a separate photo studio.
How Do Costco Passport Photos Work?
It used to be that to get a Costco passport photo, you would need to visit a Costco store that offered this service. Once you arrived at the store, you would go to the photo center, where a staff member would take your photo. The process was generally quick and easy, and the staff was able to help you with any questions or concerns you had.
In general, getting your Costco passport photos printed is a convenient and cost-effective option for getting the passport photos you need.
Now, you can only get your Costco passport photos printed.
Does Costco Still Take Passport Photos?
Unfortunately, the passport photo Costco service was halted in February of 2021.
The introduction of mobile devices and at-home photo printing forced the wholesaling giant to stop the photo center services because they were losing money.
You can still get your photo printed. You will need to be sure your photo meets all the requirements for a passport photo. Otherwise, you will not be able to pass a passport application or receive any other form of government-issued identification.
Can I Get Costco Passport Photos Online?
Yes! You can take advantage of the Costco website or mobile application to upload Costco passport photo files that can then be printed or shared for any identification and travel needs online.
You have the option for the photo center to print off at a specific Costco location that is convenient for you or have them shipped in about 5 to 12 business days to your home or work address.
Using the photo center service and creating an account is a fantastic way to ensure you have a cloud-stored copy of your various passport photos. This way, if you lose your passport, you can have another image printed at an affordable price anywhere there is a Costco nearby.
You will need to follow the strict US passport guidelines that include:
- No selfies, and they must have been taken in the past 6 months.
- No filters or editing.
- Must be a clear color image of your face without shadows.
- No glasses are allowed, no matter what.
- Head must be centered, and the final photo printing must be 2” x 2” at a resolution of 600 x 600 pixels in .jpeg format.
- Choose a white or off-white background.
- Face the camera directly and hold a neutral expression with eyes clearly visible.
- No hats or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons.
- Only one person per photo (this applies to babies as well).
How Much are Passport Photos at Costco?
The current Costco passport photo price is based on printing a single photo. That can be done for a little at $0.17 per photo, but you must order in bulk.
Most likely, you’ll pay for a sheet of Costco passport photos at either 4 or 8 per sheet, depending on the size. There will be an additional shipping fee.
These are all based on membership pricing. You have to be a member of Costco to get their services. They offer some photo printing to non-members, but you will pay more money to do it.
Does Costco Still Print Photos?
Yes, Costco still prints photos. In fact, Costco is known for offering high-quality photo printing services at affordable prices.
In addition to printing individual photos, Costco offers a range of photo products, including photo books, calendars, cards, and more. These products make it easy for customers to turn their photos into beautiful keepsakes and gifts.
Overall, Costco's photo printing services are a convenient and affordable way to print and preserve your favorite photos.
Remember that you will have those photos shipped to your local club or your private home. There are only a few Costco locations that still offer in-store printing.
6 Cheap Alternatives to Costco Passport Photos
If you can't make it to Costco, don't fret plenty of other stores will take your photo and print out the required paperwork for you. Here are six of our favorites:
1. Walmart
If you're looking to get your passport photos taken at a low cost, Walmart is an excellent alternative to getting passport photo Costco services.
Walmart offers passport photos at the low cost of $7.44 for taking and printing the images, which makes it easy for customers to take advantage of this service. In addition, Walmart's photo services are fast and convenient.
These photos will meet the current passport requirements and have an incredibly quick turnaround.
2. The UPS Store
If you are looking for an alternative to Costco passport photos and don't want to pay the extra money,
The UPS Store is a good choice. While it may not be as convenient as Costco, they still provide quality service and competitive prices at around $11.99.
You also get a guaranteed on-time delivery to the National Passport Processing center if you mail your completed application with the newly acquired passport photo from the same location.
3. FedEx Office Store
The good news is that many local
FedEx Office Stores are located in a nearby neighborhood to the majority of the US population. The bad news? It's not always easy to find.
Passport photos have been given at FedEx locations for a while now, but they're usually only available on request.
The pricing is a little higher. You get two passport photos and a retake for $14.95 per person. Again, these already meet the minimum guidelines, saving you the stress of mistaking your own photo work.
4. Target
There are only a few Target locations that currently take your passport photo. Like most other retailers, Target has moved to an
online photo center service.
However, you can get your passport photos printed in-store at Target or shipped wherever you would like. These are shipped in 2” x 2” photos in a single sheet and include cut marks, so you know where to trim the individual photos. The total cost is $12.99, not including shipping to your private residence.
5. CVS
CVS is a fantastic location as an alternative to Costco passport photos. For $16.99, you get fast, safe, and biometrically identified photos that meet current government parameters.
Most locations will have a team member take your photo, upload it to a kiosk, get it printed, and then you’ll receive 2 government-ready photos.
6. RiteAid
RiteAid doesn’t offer in-person taking of passport photos, but they do have incredibly cheap printing services. You can get a sheet of passport photos for under $5.00, but it will be up to you to size them correctly and meet the minimum government passport photo regulations.
Conclusion
As it is no longer possible to get your in-store Costco passport photos handled by a professional, this list should provide you with better options. This way, you can get back to planning out that exciting trip to an island, holiday in Europe, or visiting family in other countries with your brand-new US passport book.
We hope this gives you all the information you need to finish up your application and get traveling!
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