Get Passport Photos in San Francisco

How much does a passport photo cost in San Francisco?

The cost of passport photos in San Francisco is the same as in the rest of the country. Within one hour, any authorized retail center or pharmacy can provide a professional photo shoot and print of two images ranging from $5 to $20.

Comparatively, the photo studio fee for passport pictures falls on the higher end and may cost you more than $20 for a set of two photos.

Drugstores are another option for getting passport pictures taken, like Walgreens and CVS. Their passport photo packages are also the most affordable and dependable, with two passport images costing $16.99.

Here is a general price overview:

Where to get a passport photo in San Francisco?

Following are some of the popular places to get passport pictures in san francisco:

Retail and Convenience Stores

Here are three reasons to choose retail and convenience stores for obtaining passport pictures:

• Flexibility: Retail stores are often easily accessible with extended operating hours, including weekends.
• Affordability: They usually offer competitive pricing for passport photo services.
• Additional Services: Some retail stores provide additional printing and photo-related services, offering convenience for various needs.
• Compliance: Passport photo services in retail stores generally adhere to the standard requirements set by the U.S. State Department.

Drug Stores and Pharmacies

Drug stores and pharmacies are an excellent choice for the following reasons:

• Accessibility: Pharmacies are widely available and often have dedicated photo departments.
• Convenience: You can typically get your passport photo taken while running other errands or picking up medications.
• Compliance: Pharmacies are familiar with passport photo guidelines and can ensure compliance.

Photo Studios and Post Office

Photo Studios

Consider this option if you want:

• Professional Quality: Photo studios produce high-quality photos, ensuring your passport photo meets all requirements.
• Customization: Studios can often accommodate specific needs. You can get an appointment at your convenience and ask for multiple shots until satisfied.
• Expertise: Photographers at photo studios know passport image guidelines and can guide the best result.

Post Offices

The option is best for people who want everything in one place, such as:

• One-stop Shop: Post offices offer both passport application processing and photo services, providing convenience and streamlining the process.
• Knowledgeable Staff: Post office personnel are trained in passport photo requirements, reducing the chances of application rejection.
• Compliance: Having photos taken at a post office can give peace of mind that they meet the necessary guidelines.

Pixelied’s Passport Photo Tool

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of waiting in line and acquiring appointments, Pixelied is the best option.

• Online Convenience: Using Pixelied's online platform, you can obtain passport images from the convenience of your home.
• Ease of Use: The tool is user-friendly, helping you step-by-step through the process according to the State Department guidelines.
• Cost-Effective: Pixelied's online tool is less expensive than traditional solutions such as retail outlets or picture studios.

Passport photo locations in SF

In San Francisco, there are several places where you can get passport photos taken. Here are some options:

Retail and Convenience Stores

You can visit popular retail chains like Macy's and Target. They usually have photo departments that offer passport picture services. Here are their prices for a set of two 2” by 2” pictures:

• Macy’s ($14.99 to $19.99 for a set of two photos)
• Target ( $9.99 for a set of two images)

Macy’s Locations

Target Locations

Pharmacies and Drugstores

There are several pharmacies in San Francisco. Here are some well-known options:

Safeway Pharmacy Locations

Rite Aid Locations

Post Offices

Many post offices in San Francisco provide passport picture services. You can ask your local post office if they offer such a service and schedule an appointment if needed.

USPS Locations

Photo Studios

Look for specialized photo studios in San Francisco that offer passport image services. These studios can provide professional-quality photos and offer additional services or customization options. Here are different photo studios in San Francisco and their locations:

What are the requirements at the nearest SF passport photo location?

The U.S. State Department oversees the passport application process in the U.S. They can accept or reject your passport application based on the below-mentioned guidelines:

Size and Dimensions

A passport picture should measure exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm). The aspect ratio is square, and the head should measure between 1-1 ⅜ inches in the image.

Background

The background should be simple and white or off-white in color. Avoid patterns, shadows, and other background items.

Neutral Expressions

Maintain a neutral facial expression while gazing squarely toward the camera with both eyes open. Close your mouth and avoid smiling because certain countries require a neutral expression.

Head Position

Make sure your face is visible and centered in the frame. It should not be inclined or turned away from the camera.

Clothing and Accessories

Avoid wearing hats, head coverings, or sunglasses that make your face unrecognizable. Head coverings such as hijab or turban are allowed for religious reasons. Prescription glasses are usually permitted, but make sure your eyes are visible and glare-free.

Quality and Lighting

The shot should be well-lit, with even lighting and no shadows on the face. It should be well-focused, with appropriate contrast and color representation.

Photo Expiry

Passport photos should be taken within the last six months to depict your current appearance correctly.

Note: These guidelines are followed across all San Francisco passport photo locations, and if any place fails to meet these requirements, you must consider other options.

How to print a passport photo in San Francisco?

To print a passport photo in San Francisco, follow these steps:

1. Get a Digital Photo: Use a digital camera or smartphone to take a passport photo in SF. Ensure it meets the requirements of the specific size, background, lighting, and facial expression.
2. Edit and resize the photo: Use photo editing software or an online tool like Pixelied to automatically crop and resize the picture to the required dimensions. The standard size for a passport photo is usually 2 by 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm).
3. Find a printing service: Look for nearby printing services that offer passport photo printing. It can include retail stores with photo departments, dedicated photo studios, or specialized printing shops.
4. Visit the printing service: Bring the digital file of your passport image to the printing service. Provide the staff with the specific size and any other requirements.
5. Print the photo: The printing service will assist you in selecting the appropriate printing options, such as paper type and print quality. They will provide a hard copy of the digital photo in a 2” by 2” size.

It's recommended to contact printing services in advance to confirm their availability, pricing, and turnaround times. Additionally, make sure to bring the digital file of your passport photo in a format compatible with their printing systems (e.g., JPEG).