USPS Passport Photo

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USPS Passport Photo

How to get instant photos online?

With our online USPS passport photo tool, you can get a biometric photo for your passport in less than 3 minutes.

Step 1
Capture or upload your photo

Capture or upload your photo

It's super simple - take a selfie or upload a photo, and let our AI tool take care of the rest.

Step 2
AI processes the image

AI processes the image

Our AI tool will remove any unwanted background and resize your photo to the official passport photo dimensions.

Step 3
AI photo verification

AI photo verification

The AI tool will carry additional checks on the photo to make it compliant and ready for submission.

Step 4
Get digital or print photos

Get digital or print photos

Get your biometric photos in digital copy or have the printouts delivered to your doorstep within a few days.

How to take a clear photo?

Have you ever wondered how to take the perfect passport photo? No need to look further; these instructions will help you achieve biometric USPS passport photos in minutes.

Step 1
Use a plain background

Use a plain background

Use a plain background with no objects behind your back. Stand at least 2m away from the background to avoid shadows behind you.

Step 2
Keep your posture straight

Keep your posture straight

Maintain a straight posture and fit your head, shoulders, and upper body into the photo. Remove your glasses before taking the picture.

Step 3
Maintain a neutral facial expression

Maintain a neutral facial expression

Make sure your whole face is visible. Keep your hair away from your face and look straight at the camera with a plain expression.

Basic Passport Photo Guidelines

dimensions
Dimensions
2 x 2 in
dimensions
Resolution
600 dpi
dimensions
Background Color
White
dimensions
Face Expression
Neutral
dimensions
Things to Avoid
  • Glasses
  • Smiling
  • Image retouching
  • Wearing uniform and hat
Basic Passport Photo Guidelines

USPS passport photo requirements

How much do passport photos cost at USPS?

According to the United States Postal Services (USPS) official website, the price of passport photos is $15. USPS passport photo cost does not include the digital version.

USPS is the biggest chain of post offices that not only deals in mail services but also provides services related to passport applications.

The Post Office passport photo price of $15 includes the following services:

  1. Capturing a biometric photo
  2. Editing the photo according to US passport photo requirements
  3. Printing two images

The process hardly takes half an hour, and you will be handed your photographs ready for the submission of your first-time passport applications.

A digital version of a passport photo can be obtained from USPS by paying a few extra dollars. It will help you save the future cost of taking a fresh picture. You can get a print of digital passport photos whenever you need it.

The cost of printing a digital photo template at USPS is comparatively less than taking a fresh photograph.

USPS also offers a passport service that allows the applicants to initiate their passport application via their post offices. For this, you need an appointment from your nearest location. The nearest post office location can be searched via their official website and by entering your ZIP code.

What is the passport photo size at USPS?

According to the official website of the U.S. Department of State, the recommended dimensions of the USPS passport size photo are 2x2 inches (i.e., 51x51mm). The head size in the image should be between 1 – 1 3/8 inches from the chin bottom to the top portion of the head.

You should be a legal U.S. citizen to apply for a U.S. passport. Other special requirements are also available on the U.S. Department of State website.

US postal service passport photos comply with all regulatory requirements. The USPS office best suits visa seekers as it is a one-stop shop. People can get their passport photos at USPS while also submitting their passport applications, which is something that is missing at most convenience stores and pharmacies.

What are the basic USPS passport photo requirements?

The basic requirements for a passport photo at USPS are as follows. They can also be accessed at the official website of the U.S. Department of State.

  1. The image's dimensions should be 2 inches in width to 2 inches in height.
  2. The image must be a colored print, not older than six months.
  3. Take off your glasses while taking the photo.
  4. The picture's background should be free from shadows, and color may range from white to off-white.
  5. The facial expressions should be neutral – a face with no smile and teeth is a better choice for a passport photo.
  6. The face must be towards the lens of a camera. The eyes should be wide open to make them more visible.
  7. The attire in the passport photo must not be extravagant or clothing belonging to a specific occupation, e.g., uniforms.
  8. Do remove headphones, hats, or earbuds for a passport photo.
  9. The requirements for baby and adult passport photos are the same except that toddlers are allowed to smile/frown in a picture.

