The majority of American citizens use the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deal with their every passport-related need. It’s a pretty good option seeing as it is the location for turning in all completed applications. Seeing as the post office itself also takes passport photos, it’s a convenient all-in-one shop. However, it is also pricey.
The USPS will charge $15.00 for a set of two USPS passport photos. If you are part of an entire family needing passports this can end up adding up to quite a bit. Fortunately there are alternative options, Smartphone iD being one of the best. This passport photo app allows you to take pictures from the comfort of your own home using dimension specific templates from countries all over the world.
It only costs $4 and it pretty much guarantees a pleasing photo as you can take as many shots as you like. You can use your digital prints an unlimited number of times, provided the picture is taken within 6 months of applying for official documents. So you can simply have your photo printed on standard 4 x 6 colour glossy photo paper.
The Trick to Saving Money on Your USPS Passport Photos
If you want to save money on your USPS passport photos all you need to do is use the Smartphone iD app for $4 and then to print your photographs at either Walgreens, Duane Reade, Rite Aid or Costco for 35 cents for a 4×6 picture. You can fit two passport pictures within those dimensions so you can print a set for only 35 cents!
All you need to do is to download the Smartphone iD app and the template for an American passport is already there for you. After you’ve taken the perfect picture then just print out a set of pictures at your favourite printing shop or drugstore. Cut out the photos individually following the template outline and submit these with your passport applications.
This easy trick allows passport applicants to save huge money on biometric photographs, including for identity documents and visas. If you want a spare set of passport pictures, paying only 35 cents a set is a major bonus!
Easier and More Convenient than USPS Passport Photos
What’s more is that you won’t only save money but you’ll save time and emotional energy as well. One trip to the USPS post office can be highly aggravating. On the other hand if you take your picture from the luxury of home on your smartphone, you can take multiple shots until you get one you’re really proud of. You can also try on different outfits, hairstyles, makeup etc. There is really a huge amount of benefits to being able to take your time and paying only for the end product.
If you have children, the time, money and frustration saved can be significant. Nobody really wants to take their kids to the nearest USPS office to embark on a process that may take hours. Of course you’ll have to go to the post office ultimately when submitting the applications but it’s way better to arrive with passport photos already taken than to try and get one done on the spot. Taking a passport photo at home is easier and more convenient, plus the results will come out better.
Requirements: What to Remember When Taking a
USPS Passport Photo
Your passport photograph has to meet the requirements of the US government to be passport compliant. With the Smartphone iD app, you don’t even need to worry about the correct size as our templates do it all for you.
That being said there are a few things to remember when taking a passport photograph from the comfort of home. If you have the wrong pose or facial expression it can cause your photograph to be rejected by the system. Keep reading to find out the key passport photo requirements that you need to know.
USPS Passport Photo Requirements
- Photograph may not be older than 6 months and needs to look like you
- Background must be off-white or white and plain
- Wear casual clothing for your photo. Extravagant clothes and uniforms aren’t allowed.
- Hair and jewelry may not block the face. The whole face needs to be visible.
- No glasses, headphones or earbuds
- Face the camera directly, looking straight at the lens
- No smiling! Facial expression must be neutral and natural.
USPS Passport Photo Working Hours
The majority of USPS passport photo offices are open between 9.30 am and 18.30 pm, but it’s always a good idea to check these hours before making the journey in store. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, most and maybe all USPS offices have moved over to a reservation system, so you may need to book an appointment online.
Although some USPS locations are open on Saturdays nearly none will book appointments on a Sunday. If there isn’t a USPS passport office close to you, or if you’re too busy to visit one, you can also use Smartphone iD to prepare your photographs and have them delivered to your door by post.
