The government wants to ensure that all of its citizens own a passport. The passport is an essential ID to travel and/or enter other countries.
Generally, you update the passport’s image every couple of years to reflect any changes in your appearance. and many people choose the Costco passport photo service.
In this article, we will discuss whether you can get your passport photo in Canada from the popular superstore chain Costco.
Last update:3/9/2024
Does Costco take Canadian passport photos in 2024?
The on-site photography center in Costco closed in 2021, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The reason for its closure is that despite more photos being taken in recent years, the accessibility and use of mobile devices have made printed images less desirable.
Nonetheless, a passport photo can still be printed from Costco’s online photography website for an affordable price.
How to get a passport photo printed at Costco?
As has been noted, a passport photo cannot be taken at a Canadian Costco store, but they do offer printing services.
The photo will need to be taken by another store’s photographer or by using an online app and then printed and collected at a nearby Costco.
Here is what you can do to have your passport photo collected from a Costco in Canada:
- Have or take your passport photo.
- Use the online Costco photography website to place an order.
- Collect the printed photo from a nearby Costco.
- Send the photo to the passport office for verification.
The Smartphone iD app is the easiest and cheapest way to take a passport photo without having to leave your home.The app is downloaded from the Apple or Google play store at compatible with most mobile devices.
In addition, Smartphone iD will print the passport photo and conveniently ship it to your address.
What is the cost of a printed Canadian passport photo at Costco?
The cost of a Canadian passport photo to be printed at Costco is approximately $0.17!
Although, Costco is a membership-based super wholesale corporation and to access its products and services you will need to be a registered member.
A Costco membership costs anywhere from $60 to $120 depending on the selected membership tier.
As a result, a passport photo printed from Costco will cost $0.17 for the print and $60-$120 for the membership fees.
What is an alternative to taking your photo at Costco?
As a matter of fact, you cannot directly take a passport photo at a Canadian Costco. Here are some alternatives stores and ways that a Canadian passport photo can be taken.
On-site Alternatives:
1. Walmart, Canada.
Walmart offers a range of photography services at all their Canadian locations, including passport photos. Additionally, the cost of a passport photo at Walmart is approximately $13.00 CAD.
2. London Drugs, Canada
The photo center at London Drugs will take passport photos and print them within 15 – 20 minutes. Additionally, the cost of the photo is approximately $9.95 CAD.
3. Staples, Canada
The Staples photo center takes passport photos with no appointment needed. It will take roughly 20 minutes to have your photo. Additionally, the photo will cost approximately $21.99 CAD.
ONLINE ALTERNATIVES (APPS)
1. Smartphone iD App (IOS/Android)
Smartphone iD is an advanced mobile app that takes passport and other licensing photos. The app is extremely easy to use, only $4.99 EU, and enables you to take a passport photo from the comfort of your home. The app is compatible with both Android and IOS.
2.Passport Photo iD (Android)
Passport Photo iD is another app that takes passport photos from your own home. The app is only compatible with Android devices.
How to take your Canadian Passport photo successfully (using your phone)?
Smartphone iD is a faster and more affordable way to have your passport photo taken at home.
Firstly, on-site stores that offer passport services are sometimes closed during the hours that many people are at work.
It’s not always possible to find the time to go and take your photo during the store’s operating hours. The Smartphone iD mobile app solves this problem.
- Download the Smartphone ID app from either the Apple or Google Play Store.
- Choose Canada as the desired country for the passport photo.
- Follow the in-app instructions to properly take a photo at home.
- Request the photo be emailed or printed and posted to your chosen address.
The benefits of using the Smartphone ID app
- The app is compatible with smartphone devices!
- The app will edit, size, and remove the image background to meet passport office requirements.
- The International Civil Aviation Organization examines and verifies the photo to ensure it passes biometric specifications.
- It’s cheap and easy!
In summary
Costco, Canada does not offer on-site photography services but can print photos for as little as $0.17 CAD.
Smartphone iD is an easy-to-use app that allows its users to take passport and other licensing photos from the comfort of their homes.
Don’t spend unnecessary money and use Smartphone iD to take your passport photo today and start traveling the world!
FAQ
How much is a Canadian passport photo?
A Canadian passport photo costs approximately $10.00 to $15.00 CAD when taken and printed on-site. The cost is significantly less with the use of a mobile app such as Smartphone ID.
Can I take a passport photo at home in Canada?
Yes, a passport photo or other licensing photos can be taken at home using the Smartphone ID app, which is compatible with IOS and Android devices. This is the most affordable and quickest way to take your passport photo.
Where can I get a passport photo taken in Canada?
Generally, you can take a passport photo at Canadian stores with photo centers. This includes Staples, London Drugs, Walmart, UPS, Local photography studios or using an app like smartphone iD and selecting Canada as the desired country.
What is the requirement of a Canadian Passport Photo?
A Canadian passport photo is required to be taken and shipped to one of their offices for evaluation. The evaluation will verify if it meets the requirements for processing.
The photo must be a proper size, and angle, among other requirements. Smartphone iD will ensure that any passport photos taken follow these specifications.
