Passport Photos in San Diego (2026): Cheapest Options + $0.39 Hack
From downtown to the coast, San Diego has plenty of national chains that take passport photos — but printing your own for about $0.39 still beats every walk-in counter.
Where to get passport photos in San Diego
CVS and Walgreens both operate multiple locations across San Diego's neighborhoods, from downtown to the coastal communities and inland suburbs. Walmart Supercenters, the cheapest national walk-in at $7.64, are common throughout the wider county. FedEx Office and the UPS Store are well represented near business districts. Not every branch of any chain has a working photo counter, so confirm on the official store locator before making a trip.
Good to know in San Diego
- Passport agency downtown. The State Department runs a regional Passport Agency in downtown San Diego for travelers with international departure inside 14 days, or a foreign-visa need inside 28 days. Appointment only — call 1-877-487-2778 or use the online appointment system. It handles applications, not photo-taking, so arrive with a compliant photo already prepared.
- Border proximity. With Tijuana just across the border, some San Diego residents are renewing or applying for a passport specifically for a Mexico trip — the photo requirements are identical to any other US passport application.
- The county sprawls beyond the city. From Chula Vista to Oceanside, check the locator for your specific zip code rather than assuming a downtown option is your closest.
2026 prices — same nationwide, San Diego included
Passport photo pricing is set at the national chain level, so San Diego prices match the rest of the country (occasional California sales tax aside). Click any retailer for its full guide.
| Where | Service price | 4×6 print hack | Walk-in | Available 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print at Home | $0.40 | $0.40 | Yes | Yes |
| Walmart | $7.64 | $0.16 | Yes | Yes |
| FedEx Office | $15.95 | $0.49 | Yes | Yes |
| USPS Post Office | $15.00 | — | By appt | Yes |
| CVS | $17.99 | $0.39 | Yes | Yes |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | $0.38 | Yes | Yes |
| Costco | Discontinued | — | — | No |
| Rite Aid | Discontinued | — | — | No |
| Target | Discontinued | — | — | No |
| Sam's Club | Discontinued | $0.19 | — | No |
| The UPS Store | $12.99 | — | Yes | Yes |
| AAA | — | — | Yes | Yes |
Service price = standard passport-photo service. 4×6 hack = print a self-formatted 4×6 photo and cut out the 2×2; the listed price is the print only — the print-ready sheet is a $2.99 one-time unlock, so add $2.99 once for the all-in total. Prices are 2026 retail and may vary by location.
Or skip the counter — the $0.39 hack
Instead of a dedicated trip to a passport-photo counter, format your own photo for free, unlock the $2.99 print-ready 4×6 layout, and print it as a regular photo (not the “passport photo” service) at any nearby CVS or Walgreens kiosk for about $0.39 — roughly $3.38 all-in, with two compliant 2×2 photos on the sheet.
- Take a photo against a plain wall with even light — your phone's rear camera works fine.
- Upload it to the free passport photo editor— it crops, removes the background, and sizes to 2×2 inches automatically.
- Unlock the 4×6 print template ($2.99 one-time) and download it.
- Print it as a standard 4×6 at any nearby pharmacy kiosk — pick up in an hour, cut along the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest passport photo in San Diego?
Walmart is the cheapest national walk-in at $7.64, with Supercenters spread across the San Diego area. Cheaper than any walk-in counter: format your own photo for free, unlock the $2.99 print-ready 4×6 sheet, and print it as a regular photo at a nearby CVS or Walgreens for about $0.39 — roughly $3.38 all-in.
Is there a passport agency in San Diego for urgent travel?
Yes — the State Department runs a regional Passport Agency in downtown San Diego for travelers with international departure within 14 calendar days, or a foreign-visa need within 28 days. It's appointment-only — call 1-877-487-2778 or use the online appointment system. It processes applications rather than taking photos, so bring a compliant photo with you.
Do I need a passport photo for a trip across the border to Mexico?
US citizens re-entering by land or sea from Mexico can often use other WHTI-compliant documents (like a passport card), but a full passport is required for flying and is the safest choice for any border crossing. If you're applying for or renewing one before a Tijuana or Baja trip, the same 2×2 inch photo requirements apply as any other US passport application — check current entry requirements with the State Department before you travel, since rules can change.
Do post offices in San Diego take passport photos?
Some do. Only USPS branches designated as Passport Acceptance Facilities offer photo service, and not every branch has a working camera or accepts walk-ins. Use the USPS Find a Passport Acceptance Facility tool for your zip code rather than assuming your nearest post office qualifies.
Can I get a same-day passport photo in San Diego?
Yes. CVS, Walgreens, FedEx Office, and the UPS Store all take same-day walk-ins with no appointment across the San Diego area. Formatting your own photo at home and printing it same-day at whichever store is already on your route is usually the fastest, cheapest option of all.
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