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    Passport Photo Apps

    Skip the $15 trip. Take it at home.

    Passport Photo Online

    $15-20

    Take photo at home with phone. AI checks compliance. Mailed prints OR digital file.

    Best overall.

    PhotoAiD

    $15-20

    Same idea — AI auto-corrects background and crop. Prints + digital.

    Best AI correction.

    iVisa Photos

    $8 digital / $15 prints

    Cheapest with prints. Works for visa applications too.

    Best budget.

    Costco Photo Center

    $5 for 4 prints

    Cheap and reliable. Take photo at home, upload, pick up at store next day.

    Best in-person.

    CVS / Walgreens

    $15 for 2 prints

    Take photo IN STORE, get prints in 5 min. No app needed.

    Best fastest.

    AAA (members)

    $15 (FREE for some members)

    Free for AAA Plus/Premier. Includes printed photos.

    Best AAA perk.

    US passport photo rules

    • 2" × 2" square print (sized at print).
    • Plain WHITE or off-white background. No clutter.
    • Color photo, taken in last 6 months.
    • Looking directly at camera. Both eyes open.
    • Neutral expression OR natural smile.
    • NO glasses (banned since 2016).
    • NO hats unless religious. NO uniforms (military OK).
    • Head + top of shoulders visible. Head 1-1 3/8 inch tall.

    DIY at home — 2 minutes

    1. Stand against a plain white wall. Good even lighting (avoid shadows).
    2. Phone on tripod or have someone hold it 4 feet away.
    3. Take 2-3 photos.
    4. Upload to one of the apps above.
    5. App checks rules + crops to 2"×2".
    6. Pay $5-15 for compliant prints.

    Common rejection reasons

    • Background not white enough (gray walls).
    • Shadow on face or behind head.
    • Eyes not visible (hair, blinking).
    • Wearing glasses.
    • Smiling with teeth showing.
    • Photo too small.

    Need passport fast?

    Standard processing is 6-8 weeks. Expedited (extra $60) is 2-3 weeks. Travel within 14 days? Make appointment at a Passport Agency (call 1-877-487-2778). Same-day passports possible in emergencies. Don't book international travel without checking your passport expiration date — many countries require 6 months remaining.