Additionally, if you are applying for a passport via USPS you need to submit the application for passport in person. This rule also applies to passport renewal application.

How to print passport photos at USPS?

If you have a digital passport photo, printing them at USPS will save you money and time. To print passport pictures at the post office, bring the digital version of your passport photo on a USB drive or send it in digital form via email. Ask the Post Office staff to print out a 2x2 inches sized passport photograph for you.

However, make sure the regulations of US passport photos are met before taking the print. The USPS passport photo price for printing a digital version is less than taking a fresh photograph.

USPS passport photo locations near me

USPS operates thousands of locations throughout the United States. Not all locations offer passport photo services, so it is essential to check with the nearest location to confirm whether or not they offer the service. Some locations may also require an appointment, which can be scheduled online.

You can also check for the nearest USPS branch using Google Maps. The information provided may not be up to date, and prices and requirements might have changed, so it's always recommended to check the official website or contact the USPS office for the most recent information.

There is also a lot of confusion about whether you can receive a passport urgently by USPS priority mail. We will address this confusion in the heading below.

Applying for a Passport via USPS

USPS is a post office and a government authorized facility for initiating your passport application. From taking a compliant photo with expert verification from the U.S. State Department to sending your application to the passport offices, they can do everything.

Here's a stepwise guide for applying for a passport via USPS:

Locate a USPS Nearby

Using their website, locate a USPS facility by entering your ZIP code.

While USPS can initiate your passport application, they are not a passport acceptance facility. It means they don't have the authority to reject or accept your application.

Get an Application Form

There are two types of passport application:

  1. First-Time Passport Application
  2. Passport Renewal Application

Pick the application type and fill the form. Also pick your choice for either collecting passport in person or get passport by mail.

Pay Acceptance Fee

Passport acceptance fee ranged between $30 to $160, depending on urgency and the type of application. Pay the fee and post your application via USPS.

USPS Tracking

Once the application is posted, USPS has a delivery tracking service that allows the applicants to track their application.

Are USPS passport photo kiosks safe?

USPS passport photo kiosks are safe and secure. USPS staff deals with many passport applicants daily and have relevant experience taking passport pictures that meet the US passport photo standards. You can visit their offices during official timings with your children for their passport photographs.

How to take a passport photo at home using a phone?

Taking a passport photo at home is relatively easy, but a successful result is when your image complies with all the requirements of the US State Department. Here's how to take a perfect passport photo at home.

  1. Camera Resolution – A smartphone camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels or more is suitable for capturing a picture for your passport. You can use a tripod stand with a timer to capture a photo. Otherwise, you can get help from a family member or friend to take your photograph.
  2. Lighting – Choose the right place for your picture where necessary light for a photo is available. You can use flash if the lighting is not suitable. The photograph should be free from any shadow.
  3. Background Color – Be careful about the background color. It should be white or off-white. You can use a light wall, sheet, or green screen.
  4. Clothing – The clothes can be of your choice. The only restriction about clothing is to avoid wearing uniforms or any extravagant dress.
  5. Jewelry – It's better to avoid wearing jewelry for a passport photograph. However, you can wear it if it does hide your face. The hair should be in such a position that it does not cover your face, especially your eyes.
  6. Glasses – Glasses are not allowed for a US passport photo. Also, avoid wearing a hat or headgear.
  7. Distance of Camera –The camera's distance from the face should be 5 – 7 feet. The person's upper body and shoulders should be in the frame.
  8. No Smile – The face must be towards the camera, with eyes focusing on the lens. Neutral facial expressions with a closed mouth are preferable.
  9. Take several shots – Take multiple shots with and without flash to help choose the best one for your passport photo. Do not use editing apps for your passport pictures, as it might lead to the rejection of your image.

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Frequently Asked Questions