New York City has dozens of places to get passport photos — from drugstores on every corner to specialty photo shops. But prices and quality vary wildly. Here's a practical comparison of every option available across all five boroughs.
Quick Price Comparison
| Location | Cost | Wait Time | Available In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap2Pass app + CVS print | $5.37 | Instant + 1 hr pickup | All boroughs |
| Snap2Pass app + Walgreens print | $5.38 | Instant + 1 hr pickup | All boroughs |
| CVS (full service) | $16.99 | 10 min | All boroughs |
| Walgreens (full service) | $16.99 | 10 min | Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx |
| USPS Post Office | $15.00 | 10 min | All boroughs |
| FedEx Office | $14.95 | 15 min | Manhattan, Brooklyn |
| Staples | $14.99 | 15 min | Limited locations |
| Snap2Pass (digital only) | $4.99 | Instant | Anywhere |
Option 1: Take Your Photo at Home with Snap2Pass
The fastest and cheapest option for NYC residents. Open the Snap2Pass app, take a selfie, and get an AI-validated passport photo in under a minute. Then print at any nearby CVS or Walgreens for under $0.40.
Why this works well in NYC:
- No leaving your apartment or waiting in line
- Available 24/7 — take photos at midnight before an early appointment
- Print at one of hundreds of CVS/Walgreens locations across all boroughs
- Same-day pickup in about 1 hour
Total cost: $5.37–$5.38 for 4 printed photos
Option 2: CVS Pharmacy
CVS has 300+ locations across NYC. Their full passport photo service costs $16.99 — an associate takes your photo, crops it, and prints two 2x2 photos while you wait.
Key locations with photo services:
- Multiple locations in every borough
- Midtown Manhattan locations tend to have the shortest waits
- Late-night CVS locations may not have photo service staff available
What to know:
- Not all CVS locations have the photo equipment — call ahead
- The $16.99 includes taking and printing
- If you bring your own digital photo (from Snap2Pass), a 4x6 print is just $0.38
Option 3: Walgreens
Walgreens offers the same $16.99 full-service passport photo service. They're less prevalent than CVS in NYC but still have many locations, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
DIY option: Upload your Snap2Pass photo tile to Walgreens Photo and print a 4x6 for $0.39 with same-day pickup.
Option 4: USPS Post Offices
Many USPS locations in NYC offer passport photo services for $15.00. This is convenient if you're already visiting the post office to submit your passport application.
Key passport-accepting post offices:
- Most NYC post offices accept passport applications by appointment
- Schedule at usps.com — Passport Services section
- Photo service is only available when the passport desk is staffed
Pro tip: If you're submitting your application at the post office, bringing your own compliant photos saves time. USPS staff can be particular about photo quality, so having AI-validated photos from Snap2Pass helps avoid retakes.
Option 5: FedEx Office
FedEx Office locations in NYC offer passport photos for $14.95 (two printed photos). They're concentrated in Manhattan's business districts and downtown Brooklyn.
Best for: Quick professional service during business hours if you're already near a FedEx Office.
Option 6: Specialty Photo Shops
NYC has numerous independent photo shops — particularly in Chinatown, Midtown, and immigrant-heavy neighborhoods — that offer passport and visa photos.
Price range: $5–$15 depending on the shop and negotiation.
Advantages:
- Often experienced with international visa photo requirements
- Can handle unusual specifications (UK, China, India photo sizes)
- Usually faster than chain stores
- Some offer digital files
Risks:
- Quality varies significantly between shops
- May not be up to date on the 2026 AI editing ban
- No guarantee of compliance — a rejected photo means restarting your application
Option 7: Staples
Limited Staples locations in NYC offer passport photos for $14.99. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Option 8: AAA
AAA members can get passport photos at AAA offices. Prices vary — some offices offer free photos for members, others charge up to $15.
NYC AAA locations are limited, mostly in the outer boroughs. Worth it if you're a member and near an office.
Where to Apply for a Passport in NYC
Once you have your photos, here are the main passport application options in New York City:
Passport Acceptance Facilities (Form DS-11 — first-time applicants):
- USPS post offices (by appointment)
- County clerk offices
- Many libraries and city offices
NYC Passport Agency (expedited service):
- Manhattan: 376 Hudson Street
- For travelers departing within 14 days or needing it within 28 days
- Requires appointment through the State Department
- Bring proof of travel (flight itinerary)
Pro tip: NYC passport agency wait times can stretch to 4+ hours during peak travel season (March–August). Arrive early and bring all required documents including your compliant passport photo.
NYC-Specific Tips
- Avoid peak hours — Midtown CVS and Walgreens locations are busiest 12–2 PM on weekdays
- Weekend availability — Photo services may be limited at some locations on Sundays
- Apartment photos — NYC apartments often have poor lighting. Take your photo near a large window during daylight, or in a well-lit bathroom with white walls
- Multiple documents — If you need photos for a passport AND visa, take separate sessions. Requirements differ by document type. Snap2Pass supports 555+ document types.
- Emergency passport — If you have a trip within 72 hours, the NYC Passport Agency on Hudson Street can issue a same-day emergency passport. You'll still need a compliant photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to get passport photos in NYC?
The cheapest option is taking your photo at home with Snap2Pass ($4.99) and printing at CVS ($0.38) or Walgreens ($0.39) for a total of about $5.37 for four printed photos. The cheapest walk-in service is typically a neighborhood photo shop at $5–$10.
Can I get passport photos taken at NYC post offices?
Yes, most USPS locations in NYC that accept passport applications also offer passport photo services for $15.00. Call ahead or check the USPS website to confirm your location offers photos.
What's the fastest way to get passport photos in NYC?
Using the Snap2Pass app at home gives you an AI-validated digital photo in under a minute. If you need prints immediately, order online at CVS or Walgreens and pick up within 1 hour at a nearby location.
Do I need an appointment for passport photos in NYC?
No appointment is needed for passport photos at CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, or Staples — just walk in during business hours. USPS passport photo services may require an appointment if bundled with a passport application submission.
