How much does a passport photo cost in 2026?
A passport photo costs between free (DIY at home with a phone) and $25 (premium photo studio). Most people pay between $5 and $15. This guide compares prices across high-street studios, online tools, post offices and DIY in the major English-speaking markets.
Quick answer
Online tools $5-15; studios $10-25; DIY free + risk
Walgreens / CVS / Walmart (US): $7.44-17.99 for 2 prints. Boots / Asda (UK): £7-12 for 4 prints. Anfas.Pro: the preview and the compliance checks are free, and you pay only if the result works for you (HD digital + print sheet); other online tools typically charge €5-15. DIY at home: free if you already have a phone and printer. All prices checked August 2026 — chains change them without notice, so treat them as a guide.
Cost by provider
| Provider | Price | Includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walgreens (US) | $16.99 — checked August 2026 | 2 printed photos | Walk-in, takes ~10 minutes |
| CVS Photo (US) | $17.99 — checked August 2026 | 2 printed photos | Walk-in |
| Walmart (US) | $7.44 — checked August 2026 | 2 printed photos | Often the cheapest US option |
| US Post Office | $15 — checked August 2026 | The photo only | The $35 application execution fee is charged separately |
| AAA (US members) | Free | 1 photo | Members only |
| Boots (UK) | £7-12 — checked August 2026 | 4 printed photos | High-street chain, walk-in |
| Asda (UK) | £10 — checked August 2026 | 4 printed photos | Supermarket photo booth |
| UK Post Office | £16 for Check & Send — checked August 2026 | The application check, not the photo | Ask your branch for the photo price before you go |
| Anfas.Pro (online) | Free preview, paid HD set | HD digital + print sheet | 67 countries, 236 documents |
| Other online tools | €8-15 — checked August 2026 | Varies | Country coverage varies |
| DIY at home | Free | Photo paper if printing | Time investment 30-90 min |
Why prices differ so much
Physical studios charge for the in-person service, the photo paper, the printer and the floor space. Online tools have near-zero marginal cost per photo and can charge less. DIY is free in cash but costs time — typically 30-90 minutes for a first usable photo, more if you need retakes.
Hidden costs to consider
Studio photos for unusual country specifications (China, India, Canada, Russia) often need to be ordered specifically, sometimes at a premium. Online tools without country-specific support can produce technically correct photos that get rejected for the wrong size or background. DIY rejection means another 30+ minutes of work.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the US Post Office cost so much?
The $15 is the price of the photo on its own — it does not include processing your application. The $35 execution fee for the application is charged separately. If you only need the photo, Walmart at $7.44 is significantly cheaper. Both prices checked August 2026.
Is AAA free for non-members?
No — AAA passport photos are a members-only benefit. Annual membership is $50-100 depending on level, so it is not worth joining just for the photo.
Can I get a passport photo for free anywhere?
AAA members (US) get them free. DIY at home is also free. On Anfas.Pro the preview and the compliance checks cost nothing — you pay only if you order an HD set. Most chain stores in the EU charge €5-15. Costco is no longer an option: its photo centres closed in 2023. Prices checked August 2026.
Related guides
Compare Anfas.Pro to the alternatives
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