Passport photos are a necessary requirement for various official purposes like applying for a passport, visa, or identity card. Costco has been a popular destination for getting passport photos taken due to their affordable pricing and quality service. However, there have been rumors about Costco passport photo services.
Unfortunately, Costco no longer provides passport photo services after closing down their in-store photo centers at the start of 2021. Although the Costco Photo Center still operates online, they do not provide any services specifically for passport photos.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Costco discontinuing the service, if they still do passport photos, and where you can find the cheapest alternatives.
When and Why Did Costco Stop Taking Passport Photos?
In 2020, Costco passport photos stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company had to make certain changes to their operations to comply with the health guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The pandemic caused several businesses to reassess their services, and Costco was no exception.
Costco is known for offering various services, including photo printing and processing, but the pandemic forced them to limit some of their services temporarily. They had to focus on providing essential items to their customers, and passport photos were not considered an essential service. Therefore, Costco had to stop taking passport photos until it was safe to resume operations.
Does Costco Still Do Photos?
As of April 2023, Costco has not resumed their passport photo service. However, they still offer photo printing and processing services, including photo books, canvas prints, and personalized photo gifts. Costco’s photo center is a popular destination for printing high-quality photos at affordable prices.
Although Costco does not take passport photos, they still provide a wide range of photo services. If you need passport photos, you will have to look for other options.
Where Are the Best and Cheapest Places to Get Passport Photos?
If you are looking for the best and cheapest places to get passport photos, here are some options to consider:
Walmart
Walmart offers passport photo services at a low price. They charge $7.44 for two photos, which is significantly lower than what most other places charge. Additionally, Walmart has many locations, making it easy to find one near you.
The UPS Store
The UPS Store offers passport photo services at a reasonable price. They charge $14.99 for two photos, which is still affordable compared to other options. Additionally, they offer a 100% guarantee that your photos will be accepted, or they will retake them for free.
FedEx Office Store
FedEx Office Store offers passport photo services at a higher price compared to other options, but they offer the convenience of being open seven days a week. They charge $14.95 for two photos, which is slightly higher than other places, but they use high-quality photo paper, ensuring that your photos meet all the requirements.
Can You Take Your Own Passport Photos?
Yes, it is possible to take your own passport photos. However, you need to ensure that your photos meet the specific requirements set by the passport agency. The photo must be taken within the last six months, in color, and on a plain white or off-white background. The photo must also be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size with your head centered in the frame and facing the camera directly.
If you decide to take your own passport photos, it’s essential to use a good quality camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera. You can then edit the photo using photo editing software to ensure that it meets the specific requirements. It’s also important to note that some passport agencies may not accept self-taken photos, so it’s always best to check the agency’s guidelines before taking your own passport photos.
If you’re not confident in your ability to take your own passport photos, there are plenty of affordable options available at retail stores or professional photography studios. These options ensure that your photos meet all the necessary requirements and are accepted by the passport agency. And you may also read article on Costco gas hours on our website.
Frequently Ask Questions
Does Costco give digital copies of passport photos?
Costco does not provide digital copies of passport photos. However, they do offer a CD with all the photos from your session, including your passport photos, for an additional fee.
How long does it take to get passport photos at Costco?
Before discontinuing their passport photo services, Costco would typically provide the printed passport photos within an hour. However, the time it takes to get passport photos at Costco may vary depending on the store’s workload and the number of customers waiting to have their photos taken.
Does Costco take Chinese passport photos?
Costco would take passport photos for Chinese passports before they discontinued their passport photo services. However, it’s best to check with your local Costco store to see if they still offer this service or if there are any specific requirements for Chinese passport photos.
Does Costco take passport photos for infants?
Yes, Costco used to provide passport photo services for infants before discontinuing their passport photo services. They had specialized equipment to take photos of infants and meet the specific passport photo requirements. However, it’s always best to check with your local Costco store to confirm if they still offer this service.
What is the cheapest alternative to get passport photos?
Walmart is considered one of the cheapest alternatives for getting passport photos taken. They offer two passport photos for $7.44, which is significantly cheaper than most other places. Other affordable options include The UPS Store and FedEx Office Store, which offer passport photo services at reasonable prices. However, it’s always best to check with each store’s pricing and availability in your area.
Conclusion: Does Costco Still Take Passport Photos?
Costco does not currently take passport photos. The company had to suspend this service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have not resumed it as of April 2023. However, if you need passport photos, there are several affordable options available, such as Walmart, The UPS Store, and FedEx Office Store. These options offer reliable service at reasonable prices, making it easy to get your passport photos taken without breaking the bank.
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