✅ State Department Compliant • 19 Locations in San Francisco • Same-Day Service
📸 19 Verified Photo Locations
Passport Photos in San Francisco, CA — Locations, Hours & Photo Checker
San Francisco offers multiple convenient passport photo services across its diverse neighborhoods, from pharmacies to specialized photography studios. CVS, Walgreens, and independent photo shops provide quick and official passport photo solutions throughout the city's urban landscape.
19+Locations
$10-15Avg Cost
5–10 minService Time
3.4★Avg Rating
Where can I get passport photos in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco has 19 passport photo locations including Walgreens, CVS, UPS Store, and FedEx — typical cost is $10-15, ready in 5–10 minutes. The full list with hours and ratings is below, ranked by quality.
Passport Photo Locations in San Francisco
All 19 verified locations with hours, ratings, and one-tap directions
💡 Tip: Call ahead to confirm passport photo service availability, especially at smaller locations.
Photo Providers in San Francisco
Quick comparison of providers based on this city’s actual locations and ratings
Provider
Locations in San Francisco
Avg. Rating
Typical Hours
Cost
UPS Store
5 locations
3.4★
8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
$10-15
CVS
5 locations
3.1★
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
$10-15
Walgreens
5 locations
3.1★
7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
$10-15
FedEx
2 locations
3.4★
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
$10-15
📍 Local Tips for San Francisco
Insider knowledge from our Bay Area experts
Pro tip: Many locals recommend getting photos taken in the morning when lighting is most consistent and photographers are freshest. The Marina and Mission districts have particularly reliable passport photo providers.
💡 Popular neighborhoods:
Marina District and Mission District
US Passport Photo Requirements
Official specifications from the U.S. Department of State
📐 Size & Dimensions
Photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
Head height: 1 to 1⅜ inches
Eye level: 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from bottom
Print on matte or glossy paper
📸 Photo Quality
High resolution, in focus, proper exposure
Taken within last 6 months
Color photo (no black & white)
Natural skin tones
⚪ Background
Plain white or off-white only
No patterns or textures
No shadows on background
Uniform color throughout
👤 Head Position
Face forward, directly at camera
Head straight (not tilted)
Full face view, ears visible
Eyes open and clearly visible
😐 Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
No smiling with teeth
Both eyes open
Natural expression
👓 Glasses & Accessories
Generally not allowed
Remove eyeglasses (unless medical)
No sunglasses or tinted lenses
No headphones or devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about passport photos in San Francisco
How much do passport photos cost in San Francisco?
Passport photos typically range from $12-$15 in San Francisco. Most providers include multiple prints with your session.
Where can I get passport photos in San Francisco?
UPS stores, pharmacies, and dedicated photo studios offer passport photo services citywide. The Financial District and Union Square have multiple convenient options.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
While DIY photos are technically allowed, professional shots have a higher acceptance rate with government agencies. Professional photographers understand precise US passport requirements.
How quickly can I get passport photos in San Francisco?
Most passport photo sessions take 5-10 minutes from start to finish. Digital processing is typically instantaneous in modern photography studios.
What are the US passport photo requirements?
Photos must be 2×2 inches with a plain white or off-white background. Your face must be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Passport photos require a neutral, natural facial expression with both eyes open. Slight smiles are acceptable, but wide grins are discouraged.
Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
Many locations offer walk-in passport photo services without prior scheduling. Popular spots like CVS and Walgreens typically have no wait times during weekday mornings.
What should I wear for my passport photo?
Wear everyday clothing with a plain collar and avoid white shirts that blend with the background. Neutral tones work best for passport documentation.
Need to Renew Your Passport After Getting Your Photo?
Got your photo? Skip the 10-13 week wait. Our 3-day expedited renewal service handles your DS-82, expert review, and hand-delivery to the regional passport agency. San Francisco residents save weeks.
