Staples offers passport photo services at many of its 1,000+ US locations. You can walk in, get your photo taken, and leave with printed photos — but it costs $14.99. There's a cheaper way if you already have a compliant digital photo.
This guide covers both options: using Staples' full passport photo service and the DIY approach using Snap2Pass with Staples printing.
Option 1: Staples Full Passport Photo Service ($14.99)
Staples' Copy & Print Center offers a walk-in passport photo service at most locations. Here's how it works:
What's Included
- Staff takes your photo using their camera and lighting setup
- Photo is cropped to the correct 2x2 inch size
- Printed on photo-quality paper
- You receive two printed passport photos
- Available during Copy & Print Center hours (typically store hours)
How to Get Passport Photos at Staples
- Visit your local Staples — head to the Copy & Print Center (usually at the back of the store)
- Request passport photo service — let the associate know you need US passport photos
- Get your photo taken — they'll photograph you against a white/light background
- Wait for printing — photos are typically ready in 10–15 minutes
- Review your photos — check that the sizing and quality look correct before leaving
- Pay $14.99 — for two 2x2 inch printed passport photos
Tips for Your Staples Visit
- Call ahead to confirm your location offers the passport photo service — not all Staples stores have it
- Visit during off-peak hours (mornings on weekdays) for faster service
- Remove glasses before arriving — they're not allowed in passport photos since 2016
- Wear a dark-colored top to contrast with the white background
Option 2: DIY with Snap2Pass + Staples Print ($0.50)
The more affordable approach: create your passport photo at home using Snap2Pass, then print it at Staples for a fraction of the cost.
Step 1: Create Your Photo with Snap2Pass
Open the Snap2Pass app and take a selfie or upload a photo. The app validates your photo against US passport photo requirements — checking head size, background, eye position, and expression. It generates a print-ready 4x6 tile containing four 2x2 passport photos.
Step 2: Upload to Staples Photo Printing
- Go to staples.com and navigate to Copy & Print > Photo Printing
- Select 4x6 prints
- Upload your Snap2Pass photo tile (the file ending in "photo-Set.jpg")
- Select glossy finish — this is important for passport photos
- Choose your nearest store for same-day pickup
Step 3: Pick Up Your Prints
Head to your Staples store and collect your prints from the Copy & Print Center. A single 4x6 print at Staples costs approximately $0.50, giving you four passport photos.
Step 4: Cut Your Photos
Use scissors or a paper cutter to separate the four photos along the grid lines on your 4x6 print. Each photo will be the correct 2x2 inch size.
Staples vs. CVS vs. Walgreens: Passport Photo Cost Comparison
| Service | Full Service | DIY Print | Photos per Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staples | $14.99 (2 photos) | ~$0.50 (4 photos) | 4 on a 4x6 |
| CVS | $16.99 (2 photos) | $0.38 (4 photos) | 4 on a 4x6 |
| Walgreens | $16.99 (2 photos) | $0.39 (4 photos) | 4 on a 4x6 |
| USPS | $15.00 (2 photos) | — | 2 |
| Snap2Pass only | — | Digital $4.99 | Unlimited prints |
Bottom line: Staples' full service is $2 cheaper than CVS/Walgreens but gives the same two photos. The real savings come from the DIY approach — creating your photo with Snap2Pass and printing at any of these stores for under $1.
Does Staples Do Passport Photos at Every Location?
Not all Staples locations offer the passport photo service. The Copy & Print Center must be staffed with an associate who can take your photo. Before making the trip:
- Call your local store to confirm availability
- Check Staples.com store locator for Copy & Print Center services
- Some locations may only offer self-service printing (no photo-taking service)
If your nearest Staples doesn't offer passport photos, you can still use their self-service printing kiosks or online photo printing to print your Snap2Pass photos.
Passport Photo Requirements Checklist
Whether you use Staples' service or DIY, your photo must meet these US State Department requirements:
- 2x2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- White or off-white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Full face visible, neutral expression
- No glasses (since 2016)
- No AI filters or digital alterations (new 2026 rule)
- Matte or glossy photo paper
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Staples charge for passport photos?
Staples charges $14.99 for their full passport photo service, which includes taking and printing two 2x2 inch photos. If you bring your own digital photo, you can print a 4x6 sheet for approximately $0.50.
Can I print my own passport photos at Staples?
Yes. Upload your digital passport photo tile to Staples' online photo printing service or use an in-store kiosk. Select 4x6 glossy prints and you'll get four passport photos for about $0.50.
Does Staples offer same-day passport photo printing?
Yes, Staples offers same-day pickup for photo prints at most locations. Order online and your prints are typically ready within a few hours.
Are Staples passport photos good quality?
Staples uses commercial photo printers that produce adequate quality for passport photos. For best results, select glossy finish and ensure your digital file is high resolution. The State Department accepts photos printed at Staples.
Is Staples cheaper than CVS or Walgreens for passport photos?
For full service, yes — Staples is $14.99 compared to $16.99 at CVS and Walgreens. For DIY printing, Staples is slightly more expensive ($0.50 vs. $0.38–$0.39). The cheapest overall option is creating your photo with Snap2Pass and printing at CVS or Walgreens.
